>> I'm probably going to get some raw parts this weekend for building
either a roll bar or roll cage (my def of roll bar is a hoop behind the
front seats and two extensions leading out to the back for a total of 4
points, while a roll cage is 6 points including extensions surrounding
the entire front cabin). My questions is, which one would be safer for
my particular application? My car is driven daily, both on public roads
and at autoxes. I wear my 6-point harness at all times (even on the
road), but I only wear my helmet while autoxing. I don't like the
imagery of somebody swinging a big metal pipe at my head at 50 mph, so I
would think that a roll cage is more dangerous without a helmet than a
roll bar is. Even with the harness holding me down (and theoretically
clear of the roll cage), would a roll cage be more dangerous than it is
a safety item? Somebody please provide me insight before this weekend
comes up because that's when I will probably get my parts. Thanks in
advance!
<<
I installed a roll cage last year to go PCA Club Racing. Unlike Mike, I
decided the additional safety afforded by a cage vs. a bar was necessary
for wheel to wheel racing at 130 mph on occasion.
But being quite tall in the body I wonder every time I get in the car if
I am going to be bludgeoned by the A pillar roll hoop in the event of an
accident. I have intentionally left the drivers side airbag in the car
to help keep me away from it. I think the best answer is to use a
harness all the time. If you have it tight there is no way you will come
in contact with the front hoop. The side hoops are another story. Both
are fully padded as are all the parts of the cage that can come in
contact with my flailing arms in the event of the big one.
But then again, I am definitely much safer inside the confines of the
cage in the event the hit comes from the rear or even the side. Besides,
I also have a seat back brace so the seat ratchet mechanism cannot fail
and let me down.
So I think all said the cage is definitely safer for the track and not
that much risk on the street. YMMV.
Paul Foster
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