It looks like the Porsche Club of America has implemented some new rules for harnesses and inspections for this year. If you plan on running with the PCA for any HPDE's like I am, you are probably going to want to check this out.
They also now require an annual inspection by a "qualified inspector" using the tech form that the PCA provides. This means you will need to pay a mechanic for an inspection prior to running PCA events.
In addition to the standard SFI and/ or FIA approved five and/or six point system, the standard will allow a four point system that meets the following requirements:
1. Meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209
2. Attaches to the factory seat belt mounting points
3. Each belt is designed to work in a specific vehicle and that vehicle tag must be attached to the belt system
An example of a system that meets the above criteria is the Schroth Quick Fit system.
They also now require an annual inspection by a "qualified inspector" using the tech form that the PCA provides. This means you will need to pay a mechanic for an inspection prior to running PCA events.
New Rules for 2008 will become effective at the 4/9/2008 HPDE event
1) 5 or 6 point harness restrictions and installation requirements from PCA minimum standards requirements
This rule only applies to vehicles with aftermarket installed safety restraint systems.
If you have the OEM 3 point seat belts installed these are perfectly acceptable for use in an HPDE event.
Harness Systems: If the participant chooses to install a 5 or 6 point driving harness several changes to the automobile must be made to create a safe occupant restraint system. Harnesses must include an antisubmarine strap and be mounted in an approved manner consistent the manufacturer’s instructions. The Harness system must be used in conjunction with a seat which has the supplied routing holes for the shoulder and anti-submarine belts. All pieces of the restraint system must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
This means that a seat is required to have the proper routing holes for the harness as supplied by the seat manufacturer for the shoulder and anti-submarine straps. The shoulder straps should be mounted at 90 degrees to the axis of your spine or at most 40 degrees down from horizontal. Because the addition of the harness system means that the occupants are fastened upright in the vehicle, a properly padded roll bar or roll cage is strongly encouraged to complete the SYSTEM. The use of one without the other may result in an unsafe environment and is not a COMPLETE SYSTEM.
Due to UV degradation and wear the harness webbing must be replaced every five years.
In general 4 point restraint systems that do not incorporate antisubmarine technology are not allowed in vehicles at ORPCA HPDE events. The exception to this rule is if the vehicles owner can produce documentation proving certification by the manufacturer that the 4 point system is suitable for use on their vehicle and incorporates antisubmarine technology then this system will be allowed provided it is installed in compliance with the manufacturers instructions
PCA Harness Standard Amendment effective 3/2008:If you have the OEM 3 point seat belts installed these are perfectly acceptable for use in an HPDE event.
Harness Systems: If the participant chooses to install a 5 or 6 point driving harness several changes to the automobile must be made to create a safe occupant restraint system. Harnesses must include an antisubmarine strap and be mounted in an approved manner consistent the manufacturer’s instructions. The Harness system must be used in conjunction with a seat which has the supplied routing holes for the shoulder and anti-submarine belts. All pieces of the restraint system must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
This means that a seat is required to have the proper routing holes for the harness as supplied by the seat manufacturer for the shoulder and anti-submarine straps. The shoulder straps should be mounted at 90 degrees to the axis of your spine or at most 40 degrees down from horizontal. Because the addition of the harness system means that the occupants are fastened upright in the vehicle, a properly padded roll bar or roll cage is strongly encouraged to complete the SYSTEM. The use of one without the other may result in an unsafe environment and is not a COMPLETE SYSTEM.
Due to UV degradation and wear the harness webbing must be replaced every five years.
In general 4 point restraint systems that do not incorporate antisubmarine technology are not allowed in vehicles at ORPCA HPDE events. The exception to this rule is if the vehicles owner can produce documentation proving certification by the manufacturer that the 4 point system is suitable for use on their vehicle and incorporates antisubmarine technology then this system will be allowed provided it is installed in compliance with the manufacturers instructions
Note: None of these 4 point systems in use today apply to a Porsche AG Manufactured vehicle for the HPDE program per the National PCA policy. Vehicles manufactured by Porsche AG must be equipped with a 5 or more point harness system with antisubmarine belt if such a system is installed.
In addition to the standard SFI and/ or FIA approved five and/or six point system, the standard will allow a four point system that meets the following requirements:
1. Meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209
2. Attaches to the factory seat belt mounting points
3. Each belt is designed to work in a specific vehicle and that vehicle tag must be attached to the belt system
An example of a system that meets the above criteria is the Schroth Quick Fit system.
For a more complete description of ORPCA's implementation of the rule see the Annual Technical Inspection sheet.
2) Car Technical inspection requirements
We are implementing a car inspection program that requires the owner/operator to have the car inspected annually by a qualified inspector. You will be required to show proof that this inspection has been performed prior to attending the first HPDE event you register for. You are required to present this proof, in the form of a completed inspection form at the tech inspection station at the first event you attend.
NOTE: For those of you from outside the local area. if your regular HPDE program has a similar requirement and you have already had an annual inspection done, we will accept proof of this inspection as satisfying this requirement provided the items on the inspection list are generally the same. Please contact Don Clinkinbeard to gain our agreement to accept your inspection before you show up at the track.
NOTE: For those of you from outside the local area. if your regular HPDE program has a similar requirement and you have already had an annual inspection done, we will accept proof of this inspection as satisfying this requirement provided the items on the inspection list are generally the same. Please contact Don Clinkinbeard to gain our agreement to accept your inspection before you show up at the track.
Comment