Roll hoop's

[classic_racer]

Im about to buy a historic formula junior and have just had a sit in it and the roll hoop is about 3inches below the top of my head.
Does anyone here (racers officials scrutineers marshals etc) know if I need to get it changed to take my hight or is there no need as it is a historic. I was watching the FIA histoic formula juniors at Donnington at the weekend and there seemed to be a few of them above the hoops but I couldnt get to talk to any officials as the gates were always locked when I went accross.
Thanks in advance

[classic_racer]

Oh and can this please stop here and not go to historic racing forum as I think people here might have more of an idea on the rules
Thanks

[Tim Falce]

If the rules state that it doesn't have to go above your head will that save your life if you did have the misfortune to roll it? I think I would make sure it is the regulation 5 cm above the top of my helmet purely on safety grounds.
Try Rule 1.5.3/4 page 238 blue book

[classic_racer]

Yes but does that relate to historic cars?? Historics are exempt from a lot of things and I am wondering if this is one of them as the car is original

[Woolley]

Historics are ezxempt from lots of things, but please remember your head isn't.

[Peter Mallett]

Have to say I'm surprised at the question. I once changed an entire rollcage in a touring car because it was too low and I had a roof over my head!

[StephenRae]

Whatever the regs say to race a car without adequate roll over protection is total folley. Safety was not a high priority in the early days of Formula 3. You are at risk just getting in the thing... don't roll and don't get 'T-boned.

[dtype38]

Roll-over protection for historic racing cars is dependent on when the vehicle/formula was first raced and the MSA regulations in force at the time. Often different vehicles in the same race can have different rules apply and the whole issue is usually left to the series organisers and drivers to decide. The regulations for the particular race series you intend to compete in will usually specify the protection required, but if you race in more than one series the requirements may differ.
Not surprisingly, this leads to much confusion and I've noticed myself that scrutineers as some meetings simply leave the decision up to the driver - after all, in an accident it's his neck at risk. So at the end of the day, if you enter a race with a roll hoop 3" short of the top of your helment, legal or not you'll probably not get stopped for it unless someone else in your races challenges it, and that's unlikely unless there's a question about performance advantage because of it.
I can only ask you consider this: If, through no fault of your own, some idiot in your race clips a wheel on your car and you roll what happens? With a roll hoop 2" above your helmet you'll get a sore neck, some bruises, and a repair bill. With a roll hoop 3" short of your helmet you'll get a broken neck or worse, your family will be shattered the meeting will be cancelled, evereyone will go home upset and depressed... and club motorsport will be one step closer to being banned as too dangerous. Please do the sensible thing and live to enjoy your racing.

[graham bahr]

whatever the regs say i would want to change it, the car wont be origonal but neither will your neck if you are unfortunate to roll the car, if you dont want to alter the hoop can you alter the seat to get you sitting lower?

[simon drabble]

I race in a historic series where roll hoops are voluntary. I also post in the historic racing thread!! however the rule with BRDC Historic Sportscar series no hoop no belts ie if you are rolling you want to be thrown clear, now I would say that a hoop too small and belts is completely suicidal as you will get the worst of both worlds and would be better either taking it out and running no belts or putting one in that will work. A good friend of mine had his life saved at Brands Hatch last year by having a decent rollhoop, he barrell rolled 6 times down paddock hill. If you had seen that you would not think twice abiut raising the hoop. Your choice! but enjoy the FJ whatever you do, which model have you bought?

[StephenRae]

Originally posted by simon drabble
..... however the rule with BRDC Historic Sportscar series no hoop no belts ie if you are rolling you want to be thrown clear.......

I'm amazed at that. I wonder if they have to wear leather helmets and a nice silk scarf flapping tantalisingly close to the back wheel!

[Tracey]

Advice from a marshal - change it! If nothing else, it saves getting black and oranged for the scrutineer to have a check as it will probably be called in by us lot as we wouldn't think it safe.

Cars = money, but life/mobility is priceless and can not be replaced. If I chose to put my car on a track, a roll hoop would be my first addition, even for a sprint where ther are classes that allow you to run without. Anything that can protect your head and prevent the devastation a head injury, no matter how minor, can cause is a wise investment - I know from learning the hard way!