| ARTICLE: |
| CR63:
SAFETY BELTS AND HARNESSES |
|
63.1
|
All vehicles regardless of performance
or age must be fitted with a minimum lap/sash, three-point quick release
driver's seat belt in good operating condition and complying with the South
African road ordinance requirements for safety belts. |
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63.2
|
Enclosed vehicles, vehicles
(i.e. Sedans, Bakkies, Coupes, etc.) capable of running quicker than 11.99
seconds in any bracket or class are required to have a minimum four-point
safety belt/harness in good operating condition fitted for driver protection.
Dragsters, Funny Cars and open-wheel, space frame vehicles specifically
designed for Drag Racing as well as Altereds capable of times quicker than
9.99 are required to have a centre-locking, five-point "inverted V"
type racing harness incorporating a crotch strap. |
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63.3
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In all circumstances, belts
must be in good condition and securely fastened to the frame or a suitably
reinforced mounting so that all fittings are in a direct line with the direction
of pull. |
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63.4
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If the belt mounting point requires
reinforcement, a minimum 75mm x 75mm x 6mm plate must be used to adequately
anchor the harness at each mounting point. |
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63.5
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Under no circumstances are bolts
to be inserted through belt webbing. In any vehicle requiring a roll bar
as minimum structural protection, inertia reel belt/harness assemblies are
not permitted. |
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63.6
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All harnesses must be installed
in such a manner that they will limit the travel of the driver's body, both
upward and forward. Shoulder straps mounted behind the driver must be above
a theoretical line of 40° down from horizontal, but not above the horizontal. |
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63.7
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Protective plates are mandatory
where belts wrap around any frame area exposed to potential abrasion, especially
in an accident or in the event of wheel loss. |
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63.8
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Belts to be worn and securely
fastened at all times while the vehicle is driven and propelled by it's
own engine. |
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63.9
|
Belts
to be worn and securely fastened at all times while the vehicle is driven
and propelled by its own engine. |
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63.10
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Device
Specifics |
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a.
|
Approved
Specification |
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Only
those harnesses which comply with one of the following standards will be
approved by MSA for use in the specified categories: FIA / SFI / FMVSS |
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FIA LABEL |
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The main label
identifies the harness belt system and carries all information required
by the FIA, i.e. Manufacturer, Last year of use and FIA homologation number.
The label is sewn onto the harness belt portion permanently fixed to the
buckle. |
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"B"
= harness restraint with 4 straps in contact with the body; "C"
= harness restraint with 5 straps in contact with the body; "D"
= harness restraint with 6 straps in contact with the body; Homologation
number issued by the FIA, e.g. 136; "T" = for rotary buckle version
(Turn) " "P" = for push button buckle version (Push). |
| |
|
Digits
representing the year of issue in respect to the standard the harness belt
is homologated under. In terms of the above international standards only
those harnesses with a minimum of 3" (approx. 75mm) shoulder straps
with 2" (approx. 50mm) or 3" (approx. 75mm) waist straps are approved.
In terms of the approved international standards safety harnesses with 3/4/5/6
mounting points are permitted, although it is recommended that an anti-submarine
(crutch) strap be utilized. The only exception to the above specification
is the combination 2" / 3" shoulder straps fitted to those FIA
approved safety harnesses specifically intended for use in conjunction with
the HANS head restraint system, in which case the relevant FIA label will
clearly state "FOR HANS USE ONLY". It should be noted that approval
of this particular harness is only valid should the product be used in conjunction
with the HANS head restraint system which must be produced at scrutineering.
The addition of shoulder pads is strongly recommended where the use thereof
is practical within the specific application. |
| a |
b.
|
Non-Compliance |
| a |
|
The approval
of safety harnesses that comply with the above international standards will
be considered to have expired in the event of the following: |
| a |
|
FIA approval
- Date of expiry as indicated on label; SFI approval - Date of manufacture
as indicated on label + 5 years; ii. FMVSS approval - Date of manufacture
as indicated on label + 5 years |
| a |
|
The
approval of safety harnesses that comply with the above international standards
will no longer be approved in the event of the following: Excessive wear
(fraying) exceeding a total of 3mm on any of the shoulder and waist straps.
It is apparent that the safety harness has been modified from its original
form or repaired in some manner. The individual safety harness components
(shoulder straps / waist straps) are different colours. Anti-submarine (crutch
straps) are however exempt from this requirement. The date of expiry or
manufacture as per the label that appears on each of the safety harness
components differs. |
| a |
c.
|
Installation |
| a |
|
When installing
a safety harness the manufacture installation instructions should be followed
carefully so as to ensure that the performance of the product is optimized.
All fittings, nuts, bolts, etc. used during the installation process must
be suitable for the purpose of safety harness installation so as to allow
the harness to perform as intended. Annexure J, Article 253-42 of the FIA
regulations clearly specifies the correct installation procedure. |
| a |
|
Figure
1 shows the strap angles required for proper safety harness installation.
