Full roll cage attachment

[Croc]

They all seem like great guys with lots of rules. I am now considering starting with a Caged roll cage, built with 1.375 tube and an extra side bar. Perhaps an additional fixing point lower on the chassis.

 

 

Have you confirmed with Caterham UK to see if their cages (that you can buy aftermarket) are FIA compliant? I would have thought the answer was yes given the number of racing series they operate in Europe and UK.

[S1Steve]

FIA compliant does not mean SCCA compliant.

[Klasik-69]

I looked closely at SPU, but they have power to weight requirements of 1.1 lbs per CC. My 2.3L would need to be 2,530!

 

My inspectiors are saying that a full roll cage is requared for all cars being issued a log book now. I don't see ASP in the GCR book? But a run what you have class sounds like just the ticket.

 

Here is Mog-Racing's side impact bars that they use for german club racing:

 

http://mog-racing.com/de/Mediashare/view/aid/14#

 

My GCR book doesn't show that regarding the 1.1lbs/cc but my book is 2010, and when I talked to John Bauer at SCCA, he never mentioned it either. He is very familiar with the Caterham R300 so its not like he doesn't know what I have.

 

The ASP designation is not in the GCR, its in the Solo rule book.

 

You know what this is all about, TOO MANY FRIGGIN RULES. If there is anything I really hate about the SCCA, its their rules. They have become like the government, bogged down with rules. We just want to have fun.

[Klasik-69]

Have you confirmed with Caterham UK to see if their cages (that you can buy aftermarket) are FIA compliant? I would have thought the answer was yes given the number of racing series they operate in Europe and UK.

 

European racing doesn't follow SCCA rules but seem more into the FIA scheme of things. The SCCA seems to follow FIA procedures for safety, like seat belts, race suits, helmets, etc.

[Croc]

European racing doesn't follow SCCA rules but seem more into the FIA scheme of things. The SCCA seems to follow FIA procedures for safety, like seat belts, race suits, helmets, etc.

 

 

Yep that was what I was trying to say. If a Caterham OEM cage was FIA approved then SCCA might accept it under their rules since they follow FIA rules on other elements of safety. But SCCA may have decided to set up their own rules in contravention of FIA since bureaucrats do like to keep busy....:leaving:

[blubarisax]

I thought the Caged OEM cage was FIA approved???

[blubarisax]

Here is a clip from the April, 2011 GCR, Page 482

 

 

9.1.4. Super Touring Category Specifications

 

I. Weights and Engine Allowances

Minimum weights for cars with normally aspirated piston engines will be determined by 1.1 lbs/cc displacement for the installed engine (see following table). Displacement is the factory displace- ment for the installed engine. For the purpose of weight assign- ment, engine displacement will be rounded to the nearest 100cc (e.g., 2150cc = 2200cc and 2149cc = 2100cc).

 

Here is a link to the current GCR online: http://www.scca.com/clubracing/content.cfm?cid=44472

 

The current plan is to get a tall caterham race cage from Caged. I spoke to them this morning and they made building a tall cage sound easy. They discouraged making an "SCCA Approved" cage as they end up being very heavy. Has anyone here shipped a cage from the UK, it can't be cheap.

Edited March 27, 2012 by blubarisax

[dallasdude]

I would check with Criag Chima and see what you can build a cage for. He has an imperial dedion available to build it to for Kalsic-69....This is a picture of the cage almost all the cars racing in SCCA use. Caterham had them built by Caged and they were shipped with the "Factory race cars" so freight was not so much an issue. If they have to crate it, crating can be as much as freight.

 

This one has a harness bar added for Hans usage.

Edited March 27, 2012 by dallasdude

[Boxologist]

Here is a clip from the April, 2011 GCR, Page 482

 

 

9.1.4. Super Touring Category Specifications

 

I. Weights and Engine Allowances

Minimum weights for cars with normally aspirated piston engines will be determined by 1.1 lbs/cc displacement for the installed engine (see following table). Displacement is the factory displace- ment for the installed engine. For the purpose of weight assign- ment, engine displacement will be rounded to the nearest 100cc (e.g., 2150cc = 2200cc and 2149cc = 2100cc).

 

Here is a link to the current GCR online: http://www.scca.com/clubracing/content.cfm?cid=44472

 

The current plan is to get a tall caterham race cage from Caged. I spoke to them this morning and they made building a tall cage sound easy. They discouraged making an "SCCA Approved" cage as they end up being very heavy. Has anyone here shipped a cage from the UK, it can't be cheap.

 

But Karl, no Caterham, or even Lotus 7 is allowed in any of the Super Touring classes. Caterham is only in E Production, and under specific allowances.

[Boxologist]

damn dbl post.

[blubarisax]

So much for driving with SCCA. E Production has specific requirements for motors and trans that I don't come close to meeting.

[Boxologist]

The SCCA Time Trials fall under the Solo classes which would have you in D or E Mod. And I'm not sure which region in NeDiv are running that program yet. Maybe WDCR? NASA's local club, MotorsportsNE has a very active TT program. Talk to Jake Namer who is that programs chairman.

[Klasik-69]

I would check with Criag Chima and see what you can build a cage for. He has an imperial dedion available to build it to for Kalsic-69....This is a picture of the cage almost all the cars racing in SCCA use. Caterham had them built by Caged and they were shipped with the "Factory race cars" so freight was not so much an issue. If they have to crate it, crating can be as much as freight.

 

This one has a harness bar added for Hans usage.

 

One question.............how in the world do you get into the car with this cage ? I don't know about you but I'm no leprechan, 5-10 and 215 lbs. My 12 year old granddaughter might be able to crawl through those bars.

