Non-MSUK compliant ROPS in MSUK events

[Norfolkandchance]

Hi,

As you may know I am busy searching for my next speed events car. after a year off this year.

Some of the cars I'm considering often come fitted with ROPS that look sturdy and well designed but are not MSA / MSUK certified.

A lot of MX5s, for example, have rear roll bars which are not tall enough to be MSA certified. Apparently the hood wouldn't fit if they were taller. Also, many 7 type cars come with a roll bar which is uncertified.

I seem to remember a fellow competitor telling me, 10 years ago, that it was better, in terms of scrutineering, not to have extra safety equipment than to have a non-compliant safety equipment. But the classes I am looking at (lower end production-based) don't require ROPS, thought it may be recommended.

I'd rather have a low cage than no cage (especially as I'm not the tallest!) and a sturdy looking one than none. Also, I think I've seen lots of MX5s competing with their roofs up and my fist competition car, which did have a fully certified cage, I don't recall anyone checking it.

So I think it will be alright but thought I'd just check.

Thanks

[ChevronB19]

This went nuts a few years ago in historics when the seatbelt rules came in. I witnessed a scrutiniser make an XK150 driver remove his roll over hoop but insist he had to have full belts. Mad, but scrutes seem to have understood the rules by now.

[Drumroll]

Speak to a local club that do sprints etc. They may have access to scrutineer.

[andy97]

If you are interested in using an MX5, speak to Paul Sheard (Paul Sheard Automotive, or Garage, I cant remember) near Stoke. He can provide an MUK legal roll cage and / roof for all MX5s I think.

[df76]

As long as it’s not an additional hazard, there’s no problem with a non-compliant roll bar where it’s only recommended. TR Lane ones can have harness bars as well. I wouldn’t compete in an open top car without one.

Might be worth checking what the Bristol mc mx5 class runners use, there’s a fair few of them.

[velocemitch]

There are many non compliant cages in Road Rally cars, its not a requirement to have a cage, so no reason why one you decide to fit for your own peace of mind needs to comply. Same applies to the Hillclimb classes that don't need cages too.

Its rare for the MSA to be pragmatic about this sort of thing, but in this instance they are.

Obviously I'd suggest its sensible to have something which is engineered properly though.

[300bhp/ton]

Best thing to do is check the regs and SR's for the events/Clubs you wish to compete with. It would be unlikely to stop you running a cage if none is required. But sometimes there are odd rules if it is meant to be a production class or classes designed around modifications giving a competitive advantage.

As it could be argued that someone with a roll cage is more likely to take risks and drive harder than they would without.

Otherwise I can't see it being a problem.

[Drumroll]

300bhp/ton said:

Best thing to do is check the regs and SR's for the events/Clubs you wish to compete with. It would be unlikely to stop you running a cage if none is required. But sometimes there are odd rules if it is meant to be a production class or classes designed around modifications giving a competitive advantage.

As it could be argued that someone with a roll cage is more likely to take risks and drive harder than they would without.

Otherwise I can't see it being a problem.

I think it is more to do with stiffening the chassis and or strengthening suspension turrets etc.

[Norfolkandchance]

300bhp/ton said:

Best thing to do is check the regs and SR's for the events/Clubs you wish to compete with. .

Thanks for all the replies.

Above is always the problem! I want to choose the regs that fit the cars I want and chose the cars that fit the regs I want.

I'll go with the assumption that it won't be a problem to have one that isn't certified. I thought that would be the case and you've all put my mind at rest.

I'll wait though, to see what the new rules bring. I'm concerned about the proposed changes regarding tyres at the moment.

Thanks

[Jim Spencer]

Hi

Re Cages on Cars that didn’t require them..

My Striker used to fall into this, got queried a couple of times - most memorably at a Pembrey BSC round, had a huddle of trainee Scruitineers 'discussing' it, with the experienced bloke stood by my side saying; - 'lets leave it a few minutes and then i'll point out the number plates and tax disc..'
It’s definitely not a problem, it’s also not going to appear in Club Regs either, they don’t mess about with this sort of thing

However

Tyres – that IS down to the local club and Championship regs (was before and will be after the new Regulations), but I wouldn’t worry about it, just don’t buy any until you know what Championship you’re going to do OR pick a Championship that allows you to run what you want to run..

Same applies to the car to be honest – Motorsport UK sets the overall Regulations (the ‘Broad Brush Basics if you like) the Clubs and Championship organisers take those regs and determine the classes they are going to run within them – so if you don’t like one clubs championship, simply swap to another – it’ll work one way or another.

Pick a car you Like, there's always a way of getting out there!

[carl_w]

Norfolkandchance said:

I'd rather have a low cage than no cage (especially as I'm not the tallest!) and a sturdy looking one than none. Also, I think I've seen lots of MX5s competing with their roofs up and my fist competition car, which did have a fully certified cage, I don't recall anyone checking it.

There was a guy at Abingdon (last year I think) who had a cage in an MX5 that still had a working roof. He'd bolted the seat directly to the floor to get his head below the cage -- might be worth thinking about?