In order to ensure correct anchorage and performance in the event of an
incident it is important that these angles be met. Use of an improper anchorage
or routing of any strap will reduce safety harness performance and increase
the risk of serious injury or Death. |
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|
| a |
a |
Never run
the shoulder straps downwards from the backrest slots without a strap support
bar which can withstand the load applied to it during a crash. The seat
backrest is not designed to accommodate this load and may collapse in the
event of an accident, thereby greatly increasing forward movement of the
occupant which can cause serious injury or death. |
| a |
a |
An anti-submarine
(crutch) strap routed towards the rear may cause serious injury during a
crash as it is not designed to be a body restraint and is only intended
to keep the lap belt in place during a crash so as to reduce the risk of
"submarining". Similarly the anti-submarine strap should never
be run over the front line of the seat as such an installation will eliminate
its intended function. |
| a |
a |
In those instances
where the shoulder straps anchorage points are located more than 450mm from
the rear of the backrest, it is important that the shoulder straps cross
each other at the same level as that which the shoulder straps pass through
the seat. Improperly installed shoulder straps may slip the shoulders during
a crash and thereby increase the risk of severe head and neck injury or
even death. |
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| a |
a |
Eye-bolt
Installation |
| a |
a |
The minimum
length of an eye-bolt used in the installation of a safety harness should
be 25mm, ideally used in conjunction with a spring washer to secure the
bolt from loosening. Always make sure that the eye-bolt is positioned in
the direction the belt will pull in a head on collision. Eye-bolts should
be tightened to a minimum torque of 40Nm using a reliable torque wrench |
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| a |
a |
It is recommended
that the anchorage points of the vehicle manufacturer be utilised wherever
possible in respect to mounting of the safety harness. Any drilled anchor
point must be properly reinforced to accept the load which will be applied
thereto during a crash. |
| a |
a |
Wrap-around
Installation |
| a |
a |
Strap attachment
to a weak roll cage can cause the bar to fail and result in serious injury
or death. It is recommended that the roll cage manufacturer be contacted
to ascertain crossbar strength and the ability thereof to withstand loads
from the shoulder straps in the event of an accident. |
| a |
a |
Incorrect
attachment of the strap to the adjuster can cause the belt to pull out of
the adjuster in the event of an accident. Always follow the manufacturer
installation instructions regarding the correct manner in which to run the
strap through an adjuster when making use of a wrap-around installation.
|
| a |
a |
The adjuster
must be positioned as close as possible to the roll cage and the shoulder
straps should be threaded through the adjuster with the protruding strap
at least 100mm long. |
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| CR64:
SAFETY HUBS |
|
64.1
|
All vehicles in competition,
other than genuine streetcars with original engines, must be equipped with
a satisfactory means of axle retention. A minimum of 3mm thick steel plate
reinforcement for standard bearing retainers is required. |
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64.2
|
Whenever possible, approved
aftermarket axles or internal safety hubs should be utilised in lieu of
standard items. |
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64.3
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In place of internal type safety
hubs, a minimum of four hooks per driving wheel must be attached to the
backing plate with a minimum of two 6mm high tensile bolts per hook. |
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64.4
|
Each hook must be made of 6mm
minimum thickness steel plate at least 25mm width firmly mounted to retain
the drum, hub and wheel in the event of axle failure. The attention of competitors
is drawn to the possibility of handling hazards in the event of an axle
shaft breaking while the vehicle is fitted with a locked rear-end. |
| CR65:
SEATING |
|
65.1
|
The driver's seat in any vehicle
in competition must be so constructed, braced and mounted in such a way
that it will give full back and shoulder protection to the driver in the
event of a vehicle upset, spinout or collision. |
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65.2
|
The driver's seat must be supported
on the bottom and back by a frame or cross member. |
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65.3
|
Plastic kitchen-type and magnesium
seats are not permitted, however, properly braced, framed, supported and
constructed seats of aluminium or fibreglass (accessory seats) are acceptable. |
|
65.4
|
Rear seat may be removed if
an approved roll cage is present in certain classes. |
| CR66:
SHOCK ABSORBERS |
| Each
car in competition must be equipped with one operative shock absorber for
each sprung wheel. Shocks must be either hydraulic or friction type, securely
mounted and in good working order. (See class requirements). |
| CR67:
STARTERS |
| All
vehicles must be self-starting, other than those competing in Top Eliminator
Cars or Bikes. |
| CR68:
STEERING |
|
68.1
|
Each vehicle's steering system
will be inspected to determine its condition and must be considered safe
by the scrutineer. Steering wheel "play" must be at a minimum.
