Preparing for 185+ mph speeds safely...


SYCO GT

SYCO GT

GT Owner
Mark II Lifetime
Sep 9, 2006
5,048
California
As I think about the upcoming Rally and related excitement, I had some personal questions related to gear and preparation.

I've ridden motorcycles on the Nurburgring above 155 mph and am familiar with appropriate safety gear for motorcycles, and although I have participated in car track related events, I have not done driven at speeds around 200 mph on a track.

I was wondering if anyone would be so kind to provide their personal recommendations or belief for personal safety related gear.

For example, is Nomex underwear, Nomex suit, Nomex shoes, etc. generally considered recommended or optional or overkill in a situation such as the Texas Mile or other such events.

Is a mounted fire extinguisher required?

I would like to err on the side of caution and take the proper preparation so that my spouse as well as myself and family will feel confident in my activities.

Thanks so much!
 
6 point harness and a good helmet. Usually just street clothes (long pants, long sleeve shirt, shoes that tie) are enough.
 
Disclaimer - This is not advice, only the ramblings of a non-expert in the field of automotive safety!

Performance driving lessons.
Flush and bleed your brake system.
Check tires for speed and load ratings, wear, and damage.
Check all suspension parts, shocks, bushings, A-arms, etc.
Check wheels for damage, alignment, lug nuts torque.
Safecraft fire system for engine bay
fire extinguisher in passenger compartment
SA 2005 or better helmet with Hans device
6 or 5 point harness.
2 or 3 layer Nomex suit with gloves.
Nomex lined shoes.
 
Dave needs to chime in here but I assume the normal rules will apply when you're at the Texas Mile this fall. The only thing REQUIRED is a fire extinguisher mounted within reach of the driver and a Snell automotive helmet. I run a full face but have seen several open face helmets. Motorcycle helmets are NOT allowed. You won't pass tech inspection. The more safety gear the better of course but you can run with only these two items.

If the rules have been changed for the rally, I'm sure Dave will post it.
 
TEXAS GT said:
and a Snell automotive helmet. I run a full face but have seen several open face helmets. Motorcycle helmets are NOT allowed.
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Thanks, and good reminder! I have always used a Snell rated, full face Bell Sport 3 for automotive events, with fire protection (something that Motorcycle helmets do not have).

I will likely update my automotive helmet to a Snell 2005 rated helmet, probably an Arai (probably GP-5W full face) this time around to get more clearance (overall diameters appear to be slightly smaller than Bell helmets)
 
Randy, do you have a 5 or 6 point harness for your black beauty?
If not, I highly recommend Safecraft's setup. First class all the way.
 
There was talk over on the Corvette Forum that they were going to make GT owners put a bar and harness in their car this year. This was coming from a guy that actually works the Mile (just happens to own a C6). I don't know if anything is official as of yet or knot.

I really dont want to put a harness system in my car so we shall see...
 
Kumar,
If you go with Safecraft, they have a system that allows you to clip in the six point harness belts, they are totally safe, but not a permanent set up. When I go to the track, I simply install the racing harness, then take it out when I get home. Super safe and super easy.
 
hmmm in that case, I need to look into it.
 
When I attempted my 200mph run, from memory, I prepared the following.

1. Full tank of gas.
2. Half pack of cigarettes.
3. Sunglasses

I think that was it. Hope it helps... :wink



To be honest, extending running at around the 200mph mark would not be something I would want to do.
 
texasmile.com

check the rules on the site. I would assume at some point they will update it if anything changes. You can always send them a emaill.

Yes, that's my GT on the main page in the Supercars Exposed ad.
 
For us novice, it would help if someone could post some details about what we should get.

Is there a model or a link or something for the Safecraft harness?

Is there a recommended fire extinguisher type?

How many pair of underwear do we need?:banana

Any chance we can pay for the GT guys or some other mechanics to check out our cars prior to, and maybe after, our daily runs? I'd gladly pay $100 to have my car fully checked out for safety prior to each days runs. That is as long as they don't find an issue that can't be fixed right away :biggrin

Just to verify, stock tires are 200+ rated correct?
 
I for one will need a cocktail after hitting a top speed in the 180mph zone, and possibly a defibrillator.

Seriously - I too am very interested in a punch list of things to do to my car to get her ready. Thanks guys.

Also - any driving tips in terms of launching and perhaps more importantly, braking, will be most appreciated.
 
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SuperB said:
Just to verify, stock tires are 200+ rated correct?
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They would not be on the car if they weren't.
 
SuperB,
A number of us have used Safecraft's harness set up and their 2.5 lb fire extinguisher (with mounting bracket in front of passenger seat). You can search the forum for Safecraft and you can also go to Safecraft.com. I know there was an extentive thread on the harness components that helped me a great deal.
You can also call Safecraft, they are EXTREMELY knowledgeable and professional to deal with.
 
As Texas GT said, the only thing that was required in March was a Helmet and a fire extinguisher.

and some:

big_balls.jpg
 
Neilda said:
When I attempted my 200mph run, from memory, I prepared the following.

1. Full tank of gas.
2. Half pack of cigarettes.
3. Sunglasses

I think that was it. Hope it helps... :wink



That's hilarious! Good movie reference! :rofl:rofl:rofl
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kumar said:
There was talk over on the Corvette Forum that they were going to make GT owners put a bar and harness in their car this year. This was coming from a guy that actually works the Mile (just happens to own a C6). I don't know if anything is official as of yet or knot.

I really dont want to put a harness system in my car so we shall see...
Click to expand...


I also have the clip in Safecraft system. I stow the shoulder straps in the pouch behind the drivers seat and the belt straps behind the passenger seat. Takes 2 minutes to hook up and you use the stock seat belt for everyday use.

SuperB said:
For us novice, it would help if someone could post some details about what we should get.

Is there a model or a link or something for the Safecraft harness?

The easiest thing to do is call Safecraft and tell them what you want. They'll give you all your options and even custom cut the lap belts if you want. Mine had too much left over strap. They also have the eyes that attach to the seat to hook the belts into. However I do NOT recommend their harness bar that goes behind the seat. I have a set of them and they don't fit correctly. I use a set of custom billet ones made by someone here on the forum. I'll try to find the thread and post it.

Is there a recommended fire extinguisher type?

Halon. Again Safecraft has the mount and size you need. They come in colors or chrome. Don't get the seat adjuster mount, use the one that attaches to the side of the radio.

How many pair of underwear do we need?:banana

None. The track has all the skid marks you need.:biggrin

Just to verify, stock tires are 200+ rated correct?
Click to expand...

Be prepared to increase your pressure to 40 lbs before you run. Dave may need to make arrangements to have a compressor available for everyone. Remember to reduce your pressure when you're done.

jaxgt said:
Also - any driving tips in terms of launching and perhaps more importantly, braking, will be most appreciated.
Click to expand...

Launch is totally unimportant for a 1 mile run. Don't waste your tires and clutch on smoky burnouts, just roll out fast and punch it. Run to near redline before shifting and once you reach 5th gear just enjoy the ride. Don't let up until you PASS the 1 mile marker. You've got plenty of room to brake so don't cook your rotors. Remember, you don't have to come to a complete stop, just slow down enough to make a wide sweeping turn that can be easily negotiated at 50 mph. Braking from 200 is no problem, 223 was a little more exciting but was still no big deal. I just took the turn a little faster.:lol
 
Here's the info on the harness bars. Maybe if enough guys are interested he would make another batch of them.


http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=7517&highlight=harness+bars
 
Here's the thread on the fire extinguisher. A search will yield much more info.

http://www.fordgtforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=8678&highlight=safecraft
 
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