A new safety directive from Hampton Downs

socram, Jul 29, 7:15am
With our continued drive towards improving safety where possible, we would like to inform you of some requirements for hosting and running a motorsport event here at Hampton Downs.

So in no particular order:
• Frontal Head Restraints - Both Hampton Downs and Highlands will be making Frontal Neck Restraint (FHR) devices mandatory for all track-based speed activities at Highlands and Hampton Downs. These devices have been proven tosignificantly reduce the risk of serious injury or death. This rule covers both permitted and non-permitted events.
o For vehicles which have a 4 point harness or great, there are various tethered devices available including Hans, NecksGen REV, Impact Accel or Simpson Hybrid. These are acceptable.
o For vehicles fitted with a standard lap and diagonal 3-point belt system a Foam roll/collar types is acceptable.

Just a heads up for anyone intending to take part in a track day (or compete). It may pay to call in on Chicane at Penrose for a foam neck collar!
the-lada-dude, Jul 29, 6:32pm
Speedway years ago, wrist restraints were mandatory ( stop hands/arms exiting the roll cage area ) foam neck collars . ( think so ) and many in sprint cars were using helmet braces ( high G loads )
timmo1, Jul 30, 1:16am
Yeah I saw this in my inbox. It's good I guess but does keep ticking up the cost sheet for motorsport (with HD especially)
socram, Jul 30, 2:00am
No problem with speedway and sprint cars as they seem to be high risk compared to a beginner in a 2K Cup car (ie car costs less than $2,000).

It's an extra financial burden for beginners, who will be tempted to NOT fit cages and four point harnesses. They already now have to have full length approved fire resistant underwear, socks, balaclava and gloves - all of which were optional before the current season.

Law of diminishing returns. Once drivers had to wear a crash helmet and seat belts, the incidence of motorsport deaths and serious injuries plummeted. With fire resistant overalls, I'm not sure how many serious injuries or deaths were prevented at a guess, at an amateur level, very few.

I have been attending motorsport events on a regular basis since 1951, initially as a spectator (obviously!) , then from 1971 as a competitor/flag marshal/organiser/promoter etc and I have yet to attend a meeting where anyone was burned - and more to the point, only one where there has even been any serious injury.
framtech, Jul 30, 2:19am
yep but track owners are shit scared of Worksafe, the self serving bureaucratic Nazi fine machine.
kevymtnz, Jul 30, 2:30am
pc overkill
timmo1, Aug 2, 10:09pm
So, I've just done the readup about this: I initially assumed a FHR was a foam collar, but that's not the case. So not only do you need an actual FHR, with an approved helmet but you also need a full race harness (i.e. you can't just use it with a diagonal belt). which also means you need a cage to mount that into.
So for a 'track dayer' like me, in a car which is 90% a road car, that's a pretty massive investment for not a lot of return. I don't think I'll be able to afford to do track days anymore.
bitsy_boffin, Aug 2, 10:26pm
" For vehicles fitted with a standard lap and diagonal 3-point belt system a Foam roll/collar types is acceptable."
timmo1, Aug 2, 10:55pm
Ok, thanks for clarifying.
That quote is on the website but wasn't included in the email or facebook post.
socram, Aug 3, 6:14am
It was quoted in my original post.

The irony is that you can remove your rollcage, remove your full harness belts and run with a foam collar. Leave the roll cage in and the harness belt, but you need to invest in a FHR.

For those who are not aware, many Hans type devices are not adjustable and the angle of the seat back may well dictate which specific device you need to use.

Do NOT just purchase off the internet without researching properly!

Anyone running two competition cars, such as a single seater with a steeply raked seat back and a saloon car with a more upright seat back, may well need two separate devices.

Equally, not all helmets can have the tether posts fitted. Track days, they generally don't worry too much about the age of the helmet, but a FHR/Hans device needs the helmet drilling for the tether posts and old helmets, out of date for MSNZ events, are not all FHR compliant. Fitting tether posts incorrectly or on a non-compliant helmet, by an ill informed amateur, could be a major issue.
smallwoods, Aug 5, 2:38am
What about Leatt braces?
bill-robinson, Aug 5, 6:06pm
i will play your funny game, what about 'leatt braces' then? tell us more
sr2, Nov 4, 4:44am
Only suitable for motorcycles.