Solo cars in TT events

[X-RAT]

I know there are a lot of those little CSP Miatas running around that fit this category (though this is not a Miata specific question), so hopefully I'll get a quick and concise response from people who are actually doing this (as compared to folks not running Solo cars in TT events but just quoting from the rule book - I need first hand experience)

a. Is a Log Book required? If not, how is Tech at the event(s) handled for Solo cars? Should/can a Log Book be ordered/issued for a Solo car just for convience sake (to keep from having to answer the same questions over and over at each different event)?

b. I saw mentioned somewhere that, at the TT School, the instructor does NOT ride with the student. My Solo Class requires that the car must run with the number of seats that came with the car. I read somewhere else that the passenger seat should match the drivers seat (safety wise) out of courtesy for the driver instructor. Do I need to heed this, or can I just upgrade the drivers seat and leave my stock passenger seat in place (since the instructor will not be riding with me and I can't have passengers in a TT event anyway).

c. How do most folks handle the FIA / SFI requirement for seating in a Solo car? I don't recall seeing anyone with a seat brace (from seat to roll bar), but I never thought to look either. Do most folks just spend the big bucks for a FIA seat or go the SFI w/seat brace route? Are there any spec requirements for the seat brace or can I just take a swing at making one myself?

d. Will there be sufficient AMB Transponders to rent at the different SEDiv TT events? Which SEDiv TT events require their use? I too am running almost at my budget limit getting the car TT prepped and the cost for my own personal AMB Transponder is pretty much out of the question at least this year. But I don't want to just trust blind luck if there are only a limited amount of rental units available at each event.

e. Any tips on where to mount the AMB Transponder cradle on a Solo car?

f. Any tips on where the SFI padding needs to be mounted for a roll bar? I know the canned answer is anywhere the helmet/body might impact it. But mine is not a full cage, just a roll bar mounted 'behind' the front seat. There is currently no place where either my helmet or body can impact the roll bar itself. Do I just show up without any padding, or go ahead and put some on the top just to make it 'look safer' ?

g. Does the standard marine-type plastic battery box meet the requirements to mount a battery in the rear compartment of a hatchback (no real trunk, no separation between 'trunk' and rest of driver compartment)? Would using a Optima battery negate this requirement since it's sealed cell?

Sorry for all the questions at one time, but I'm starting to over obsess on this as the season draws ever nearer.

[Welacey]

I know there are a lot of those little CSP Miatas running around that fit this category (though this is not a Miata specific question), so hopefully I'll get a quick and concise response from people who are actually doing this (as compared to folks not running Solo cars in TT events but just quoting from the rule book - I need first hand experience)

a. Is a Log Book required? If not, how is Tech at the event(s) handled for Solo cars? Should/can a Log Book be ordered/issued for a Solo car just for convience sake (to keep from having to answer the same questions over and over at each different event)?

b. I saw mentioned somewhere that, at the TT School, the instructor does NOT ride with the student. My Solo Class requires that the car must run with the number of seats that came with the car. I read somewhere else that the passenger seat should match the drivers seat (safety wise) out of courtesy for the driver instructor. Do I need to heed this, or can I just upgrade the drivers seat and leave my stock passenger seat in place (since the instructor will not be riding with me and I can't have passengers in a TT event anyway).

c. How do most folks handle the FIA / SFI requirement for seating in a Solo car? I don't recall seeing anyone with a seat brace (from seat to roll bar), but I never thought to look either. Do most folks just spend the big bucks for a FIA seat or go the SFI w/seat brace route? Are there any spec requirements for the seat brace or can I just take a swing at making one myself?

d. Will there be sufficient AMB Transponders to rent at the different SEDiv TT events? Which SEDiv TT events require their use? I too am running almost at my budget limit getting the car TT prepped and the cost for my own personal AMB Transponder is pretty much out of the question at least this year. But I don't want to just trust blind luck if there are only a limited amount of rental units available at each event.

e. Any tips on where to mount the AMB Transponder cradle on a Solo car?

f. Any tips on where the SFI padding needs to be mounted for a roll bar? I know the canned answer is anywhere the helmet/body might impact it. But mine is not a full cage, just a roll bar mounted 'behind' the front seat. There is currently no place where either my helmet or body can impact the roll bar itself. Do I just show up without any padding, or go ahead and put some on the top just to make it 'look safer' ?

g. Does the standard marine-type plastic battery box meet the requirements to mount a battery in the rear compartment of a hatchback (no real trunk, no separation between 'trunk' and rest of driver compartment)? Would using a Optima battery negate this requirement since it's sealed cell?

Sorry for all the questions at one time, but I'm starting to over obsess on this as the season draws ever nearer.