Drag link and tie rods must be secured and keyed. All altered or modified
steering systems will be closely checked for insecure welds and faulty parts. |
|
68.2
|
All rod ends must be a minimum
10mm shank diameter and must be installed with flat washers to prevent bearing
pull out. Hollow rod ends are prohibited. All tubes into which rod ends
are inserted must be drilled for thread engagement inspection. |
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68.3
|
The use of female Heimi joints
is not permitted except in the installation of rack and pinion steering
where a Heimi joint is used to replace the original ball joint and no welding
is involved. Any vehicle with rack and pinion steering and a beam or tube
axle must have the steering mounted on the axle and incorporate a universal-joint
steering shaft. The length of shaft forward of the joint must be equal to
and travel through the same arc as the radius rods locating the axle. |
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68.4
|
All steering boxes, sectors
and shafts must be mounted to the frame or suitable cross member and cannot
be mounted in any case to the bellhousing and/or bellhousing adaptor shield. |
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68.5
|
On long wheelbase vehicles,
a secondary steering shaft stop must be installed to prevent the long steering
shaft from injuring the driver in case of frontal impact. A collar or U-joint
pinned at cross member or bracket, etc. is acceptable. |
| CR69:
STEERING WHEELS |
|
69.1
|
A full steering wheel is required
with a minimum of 300mm diameter. |
|
69.2
|
Dragsters, Funny Cars and open-wheel,
space frame vehicles designed specifically for Drag Racing may use a twin
grip steering wheel having a minimum inside width of 180mm across the grips. |
|
69.3
|
Commercially available quick-disconnect
steering wheels are permitted. |
| CR70:
SUPERCHARGERS |
|
70.1
|
All vehicles equipped with belt
driven superchargers must have a guard fitted to prevent fuel line damage
in the event of belt loss. This is not required where steel braided hose
is used in conjunction with aircraft quality connections or where lines
themselves are shielded. |
|
70.2
|
All superchargers used in competition
must be correctly set up for high performance use incorporating heavy-duty
components applicable to Drag Racing requirements |
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70.3
|
TYPES: |
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70.3.1
|
Roots-type: Maximum size
permitted 14-71; 482.6mm maximum rotor case length: 285.75mm maximum case
width; 6.35mm minimum case thickness; 6.35mm minimum front plate thickness.
300 minimum rear plate thickness. Maximum rotor cavity diameter is 148.34mm.
Rotor helix angle may not exceed that of a standard 71-series GM-type rotor
(4° per 25.4mm). Maximum overdrive may not exceed 70%. |
|
70.3.2
|
Roots-type High Helix:
Must adhere to the same maximum case dimensions and maximum rotor cavity
diameter as standard Roots. Rotor helix angle may not exceed 6.5° per
25.4mm, (123.5° total over 482.60mm maximum rotor length). Maximum overdrive
may not exceed 70%. |
|
70.3.3
|
Screw-Type: Must meet
SF1 Spec 34.1. Maximum case length 406.40mm, maximum case width 406.40mm,
minimum case and front plate thickness 6.35mm, minimum rear plate thickness
7.62mm. Manifold pressure release mechanism (in addition to burst panel
in supercharger) plus supercharger restraint system is mandatory. Use of
screw-type superchargers are restricted to Top Alcohol Funny cars (TAF)
and Top Alcohol Dragsters (TAD) only. Under no circumstances may a screw
supercharger overdrive exceed the following overdrive limits: |
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70.3.4
|
Variable multi-speed supercharger
devices are prohibited regardless of the
supercharger type. |
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70.3.5
|
Aluminium studs (supercharger
to manifold) are mandatory on all superchargers. |
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70.3.6
|
Supercharger restraint systems
are mandatory |
| |
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| CR71:
SUPERCHARGER RESTRAINTS |
|
71.1
|
All belt-driven supercharger
devices must have as a minimum, a supercharger restraint system in conjunction
with aluminium shear bolts (strip studs) at all mounting points as mandatory
to prevent the supercharger from being blown free of the engine. |
|
71.2
|
All vehicles competing in Top
Fuel, Top Fuel Funny Car or Top Fuel Competition Altered must be fitted
with a ballistic supercharger protection device meeting SF1 specification
14.2. |
| CR72:
SUSPENSION |
|
72.1
|
All vehicles must have a full
suspension of the type produced by automobile manufacturers, i.e. springs,
torsion bars, etc.). |
|
72.2
|
Rigid-mount front/rear axles
are permitted when so indicated by class requirements. Where more than one
pair of radius rods are used to locate a front axle, rods must be of the
same length. |
|
72.3
|
Traction bars or other devices
used to transmit rear-axle torque to the frame, thus preventing violent
rear-spring "wind-up" under acceleration or deceleration, are
considered safety equipment and are therefore accepted where class permits.
Traction devices, if used, may not be longer in overall length than one-half
of the wheelbase of the vehicle on which they are installed. No portion
of any traction device may extend lower than the level of the lower edge
of the rear rim. |
|
72.4
|
All rod ends (steel minimum)
incorporated into either a "ladder bar" or "four link"
suspension system must have a minimum 19mm shank diameter (chrome moly 16mm).
Rod ends must thread a distance at least equal to 1.5 times the diameter
of the shank into the bars they are inserted. Each bar must be drilled to
allow for thread engagement inspection and either a strap or some other
means of prevention must be attached at the front of both the "ladder
bar" and/or "four link" system to stop them coming into contact
with the track if the rod ends fail. |
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