Window rules

[frnkeore]

WINDOW NET
A ribbon-type or SFI 27.1 mesh-type window net is mandatory
for any full-bodied car running 7.50 (*4.50) to 9.99 (*6.39) or if
vehicle runs 135 mph or faster. See General Regulations 6:3.
-----------------------------------------------------------
WINDSHIELD, WINDOWS
Altereds, dragsters: Optional. Windscreen mandatory. See
General Regulations 7:7, 7:8.
Stock-bodied vehicles: Mandatory, must be in good condition
and free from cracks. May be replaced with shatterproof
material, 1/8-inch-minimum thickness. OEM windshield may not
be cut for scoops, carb, etc. Windshield/window tint must meet
the applicable state requirements. Windows must be closed
during races, need not be operable. Decals permitted on rear
quarter and rear window only. See General Regulations 7:8.

Since the rear window, is a "window" , I think you'll need it.

[Royce]

Well nets are not mandatory at my ET.. I guess the key term is stock body on windows..  I guess I would do nets instead of windows.. if I had to..I am resisting windows because of the flimsy fiberglass hollow doors.. I guess i could fab some like Pro Mod or Pro stock car would use, but it would require a lot of strengthening of the door structure.

[Rory428]

Royce, have you considered running without the top? My buddy used to drag race his Cobra kit car, which ran low 10s with a 460 Ford and C6, and he had a windshield, no top, and he had wrist restraints which attached to the latch of his 5 point SFI safety harness. He built a funny car style cage, and at one race, the car turned right during a wheelstand, climbed over the concrete guard wall, flipped over, and landed on the grass on the other side of the wall, an he walked out with no injuries. The wrist restrains are to prevent your arms from getting outside the confines of the car body, and it worked quite well in his case.

[frnkeore]

Royce,
For a answer that won't be disputed, call Ken Gentry. He is the N/W inspector and is easy and willing to talk about it. He's in his early '70's and has been doing it for more than 30 yrs.

He is extremely strict but, is also very helpful in solving problem. I'm sure he can answer all your question. Tell him I sent you (Frank Elliott, with the Red Austin Healey).

His number is: 208 249 8030

[Royce]

Thanks Frank  I'll do that

[Royce]

Well the "Official" by the book rule is you need all windows in place..  I asked about window nets and Ken claimed a track is living dangerously if they allow them in place of side windows..   In the end I guess it is up to the inspectors and track officials .. The events I have raced recently are pretty loosy goosey as far as the letter of the law.. I guess I will fab up some windows to be safe  Grrrrr

[TomP]

Royce, have you considered running without the top? My buddy used to drag race his Cobra kit car, which ran low 10s with a 460 Ford and C6, and he had a windshield, no top, and he had wrist restraints which attached to the latch of his 5 point SFI safety harness. He built a funny car style cage, and at one race, the car turned right during a wheelstand, climbed over the concrete guard wall, flipped over, and landed on the grass on the other side of the wall, an he walked out with no injuries. The wrist restrains are to prevent your arms from getting outside the confines of the car body, and it worked quite well in his case.

Rory, don't leave these guys hanging like that! There is a video! Whole thing is good and the incident is at 2.35. John is still missed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXKPgxLL1OQ

[Royce]

Well final word on windows...  Rules are rules.. Talked to the tech at Dragway 42.. I did find out that the reason is not for driver safety so much as to keep the top and rear window from blowing off the car from air getting inside.. Course if I left the rear window out....   That did not fly either.. I have a call in to Rube Goldberg for a quick and dirty solution

[Rory428]

Royce, have you considered running without the top? My buddy used to drag race his Cobra kit car, which ran low 10s with a 460 Ford and C6, and he had a windshield, no top, and he had wrist restraints which attached to the latch of his 5 point SFI safety harness. He built a funny car style cage, and at one race, the car turned right during a wheelstand, climbed over the concrete guard wall, flipped over, and landed on the grass on the other side of the wall, an he walked out with no injuries. The wrist restrains are to prevent your arms from getting outside the confines of the car body, and it worked quite well in his case.

Rory, don't leave these guys hanging like that! There is a video! Whole thing is good and the incident is at 2.35. John is still missed.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cXKPgxLL1OQ

Tom, hard to believe it has been 30 years since John had the "incident". You can see when he got out of the car, he had the restraints still on his wrists.

[Falcon67]

Love my arm restraints, hope I never "need" them like that!