Maurice you didn't specify what you are driving, it makes a difference.Yes a logbook is required and you will get one if you pass inspection.
A FIA seat for the driver is a good thing, but not necessary for a CSP Miata. You answered your own ? about the passenger seat. Yes you need padding on the roll bar around the driver. The battery needs to be securely fastened. Hope that helps.

[Welacey]

Forgot about transponder. Mount it in front if you can. Think about moving parts, heat, obstructions that the transponder will not transmit through, and if you have an "off" will it be affected?

[X-RAT]

- Merkur, closed roof, two door hatch - DSP
- Kirk SCCA-approved Roll bar installed,
- 5 pt harness(es), fire extinguisher on hand awaiting installation
- Stock seats installed
- Drivers safety gear on hand (inc. arm restraints - if needed)

Most of my questions were because I've gotten different answers from different folks (though none were Solo Car folks, but TT/Club Race folks). More than one has said Solo 2 cars do not require a Log Book for TT, more than one has said that the front seats had to be the same, and no one has been able to answer the Optima battery in the drivers compartment question.

On the transponder, from you answer I'm assuming that you mount it in the engine compartment? I was considering wheel well, or somewhere around the bumper, but my bumpers are covered and though the plastic is not supposed to interfere with the operation, I didn't want to chance it. I guess engine compartment would be more accessible.

Oh, forgot one:

h. Are those Kirkey aluminum race seats like used for dirt track racers considered legal for TT?

No mention on their website if it's FIA approved, but since it's basically all aluminum, I'm assuming that as long as the cover is SFI approved, then it would be okay (of course, their website doesn't say if the cover is SFI approved either).
I have one of these on hand and might consider swapping it in/out for TT events with my stock seat, if legal.

I also have a older Sparco seat on hand, but I can find no tags or markings on it other than the Sparco name. No idea what model it is or if it's FIA or SFI rated. I'm guessing this probably won't fly with the Tech Inspector unless I can prove some sort of certification. I'll try to post a pic later just in case someone can help me identify what it actually is.

[JohnW8]

We'll have transponders for rent at the event. We are limited to how many we have but sharing with someone from a different run group isn't a problem. Place it where it's easy to get to in case you end up sharing one. I put mine on my tiedown loop in the rear of my Miata.

Yes you will need a logbook. If the car is a SOLO car built in compliance to SOLO rules with a roll bar and the TT safety equipment, you should be good to go. The similar safety setup for an instructor seat is a PDX requirement that continually gets lumped in to TT unnecessarily.

I have FIA seats in my SOLO car just so I wouldn't need to get the seat back brace. If you choose to use the aluminum SFI seat a seat back brace MAY BE required. It isn't required YET for SOLO but TT is a different animal. I know folks who use the Aluminum seat in their SOLO cars w/o a seat back brace and they have had no problems with passing tech. I cannot speak for the tech inspectors though. You will need to keep both front seats in the car as per SOLO rules. Harnesses only on the driver seat. No instructor ride alongs so no need to have the extra harness.

Rich is a stickler on roll bar padding. Get a stick and place it on the main hoop behind your head and along the downtube on the main hoop along the drivers side. Use sticky back tape and zip ties because the stick back tape that comes with the padding sucks. They will fall off if not zip-tied.

Don't worry, this will be a fun event!

[Patrix33]

Its best not to mount the transponder, this makes it easier to throw across the finish line and gain that extra .25 needed to beat Andy

[Welacey]

Patrick you could mount yours on the new sex change parts.------

[JohnW8]

[farrout]

You can use an Kirkey Aluminum seat for TT. You have to have the seat back brace for that AL seat in TT. If it were an FIA seat, you would not need the brace. All FIA seats have the FIA marking on them.

Re the Sparco seat, it is probably all right but would require a brace. Not all SFI seats have a marking (my Ultrashied does not)

Rich, Mark or I can issue a TT Logbook and inspect the car. Cost is $10.

Last summer there was a discussion about requiring a comparable passenger seat. For Level 3/4 events, it is not required since there are no passengers. If your car class (in this case, DSP) requires a passenger seat, you have to have a seat. Stock seat is fine.

Transponder can be mounted anywhere there is an unobstructed view down to the ground. If you are renting one, we provide brackets which can be ziptied or pop-rivited in.

[EWaugh]

As far as seats go I have a momo FIA seat that I got for $300, I'm pretty sure Sparco has one too. Call Speedsouth, Robert usually has one sitting around.

[zukitek]

As far as seats go I have a momo FIA seat that I got for $300, I'm pretty sure Sparco has one too. Call Speedsouth, Robert usually has one sitting around.

I bought a Sparco from Robert...nice seat ...FIA and a pretty darn good price too.IIRC,it was about $350. or so .

RR

[87RX7RACER]

Wish I could get a FIA seat! My crappy aftermarket seats need to hurry up and sell!