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Ok, I have two cars that I autocross:

Both are 85 Bertone x-1/9's.

Both are DSP cars.

One is close to fully prepped., the other is stock with a K&N cone filter.

 

Issue:  The seat has been lowered (legally) in the prepared SP car.  Helmet does not extend beyond body work.

In mostly stock car, helmet extends slightly above the rear targa bar.

Helmet rule: 4.3.1 doen not address this.  Appendix C, A. 2. states that the roll bar should not be below the top of the driver's helmet.

 

I don't really want to lower the seat bottom height on the "nice" x-1/9 as it is a sub 20k mile car that is for pleasure only and is only autocrossed on rare occasions.

Thoughts, interpretations, etc... on this issue?

 

Thanks,

Kevin

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94 Audi S4 (not stock)
85 Bertone x19 (18k orig miles)
85 Bertone x19 (DSP car)

If you are using o.e. seatbelts then there is no problem if your helmet extends above the body work.

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Once you go Mac, you never go back!

I'm not sure I agree with gary p's comment that there's "no problem" if your head protrudes above the body (if it were my head, I'd worry about that ) but he's correct that it's "okay" from a tech standpoint.

Relative to "open" cars, 3.3.1 states the top of the driver's helmet cannot be above the top of the roll structure if non-factory upper body restraints are used.  If you're using stock seatbelts, that doesn't apply.

In the car in question, stock seats and stock seat belts.

 

In the developed car, lowered and bolstered stock seats and harnesses (helmet is below targa bar in this one).

 

You point out well, that I have two concerns,

1. Is my situation in the car in question legal?  I believe we have answered that.

2.  Should I consider not autocrossing the car or consider lowering the seat such as to protech my brain bucket?

Thanks,

Kevin

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94 Audi S4 (not stock)
85 Bertone x19 (18k orig miles)
85 Bertone x19 (DSP car)

You're way better off in your X-1/9 than anybody in a stock miata. 

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Once you go Mac, you never go back!