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Post by sblack on Sept 28, 2009 10:35:22 GMT
Its been suggested that we use the race receiver radios between driver and race control for safety car situations. Each driver would incur a £100 charge for this system. What is the feedback on this idea? Also what are peoples thoughts on making Hans device mandatory in our championship?  |
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Post by TheRealDC on Sept 28, 2009 11:41:42 GMT
I would think both are good ideas in principle as both would improve driver safety and I think the radios would also improve marshal safety too...
More costs would be incurred with HANS though as for most folks I would imagine it would mean replacing existing kit??
DC
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Post by Blair on Sept 28, 2009 11:49:41 GMT
Don't have anything against either myself though I could see the HANS provoking a bit of debate. Is it true you need a seat & harness that's also suitable for them? Would the radio thing be used to broadcast a message to all, or are you going to get individual messages, i.e. "Haw you, take that bollard out again and I'll shove it right up your...."  |
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Post by Mike Hogg on Sept 28, 2009 11:59:17 GMT
Think the radio system they've been using in Legends down south is a "broadcast to all system". Haven't heard of individual messages anyway.
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xr2rep
Backmarker
xr2rep@hotmail.co.uk
Posts: 33
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Post by xr2rep on Sept 28, 2009 12:45:00 GMT
Would the radio thing be used to broadcast a message to all, or are you going to get individual messages, i.e. "Haw you, take that bollard out again and I'll shove it right up your...." Love the idea of it.  Seriously, radio is a good idea, not so sure about the HANS though. I don't think that most series in the SMRC races have fast enough cars to generate the forces the HANS is designed to save us from. I don't want to tempt fate, but how many of you can remember of any crashes in any SMRC series that have incurred any serious neck injuries. I admit the HANS device is good for higher speed and violent rolling, tumbling crashes but any SMRC events I can recall of this type have not involved any life threatening neck or spinal injuries. If you would feel more comfortable with one then fit one, the HANS is not prohibited by the rules, I just don't think there is a strong enough case to make it mandatory in all classes. These are my personal views and not the official XR2 stance |
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Post by Russell on Sept 28, 2009 13:20:08 GMT
I think the radio could be a really good idea - but it depends on how it's used. Too little information, and there's no point, too much and it will be nothing but a distraction.
Russell
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Post by XR2 Baz on Sept 28, 2009 21:59:46 GMT
I'm not sure about either to be honest. I think a fully funded trial of the raceiver should happen first, before it's made mandatory. This could be good though.
I agree with Charlie about HANS. I watched a program about this a while ago. The injuries it's designed to prevent apparently happen when cars hit concrete walls at speeds in excess of 140mph. Few cars at SMRC meetings are capable of reaching these speeds in the first place. For most of us, this is pretty much unnecessary.
At our level, the constant MSA rule changes are enough to keep up with. Personally I have to buy a new helmet next year as the lining in my current 2 year old lid isn't fireproof.
I'm all for safety, but I think there's a bit of overkill these days.
Baz
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Post by Mike Strong on Sept 29, 2009 10:06:19 GMT
You need a helmet with HANS posts to use a HANS device.
Not sure if you can have a non-HANS helmet modified but I'd imagine it would have to be done by a specialist.
You're looking at at least £800 to buy both a HANS device and a new helmet capable of connecting it.
A foam neck support would be more suitable if they plan on enforcing something.
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Post by martinbuchan on Sept 29, 2009 11:40:29 GMT
Having a radio system like the Legends do down south would be a great idea and id be in full support for it.
Not sure about the HANS helmet, if it is mademandatory then i'll have to get one but the HANS equipment itself costs alot and then there is getting the helmet drilled and putting the posts in. The HANS device on its own goes from prices at £400 upto almost £750 according to Demon Tweeks. Then again its upto the induvidual on how much they are willing to spend for thier own safety
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Post by s3swiss on Sept 29, 2009 16:13:24 GMT
Raceradio - I personally feel the flags and lights at Knockhill work fine for me. I have to use radios at work and they can often just add another layer of confusion to a situation (message saying "all cars remain on circuit" while marshals waving all cars into pits?). If it becomes mandatory I'll buy into it but can't see the pressing need.
HANS - As mentioned above, I'd hope my existing homolgated seat and 6-pt harness will cope with all XR2 speed impacts. I would need to buy helmet (modifying non-HANS helmets means re-certifying them by the manufacturer I think?), brace and harness plus probably seat if new harness to be installed correctly. I'd guess at near £1000 all in? This would be a serious wedge from the race fund. If the gear lasted for a while I 'd be happier but expect it is all date stamped and time limited as usual?
In summary - radios - no need but would buy. HANS - no need and might give up at that cost.
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Post by s3swiss on Oct 5, 2009 15:34:31 GMT
seems to have gone quiet on this subject - how about a printed form to fill in given out at next signing-on (Oct 18th)? Returns could be collected as drivers pop back to pick up results sheets. Would ensure all SMRC races opinions are canvassed (well, those going to last event anyway).
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Post by Blair on Oct 5, 2009 17:41:28 GMT
Not entirely sure if it's at that stage yet to be fair? Seen it mentioned in Wheelspin briefly.
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Post by foxymarshal on Oct 6, 2009 22:20:18 GMT
Don't have anything against either myself though I could see the HANS provoking a bit of debate. Is it true you need a seat & harness that's also suitable for them? Would the radio thing be used to broadcast a message to all, or are you going to get individual messages, i.e. "Haw you, take that bollard out again and I'll shove it right up your...." would so love to have control of that radio system !!! I am intregied how you think additional radio messages would improve marshals safety? I am not being a stropey cow here, just a curious one. If flags are being waved, then you do what is necessary like slow down dont you ? As some of the drivers know by now, If there is something I dont understand, I will ask the stupid question hope everyone is well and looking forward to the last race of the season cheers Foxyx  |
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Post by TheRealDC on Oct 7, 2009 12:11:10 GMT
Hi Foxy
Not a daft question at all. My thinking is that if there is a message broadcast to state that marshalls are on track at exit of Clark, then drivers will really be cautious there, rather than see the yellow flag, back off only enough to ensure that the person behind doesn't gain too much (drivers, be honest - do you really slow down THAT much when you see a yellow?) .....
DC
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Post by awsponsor on Oct 7, 2009 15:17:19 GMT
If it's only a broadcast then why not simply use a conventional radio tuned to Radio Knockhill..... I was told once that a certain Mini driver actually left his radio in the car so he could do that and work out where everyone else was on the track |
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