WCMA Technical Bulletin - 06022015
Effective May 30th 2015 the WCMA Technical Regulations will be update as follows:
Appendix 2 - COMPETITOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT - section 3.f - Driver Restraint Systems - will be replaced in its entirety with:
f) The shoulder straps shall be of 76mm (3”) minimum width, however when used in conjunction with a HANS-style device HANS-specific two-inch/three-inch hybrid shoulder straps are permitted. Lap belt and anti-submarine strap(s) shall be of 44mm (1.73”) minimum width, however it is recommended that lap belts are 76mm (3”)in width. It is also recommended to have load spreading padding at pressure points.
Background
While preforming annual technical inspections a large number of driver restraints were found to be non-complaint with Appendix 2 - COMPETITOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT - section 3.f - Driver Restraint Systems of the WCMA Technical regulations. As the Lap belts were 44mm (2”).
a) It is recommended to have load spreading padding at pressure points. The lap belt and shoulder straps shall be of 76mm (3”) minimum width and the anti-submarine strap(s) of 44mm (1.73”) minimum width. HANS-specific two-inch/three-inch hybrid shoulder straps are permitted, but only when used in conjunction with a HANS-style device.
But these belts were complaint with Appendix 2 - COMPETITOR SAFETY EQUIPMENT - section 3.a - Driver Restraint Systems of the WCMA Technical regulations and FIA 8853. As the belts were label FIA 8853.
f) All race cars in WCMA events must utilize either a five (5), six (6) or seven (7) point restraint harness meeting FIA/ISO standard No. 8853 or SFI 16.1 at all times during practice, qualifying and the race. The restraint system installation is subject to approval of the scrutineer.
Regulations from neighboring regions including the CACC, SCCA and NASA were review and the requirement for a 3” minimum lap belt was found to be unique to the WCMA and while 76MM (3”) belts maybe preferable 44MM (2”) meet the FIA requirement and should be permitted.
Gary Lohues / Gary Roberts
WCMA Chief Scrutineer / WCMA VP
