Safety - following the rules
Time to cover the safety gear I will need to install and or wear in the Torino Tribute race car.
My intention is to eventually race the Torino in the Northern Vintage Stock Car Racers Club events. They have their own rules for Full-Bodied Late Models that I will need to follow. In addition, I was able to get a copy of the 1982 Official Rule book from the Red Cedar Speedway in Menomonie, WI. The '82 rules seem to be very similar to what I remember were the guidelines in 1974, when Punky raced the original Torino.
Here are a few of the rules and guidelines that I need to follow to run the Tribute car in the NVSR club races;
1. Snell SA-2005 or newer approved helmet with face shield and in good condition.
2. SFI rated fire suit, gloves and shoes in good condition.
3. Approved fuel cell properly mounted in car.
4. Racing seat belts in good condition less than three years old.
5. Six point roll cage with a two bar minimum on driver’s side.
6. High backed race seat that extends above head.
7. Front window area screened for driver protection.
8. Driver side window nets for full bodies.
9. Window openings allowing exit from both sides.
10. Batteries mounted secure and away from driver.
11. Electric disconnect switch marked and easy to reach.
12. Electric fuel pumps wired into oil pressure switch.
13. Fuel shut off marked and easy to reach.
14. Drive shafts and weights numbered and painted white.
15. Working brakes for four wheels and one wheel shut off allowed.
I would also like to build the Tribute Torino so it follows the rulebook from the era that the original car was raced, the 1974 season. Here are a few of the main rules I will be following while I build the car;
1. Roll bars must be installed in all cars and are to be of pipe at least 1 3/4" outside diameter (the present cage will be updated to meet the 1982 specifications).
2. There must be a complete set of floorboards in the drivers side.
3. All cars must have a driveshaft hanger near the front of the driveshaft made of metal at least 1/4" thick and 1" wide.
4. Nerf Bars - One bar will be allowed on each side made of 1 1/2" outside diameter pipe or square tubing or 1" X 2" rectangular tubing. No sharp edges will be allowed.
5. Chrome bumpers are required and may be reinforced. Bumpers must remain in stock position.
6. Cars must have complete front fenders and hood with no sharp edges.
7. No hood or roof spoilers. No extreme roof line variations allowed. Keep it looking like a car.
8. All cars must have a neat paint job and have identifying numbers painted on the top, the right and left sides.
Below are most of the items that either have been purchased or will be purchased in the near future.
In order to be safe while racing the car, I will need to invest in some protective equipment.
The most expensive part of that equipment is the helmet. Helmets can cost anywhere from a couple hundred dollars up to a few thousand dollars. I have decided to go with a basic white Bell full-face helmet, similar in style to the one Punky used back in the 70's.
In picking out a racing suit, I have to decide on the level of protection that I need and what the rule book requires to race. The standard for measuring the safety level for a racing suit is the SFI foundation Specification 3.2A. A driver suit that is certified to meet the SFI spec has been laboratory tested and has passed the requirements of that test.
Basically the higher the rating number, the longer the driver can be exposed to both direct flame and radiant heat before a second degree burn occurs. An SFI rating of 3.2/1 is 3 seconds, and a rating of 3.2/20 is 40 seconds.
Below is the items that I have picked out to purchase towards the completion of the race car build.
There are several other things to consider as far as safety is concerned. In general I need to take the time to make sure that the fabrication is done well. There is a balance to consider between building things light enough to race and heavy enough to withstand impact.
I will be building tubular frames around the fuel cell, mounting both front and rear bumpers, and hanging all new sheet metal on the car. I am going to install hood and trunk hold-down pins. I also have to rebuild the seat and steering wheel mounts.
I will most likely be making separate posts on some of the safety features once I get started on them. Until then, I need to do more shopping....take care for now.
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