How strict is the "same seat same harness" rule?

[Tsurara]

Currently I have a rollbar, two 6 point harnesses and one "race" seat in my car. My issue is that I don't REALLY want to shell out the cash for a second seat since the one I bought was pretty expensive and I have other financial obligations at the moment. How strict is the "same seat same harness" rule? I have a 6 point for the passenger and my stock seat has shoulder guides (It is a Lancer Evolution, so it has Recaro seats). Will I get a lot of grief for this? I would like some new wheels and tires but if I won't be allowed to run I will just take the hit on another seat.

Thanks in advance.

Passenger Seat is pictured for those of you not familiar with the stock Evo seats:
http://www.rsportscars.com/foto/09/evowagon06_seats.jpg

[Mark Swinehart]

Are you sure the rules specify that the passenger's and driver's seat be the same?

[rajito]

I don't see anything in the rules about seats, just harnesses:

3. Instructors and passengers of Instructors seat belt restraint system during driver schools and practice shall be of equal or greater restraint capability, as compared to the drivers seat belt restraint system, including type, width, and number of points. This is to ensure that the Instructor is not subjected to aggressive driving that the driver would be willing subject himself to, based on the level of driver seat belt restraint.

So OEM seat should be fine, right?
Raj

[Tsurara]

Are you sure the rules specify that the passenger's and driver's seat be the same?

I was actually told by a friend who has been doing this for a while that this was the case. I guess I shouldn't have trusted him

[WillM]

I don't see anything in the rules about seats, just harnesses:
So OEM seat should be fine, right?
Raj

Hey Tsurara,

First of all, sweet ride!

Are you a student? If an instructor will be seated in the passenger seat, then I think it is a courtesy that you owe him or her. The race seat is also a safety item. A student's car should have the same safety equipment for both driver and student.

If the long-term plan is not to have a race seat in the passenger side, then I would suggest looking for a similar seat for the passenger side. Does not have to be exactly the same. A decent Momo fiberglass seat can be had inexpensively, especially used one.

Whether it is in the rulebook or not, I think it is the right thing to do.

Cheers,

Will

[cuda6666]

Does the equal belt rule extend to instructor cars when the instructor is giving the student a ride for instructional purposes?

[Mark Swinehart]

The rule does not differentiate between an Instructors or Students vehicle.

The rule states: “Instructors and passengers of Instructors seat belt restraint system during driver schools and practice shall be of equal or greater restraint capability, as compared to the drivers seat belt restraint system . . .â€

[mtc13]

Can you swap out the race seat for the stocker when carrying a "passenger"? Those look like pretty trick seats - maybe use the stocker on Day One of the event, then swap back to the race seat if you get signed-off to "solo" on Day Two.

-Michael TC 13

[Tsurara]

I don't see anything in the rules about seats, just harnesses:
So OEM seat should be fine, right?
Raj

Hey Tsurara,

First of all, sweet ride!

Are you a student? If an instructor will be seated in the passenger seat, then I think it is a courtesy that you owe him or her. The race seat is also a safety item. A student's car should have the same safety equipment for both driver and student.

If the long-term plan is not to have a race seat in the passenger side, then I would suggest looking for a similar seat for the passenger side. Does not have to be exactly the same. A decent Momo fiberglass seat can be had inexpensively, especially used one.

Whether it is in the rulebook or not, I think it is the right thing to do.

Cheers,

Will

Hi Will,

Thanks for the compliment, I love the car and am having lots of fun with it. I actually wouldn't mind getting a second "race style" seat if it doesn't have to be the same brand. My drivers seat set me back a lot and I didnt want to have to get two of them yet, but if any seat will work as long as it is a "race" style, that puts some of the strain off.

Can you swap out the race seat for the stocker when carrying a "passenger"? Those look like pretty trick seats - maybe use the stocker on Day One of the event, then swap back to the race seat if you get signed-off to "solo" on Day Two.

-Michael TC 13

I suppose I could, but carrying the additional seat + rail would be a stretch for me unless I borrow someones car. The stock seats arent bad but they don't have a lot of support for someone of my size. I should be licensed at my next event which is why I am questioning the investment

[eclip5e]

Are you sure the rules specify that the passenger's and driver's seat be the same?

I was actually told by a friend who has been doing this for a while that this was the case. I guess I shouldn't have trusted him

I think i said BMW said equal harness, equal seat. I forget. Check the rules.

[SSNH]

Thanks for the compliment, I love the car and am having lots of fun with it.

...will you be selling the eclipse? it looks like it would be a perfect st2 car for someone

http://www.zerostagemonster.com/mymelody.html

[WillM]

Are you sure the rules specify that the passenger's and driver's seat be the same?

I was actually told by a friend who has been doing this for a while that this was the case. I guess I shouldn't have trusted him

I think i said BMW said equal harness, equal seat. I forget. Check the rules.

That makes sense because BMW does have an "equal seat" requirement, but I believe that we (COM) do not have it expressly written in our rulebook.

The Evo seats are really awesome, but as you said, aren't the most supportive for track duty. Worse, there is no opening for anti-sub belts (that I am aware, at least).

As long as the seat for the instructor performs as well as the driver's seat, I would think you'd be fine. By "performance" I mean that the seat is rugged, attached to the car properly, braced if required (aluminum seat), has openings for harnesses (including anti-sub belts), etc. If you spent crazy money on a carbon fiber, leather covered, gold-plated, seat, in my opinion, you shouldn't have to have the same exact thing for the passenger (instructor). A decent fiberglass seat with openings for 5 or 6-point belts should suffice.

Remember, the instructor is trusting you with their life and well being. Give them the proper safety equipment and try to make it reasonably comfortable (no 14" seats!)!

Above all, be safe, have fun, and bring tons of cash for gas at Mosport!

[Tsurara]

Thanks for the compliment, I love the car and am having lots of fun with it.

...will you be selling the eclipse? it looks like it would be a perfect st2 car for someone

http://www.zerostagemonster.com/mymelody.html

Not my car, but I'll ask him

[offcamber09]

From an instructor's point of view: The belts must absolutely be equal. We don't want the student feeling all safe and snuggly if we can't. As far as the seat goes- I think a factory seat or safe substitute is fine as long as the instructor's head is not above the rollbar (if equipped). It is also much appreciated when the seat is set back far enough so our legs are not pinned up against roll bars or dashboards. Admittedly I do have longer legs than most. Rant done.

[ctier240]

I agree with Scott. The instructor needs to feel as safe as the student. and if a student is in the passanger seat of a instructors car then he (the student) should feel just as safe. I know I won't get in to a car if I feel unsafe. Just my $0.02.

But come to think of it I have never not got into a car