 

For the record, the original Lotus with the 1.4 or 1.6 L engines may well qualify for E Modified class but the Caterhams won't with the 2.0 L or 2.3L engines. That is why they're being thrown into the SPU, which is Super Production and I think the U means unlimited but not absolutely sure on that. However, if you're in the SPU class, you need a full FIA/SCCA approved roll cage. That being said, unless you're a very small person and have a 28" waist, how much fun would it be to spend 30 minutes trying to crawl into the collosal mess of tubes, then have to call the fire department to cut you out of it. Not for me.

[Klasik-69]

The SCCA Time Trials fall under the Solo classes which would have you in D or E Mod. And I'm not sure which region in NeDiv are running that program yet. Maybe WDCR? NASA's local club, MotorsportsNE has a very active TT program. Talk to Jake Namer who is that programs chairman.

 

 

I think the confusion starts with which car are we talking about ....the orginal Lotus 7 or the Caterhams, never mind the stalkers with their supercharged V6 or LSX V8 engines. Another guy driving in the SEDIV TT has a 1971 Lotus and is running in the SPU class, but he has a full roll cage. I'm not sure if its the original Lotus roll cage, in which case he may be grandfathered and only have to add the NASCAR bars (don't know how). Also, each division in the SCCA may have different sets of "local" rules. I talked to John Bauer at SCCA headquarters in Topeka, KS for guidance. He readily admitted that the Lotus/Caterham variations pose a problem because of the variety of power train combinations and the very limited size of the vehicle to make adhere to the standard safety rules. He told me there are some cases where individual appeals from racers were taken into consideration and a variance was granted, but it was a difficult process and not one he recommended.

[yellowss7]

Karl, if you are interested in doing the TT thing, the Lotus Cup is run at various tracks including NJMP. It's a normal trackday and a TT at the end for bragging rights. The next one is in May. http://lotuspals.ning.com/events/sports-and-specialists-njmp-spring-track-day

 

I ran with these guys a couple of times. Nice group, well run and pretty safe.

 

Tom

[Klasik-69]

Karl, if you are interested in doing the TT thing, the Lotus Cup is run at various tracks including NJMP. It's a normal trackday and a TT at the end for bragging rights. The next one is in May. http://lotuspals.ning.com/events/sports-and-specialists-njmp-spring-track-day

 

I ran with these guys a couple of times. Nice group, well run and pretty safe.

 

Tom

 

Do you guys ever work your way south or do you just do track events in the NE ?

[rnr]

One question.............how in the world do you get into the car with this cage ? I don't know about you but I'm no leprechan, 5-10 and 215 lbs. My 12 year old granddaughter might be able to crawl through those bars.

 

I believe most people get in from above and slip into the seat. Not sure what they plan to do if they roll over and stop upside down.

 

 

Do you guys ever work your way south or do you just do track events in the NE ?

 

Lotus Cup started in the West Coast at Lotus Cup USA and has 8 or so events out here.

Website at: http://www.lotuscupusa.us/

[yellowss7]

Do you guys ever work your way south or do you just do track events in the NE ?

 

I usually do NJMP, however I have trailered to Barber Motorsport Park in Birmingham and Summit Point in W.V.

 

Why don't you come on up and join the gathering of Sevens at NJMP in June?

 

Tom

[dallasdude]

One question.............how in the world do you get into the car with this cage ? I don't know about you but I'm no leprechan, 5-10 and 215 lbs. My 12 year old granddaughter might be able to crawl through those bars.

 

For the record, the original Lotus with the 1.4 or 1.6 L engines may well qualify for E Modified class but the Caterhams won't with the 2.0 L or 2.3L engines. That is why they're being thrown into the SPU, which is Super Production and I think the U means unlimited but not absolutely sure on that. However, if you're in the SPU class, you need a full FIA/SCCA approved roll cage. That being said, unless you're a very small person and have a 28" waist, how much fun would it be to spend 30 minutes trying to crawl into the collosal mess of tubes, then have to call the fire department to cut you out of it. Not for me.

 

I'm a little lighter at 6 feet and about 190 pounds but I am 60 years old. It's really pretty easy to step on the side bar and drop in through thorough the top. One of the guys in Houston racing one outweighs me by probably at least 30-40 pounds and is older than me by several years. One of the other guys from Houston posts on this board occasionally and is about the same size or a little smaller. Both are well over 6 foot.

 

You can go in and out through the side bars but not with a Hans and a helmet on. In through the top is one quick easy motion....

 

The spec for these cages and cars was developed by the former Caterham distributor in Atlanta and submitted to the SCCA for approval for E Production. The were shipped from England as factory race cars with this cage, an ATL fuel cell, a Firebottle fire system and a master switch on the cowl. From 1999 to 2002 there were about 10-12 built and all but a couple had a Stack 8100 dash. They all had a basically stock Mystique/Contour or Focus engine. They were also raced also outside SCCA in a series that a Caterham dealer (GT Classics) put on across the US. I don't believe any were ever licensed or driven on the street. Five of the cars are being raced with SCCA in Texas and one is in Ohio. One is in the Dakotas. Several have been pretty throughly crashed including one that went off at the kink at Road America last year. Several years ago someone petitioned the SCCA for an alternate cage, and a couple were changed to different cage that was lighter and more aerodynamic, but it was still a full cage quite a bit of side protection. Looked to me like it was would be harder to get in and out of.

[Kitcat]

SCCA allows Zetec engine in Caterhams in E-prod. There is a weight minimum, valve specs etc. But, the car isn't esp competitive. Lack of areo really kills it on straights, combined with relatively modest power. I saw one win the SCCA Runoffs at Mid-O some years ago-after the top 4-5 cars took each other out on a last lap burst of red-mist/over-aggression. So the Caterham, in distant 5th, inherited the win.