New to the track, got questions.

tbracker · #1 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 02:25 PM

I am interested in taking my car to the track and was looking at the RR event at Sebring. As I have never been to one of these things, the info from HOD left some questions unanswered.

A functional headrest is listed as required equipment, but I have low back seats. Must I have a high back, Hans device, or pad attached to the roll bar?

I have a single roll bar. Must I rent and use another car to get checked out by the coaches?

My car has a slight oil leak (don't they all?). Just a few drips per hour but visible if you look under. What do they consider fluid leaks?

Finally, if I'm going to get into this I might as well get my own helmet now. What are the pros and cons of open vs. closed face helmets? Seems to me that an open face with goggles should do the trick and be cooler, lighter and easier to comunicate with. Obviously not quite as protctive but still legal in an open cockpit, right? Too bad MC helmets are out as I already have a couple of those. What's up with that?

Is it possible or recommended to go to one of these events as a spectator and get these questions answered before shelling out and getting disqualified?

Bobcat · #2 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 03:27 PM

Run the full face helmet!! It can keep you from getting your face or jaw torn up from debris on the track . I used to race dirt track and the dirt clumps that were thrown by the cars would have broken my jaw on several occasions. I know that you are running asphalt , but think of the damage a piece of asphalt can do . If your belts aren`t real tight and you hit something , your face can go into the wheel or dash .... yes , they can stretch that much . Always " go overboard " on the side of safety !!
Other than that , have fun .... racing is a blast !

Bob

DAVID GAGNARD · #3 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 06:16 PM

Quote:

Is it possible or recommended to go to one of these events as a spectator and get these questions answered before shelling out and getting disqualified?

MOST DEFINETLY, that is the smart thing to do..........Go to an event with your car and gear, whatever gear you have or don't have and go tell the tech inspector of your plans to run there or with them in the future and that you would like for him to look over your car/gear and tell you exactly what you need as far as safety equipment goes, 99% of the time, if they are not too busy, they will be happy to do so..........

I would never recommend an open helmet, go full face and get a good one, this and any safety equipment is NOT the place to scrimp and try to save a dollar....I would also suggest you get a helmet that has the attachments for a HANS device or any other similar device installed on them already, a lot of tracks (mine included) are making them mandatory now!!!!!!!!!!!

Quote:

" go overboard " on the side of safety !!

MOST DEFINETLY, it's your a$$ and these cars are not the easiest to drive nor are they the safest, if you want to scrimp and kill yourself, I guess that's your business, but you might take me or someone else out while doing so, and dat ain't nice!!!!!!!

Also, everytime I go to a track that I have never been on, I go find an instructor or very expirenced driver that has many laps on that track and ask nicely for a ride so that somone with knowledge can show me the proper line and way around the track.......Don't ever get on an unfamliar track the first time out without a ride around it first, if you do, your asking for trouble.......

Other than that, have a ball and a big budget, cause most likely you'll get hooked and wanna go back for more and make upgrades to your car to go faster...........

David

lamaluv · #4 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 06:21 PM

I have been to two HOD events with my Cobra and learned lots and had a great time. Both events were at RFR in Fernley Nevada and were put on by a different crew than you will have in Florida. I have to think that the HOD rules are pretty much the same for all their events. I have a single roll bar and no head rests and had no problems. Go to the HOD web site and give them a call and they will answer all your questions for you. There is nothing better than learning to handle your car at speed on the safety of a track.
Go and have fun.

Dick

LMH · #5 (**permalink**) 10-28-2009, 11:03 PM

All good suggestions for sure.
Some of the smaller events that I go to will let you drive on the track during the lunch break for the track crews. If you get the chance for something like that, take it. Usually costs about $20 and the car has to pass a basic inspection but it gives you a feel for the track w/o actually racing it. They may have helmets to borrow too.

BTW, if you buy your own helmet, make sure it's an auto racing helmet (not a motorcycle helmet) and within the current safety rating.
Larry

Bailey · #6 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 03:35 AM

Definetly come to the RoundUp, Sebring is a great track with tons of room. HOD will have instructors for the novice group, and most of all, you'll get to meet tons of other Fl Cobra track guys, all with some input and ideas.
IMO a full face helmet is the ONLY way to go.If one of these flimsy winshields we have ever let go, it's way too close to my noggin for comfort.
If you have any questions, PM me.
Hope to see you at the track.
Richard

Gatorac · #7 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 07:31 AM

What helmet would you buy if you were going to intentionally go and run into a wall? Buy that helmet now.

Larry has been in constant contact with HOD. I'm sure there has been sound ground rules in place regarding Cobra roll bars. I will find out for you. It would do you good to run at this event. Lots of Cobra guys to help you out. I'm sure I can take you for some laps in my car to give you an idea on the line. I instruct at Sebring often.

Gatorac · #8 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 11:28 AM

Single roll bar is fine but no instructor in your car. As for the slight oil leak, don't ask don't tell.

lamaluv · #9 (**permalink**) 10-29-2009, 02:22 PM

At the HOD event in Fernley in the beginners group a instructor rode with me with my single roll bar. We went at a more "relaxed" pace to show me the correct line and for him to be comfortable with me tracking without a instructor. I also learned lots by riding with him in his car

.

Dick

cbreez · #10 (**permalink**) 11-01-2009, 02:51 PM

I think you should you an open face helmet. Just drive it and don't crash. A photographer could capture the smile (or fear!) on your face. You could look like Gurney or Miles...or...Wear a red bandanna across your mouth like AJ! Be a man! These aren't sissy cars.

Just remember you aren't really racing...just having some fun!