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A Timely reminder!
Whilst I didn’t witness the accident between
Matt and Alvin I understand that it really was just that, an accident,
with 2 drivers just being in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Looking at Alvin’s car after the shunt reminded me that we shouldn’t
take our own safety for granted. Those of us that are lucky enough to
drive Super Tourers have the benefit of extremely strong cars, with roll
cages designed by engineers which not only stiffen up the bodyshell, but
offer the driver a lot more protection than the 6 point roll cage which
is the minimum MSA requirement.
The
majority of injuries to drivers in saloon car racing are caused by a
spun car being hit in the drivers door by another car, as this is
potentially the weakest part of the car. Yet the very simple addition of
extra tubes between the A and B post across the width
of the car can
strengthen this weak point by spreading the load through the roll cage
under this kind of impact.
This
generally is an easy modification, and on most of the cars we have built
we have simply inserted an extra tube either behind the dashboard or
behind the seat, or both.
Take
a look at your car. If you spin and are stalled in the middle of the
track how would you fare if another car hit you in the driver’s door.
Would it hold up as well as Alvin’s, and would you be having a beer in
the bar the same night! If not, consider putting in extra bars. Take
advice from your roll cage manufacturer, it may just save you some very
painful experience!
John
Hammersley – Cavalier ST No. 7
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