2017 Rules Update? (Page 1 of 2)

There was a FB post (and in direct discussion with him regarding my Imp) where John indicated collapsible steering columns would be required and older cars without DOT/laminated side/rear glass would require them to be replaced.  Basically minor things that don't affect very many cars.  Only possibility of a major change was requiring onboard fire suppression but a decision hadn't been reached.  It is getting late in the year though for them to announce this stuff.

For the people like me (Imp) where they made the things for 13 years but the factory never installed collapsible steering columns and the steering rack is essentially under my feet, I would agree that it's not a minor change.  I've known about it for most of the year and I'm still not set on how I'm gonna do this.  When I said 'minor', I meant the overall rule changes for 2017 as a whole sounded like they would be minor.

Yep, this could make our slow-and-steady upgrade path for the 1948 Plymouth jump a few steps...like all of them that involve retaining the stock drivetrain.

Retrofitting a steering column is really easy.  We do it all the time.  Getting a V-8 engine stuffed around a I-6 engine compartment and steering box is a bit of a challenge.

I need to check on the Rover. The column is a different set up. I found this on the Rover design. I think we are okay, but should probably double check w/HQ.

The P6 steering box is located just barely forward of the firewall, with the track rod running behind the engine to a bell-crank relay, and thus forward to the steering arms on the "swivel pillars". To comply with the federal "Safety Act of 1966", other automobile manufacturers were obliged to install collapsible steering columns. Rover was exempt from this mandate because their design already provided the same benefit.

The fire system wording amuses me. How much force does an EXCEEDINGLY STRONG recommendation hold? Does this mean they're going to be required in 2018 and HQ wants to give everyone as much warning as possible? I assume if that were the case they'd just say so, like they did with SA2005 helmets this past year. Or is this one of those things that they'll fail you for if other aspects of your car are marginal? My car already has a fire system, but I'm just curious. I can't help but think of that argument from A Few Good Men.

"Your honor, I object."
"Overruled."
"Your honor, I STRENUOUSLY object."
"Oh, well, in that case I better think about it..."

I understand why they made the steering column rule, but I am still grumbling loudly about it. ("My got-dang right as an AMERICAN to race with a spear pointed at my chest...") I'll stop short of grumbling EXCEEDINGLY LOUDLY about it, though. I just hope this doesn't discourage teams from bringing more awesome old Detroit iron to these races.

You guessed it.  They are politely saying GET ONE NOW, because in 2018 it will be required.  They aren't expensive, it's a good idea, so just do it.

Yup. Similar with HANS, they provided some heads up.

And also... just do it:
http://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports … -fireball/

I'm still surprised having a removable wheel isn't required per the rules.  Having one makes ingress much easier, not to mention if you need to get out quick, not having the steering wheel in the way surely helps.

Honestly?, I think it would be really bad.  When I was doing 50-70 races a year, it seems like at least once a year someone would write off a car because they forgot to ensure the wheel was on all the way and stuff it in the first corner.  So if the people who are in and out of the car at least one day a week screw that up, can you imagine the screwup rate when people are racing only 3 or 4 times a year?  And then add in hurried pitstops?  If you need a removeable wheel to get in/out, by all means put one in the car but please don't mandate it.

I know it happens, and never say never, but it's never happened to my team.  Our removable wheel will only go on one way (indicated by a pointer) so it's either on or it's not.  Using that logic, we probably shouldn't use lug nuts since some teams forget to tighten theirs.

I guess it doesn't really affect me since ours cars have always had one since the first car we built 10 years ago.