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RE: Tech Question - Racing Shells and Seat Back Braces

Brendan — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 16:27:22 GMT

Bill,

Thanks for the clarification. Yes, I'm all set with the correct horizontal bracing, I was just making sure a seat back brace that ran from that horizontal bar between the B pillars (where the shoulder harnesses mount) to the back of the seats was not required.

- Brendan

RE: Tech Question - Racing Shells and Seat Back Braces

BONEILL — Wed, 16 Apr 2008 12:26:21 GMT

Brendan: regarding your question about seat back braces, we are not strict about this requirement. For example, we do not require bracing that you see in many competition vehicles, which is what I think you are worried about. You say you have a "four point roll bar" and racing harnesses. Does the roll bar have a horizontal brace behind the seat going between the B pillar uprights? If it does, that bar suffices to support the seatback in the event of a failure. It is where your shoulder harnesses should be attached. If not, it is not "end of the world" as long as your seat is good quality.

Bill

Bill O'Neill
Chair, Driving Events Committee
Chapter Secretary
Genesee Valley Chapter
BMW CCA

Phone: (585) 275-4023
FAX: (585) 756-5334
Mobile: (585) 747-4419
william_oneill@urmc.rochester.edu

Tech Question - Racing Shells and Seat Back Braces

Brendan — Wed, 09 Apr 2008 12:13:21 GMT

I'm wondering about the requirement for seat back braces and if I'm reading it right in the tech packet. The line in question reads:

[i]5. Roll bar/cage structure must support seat backs in case of seat back failure.
[/i]
Does this apply to cars with seats still within their FIA certification window? I thought braces were only required after the FIA certification lapsed. My car is an E30 M3, 4 point roll bar, FIA racing shells, 6-pt harnesses. The only question I'd have, is that the seats are mounted to adjustable tracks utilizing the stock mounting points in the car, not sure if that changes anything.

Thanks,
Brendan