Need opinions on safety equipment for first timer

[Mike Rousch]

Ok guys, I need your help on what to get. I am going out to VIR a few times this year so I want to start getting ready now. I have a 08 GT500, At this time I do not want to drill any holes in the car or weld anything in (roll bars) So what can i do to be as safe as possible with this set up?

I was looking at the harness bar from http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?cPath=141_142_284&products_id=627 and also at these belts http://www.vorshlag.com/product_info.php?cPath=141_142_284&products_id=631 Also these http://www.cooltechllc.com/Boss/Boss_ClipSet2Seat.shtml

I also have a Hans so I would like to be able to wear that also. I have a really nice helmet I use for drag racing (full face), Would i need something different? If so what do i get?

I can put all of this with the stock seats or i can borrow a pair of these (see pic below). Any help you guys can give is greatly appreciated!

 

[86GT351]

I am not a Road Racer so I can't give specific answers. I would imagine just like Drag Racing the sanctioning body for the race or race track should have some minimum requiremements for the class you will be running

 

[hunterwiley]

If you're just starting out, the stock stuff is fine. Only you can't wear a hans with stock seat belts. Well, you can, it just wont do anything but get in your way. Just make sure your brake pads are good and go have fun. If you get serious about track time, then you'll probably want to upgrade the seats to something that provides better support as well as the belts. I think for HPDE use any automotive helmet is fine - I don't think they have to be in date.

 

[SoundGuyDave]

Agreed. If you're just starting out, stick with the stock safety gear. On your helmet, what are the certifications? DOT? Snell M-? Snell SA-? 2000? 2005? 2010? For track use, while NASA allows any Snell M- or SA-1995 or newer helmet, you really will want an SA-series helmet, since that is required by many other organizations. This helmet is designed and rated for multiple impacts and also has a fire-retardant lining, which the M- type does not.

Also, take a quick peek at THIS post I put up today... Then take a look at the 4-point you're thinking about, and see if the certifications line up. It would suck to go through all the hassle (and expense) only to be told "Nope, sorry!"

 

[Mike Rousch]

If you're just starting out, the stock stuff is fine. Only you can't wear a hans with stock seat belts. Well, you can, it just wont do anything but get in your way. Just make sure your brake pads are good and go have fun. If you get serious about track time, then you'll probably want to upgrade the seats to something that provides better support as well as the belts. I think for HPDE use any automotive helmet is fine - I don't think they have to be in date.

I am doing some good pads, ss lines, and the 600 fluid. I hope that will get me though the weekend!

Agreed. If you're just starting out, stick with the stock safety gear. On your helmet, what are the certifications? DOT? Snell M-? Snell SA-? 2000? 2005? 2010? For track use, while NASA allows any Snell M- or SA-1995 or newer helmet, you really will want an SA-series helmet, since that is required by many other organizations. This helmet is designed and rated for multiple impacts and also has a fire-retardant lining, which the M- type does not.

Also, take a quick peek at THIS post I put up today... Then take a look at the 4-point you're thinking about, and see if the certifications line up. It would suck to go through all the hassle (and expense) only to be told "Nope, sorry!"

It looks like the harnesses are SFI 16.1, DOT, and FIA approved, So I should be good to go on that. I am pretty set on the idea of some form of harness so I can use the Hans.
My helmet is old and i have no idea what rating it would be, I will check on that tonight. I am sure i will just get a new one though and call it a day.

I checked out that thread and as always very helpful and great information!

 

[hunterwiley]

If you're interested, I just pulled a good Sparco 6 point harness out of my car. It expired 2013, so I can't use it for racing. But it's in good shape...
PM me for pics, details, etc...