2" Lap Belts

[MRLM3]

I know that the new rules process is closed but I stumbled across this item and thought that it should be adressed. It appears that 2" lap belts have become the more accepted choice in racing harnesses from a safety standpoint. BMW Club Racing this year strongly encourages using 2" belts in their new rules and SCCA also makes provison for this. Our rules mandate a minimum 3" belt which I bet makes a number of us technically illegal. It may be a small point but I would think it to be a no-brainer to change.

[therooster]

I think that those new 2" belt allowances are associated with the use of Head and Neck Restraints like the HANS device and etc... and only apply to the shoulder belts not the lap belts. I could be wrong.

Chris A.

[kfoote]

Going to a 2" lap belt does have some merit, and with the materials advances a properly 2" lap belt designed today is just as safe as a 3" lap belt from 15 years ago. I would reccommend something along the lines of "a 3" belt or 2" lap belt with SFI or FIA certification through no earlier than 2007, or a 2" shoulder belt when used in conjunction with the HANS device."

[MRLM3]

Here are the relevant sections from the 2006 BMW rulebook:

4. SAFETY HARNESSES - All drivers in BMW CCA Club Racing events must
utilize a 6-point harness, meeting SFI 16.1, SFI 16.5, FIA 8853 standards, with a 2” or 3” lap belt, 2” sub-strap, and 2” (HANS use only) or 3” shoulder belts. 5-point harnesses are being phased out and will no longer be allowed following the expiration of their current certification. Sternum straps are not recommended and are not permitted with the HANS.

C. TWO INCH LAP BELTS - Two-inch lap belts are strongly recommended.
Two inch lap belts have been shown to provide faster loading of the lap belt resulting in lower loads to the chest, head, and neck. Fitment around the pelvis is better allowing the belt to be worn tighter while being more
comfortable and easier to adjust. The smaller adjusters are less likely to get caught up in the small lap belt holes provided in most seats. Two inch lap belts are currently only available with FIA certified harnesses.

[brucesallen]

Hre is a link to the new SCCA rule changes effective january 1, 2006
http://www.hmsmotorsport.com/docs/SCCAR ... nchLap.pdf