If you’ve been following along with our previous episodes, you’ll note that we’ve been focusing on what it takes to get involved in Motorsports. We’ve covered everything from picking the right Starter Car, to getting ready for your first event and different programs and organizations that exist in this community.
And on tonight’s episode, we continue this talk-track as we dig in deeper… talking about the question that’s always on everyone’s mind: SAFETY. And with us we have returning guest Mike Crutchfield on behalf of the GTM coaches, along with our special guest Mark Francis from OG Racing, one of the largest Motorsports Safety distributors in the US – to discuss a concept we call “SAFETY AS A SYSTEM.” (SAAS)
Notes
Steering Wheels. Wheel Sizes, Leather vs Suede
Belts, Harnesses and Seats. 4pt… 5pt vs 6pt.
Fixed vs Adjustable Seats
Proper Head and Neck restraints. Hans & Simpson Hybrid
What is “equal restraint”?
How to shop for racing gear? – Picking the appropriate helmet for you.
Looking stylish: Racing Suits, Gloves and Shoes
and much, much more!
Highlights
Skip ahead if you must… Here’s the highlights from this episode you might be most interested in and their corresponding time stamps.
- 00:00 Introduction to Gran Touring Motorsports
- 00:23 Meet the Hosts and Tonight’s Guests
- 00:50 Diving into Safety as a System
- 01:34 Steering Wheels: Preferences and Safety
- 02:56 The Debate on Airbags and Steering Wheels
- 05:19 Choosing the Right Seats for Your Car
- 07:15 The Importance of Proper Seat Fitment
- 12:36 Fixed vs. Sliders: What You Need to Know
- 20:52 Harnesses and Belts: Safety First
- 31:35 Inspecting and Maintaining Your Safety Gear
- 34:00 Replacing Seats After a Crash
- 34:16 Head and Neck Restraints: An Overview
- 35:04 Mandatory Head and Neck Restraints
- 35:30 Choosing the Right Head and Neck Restraint
- 36:12 Maintenance and Expiration of Hans Devices
- 37:13 Fitting and Adjusting Your Hans Device
- 37:42 The Debate: Safe Dual Use Cars
- 39:40 Building a Versatile Safety System
- 50:27 Equal Restraint for Driver and Passenger
- 57:01 Helmet Sizing and Fitment
- 01:05:01 Helmet Fit Issues
- 01:05:40 Proper Helmet Fit
- 01:06:52 Open Face vs Full Face Helmets
- 01:08:04 Helmet Modifications and Certifications
- 01:10:01 Helmet Expiration and Certification Dates
- 01:11:45 Helmet Durability and Care
- 01:17:44 Clothing for Track Days
- 01:21:56 Driving Shoes and Gloves
- 01:31:46 Final Thoughts and Safety Tips
- 01:33:21 OG Racing and Closing Remarks
