New 2008 Driver's Ed Rules
New Rules for 2008 will become effective at the 4/9/2008 HPDE event
1) 5 or 6 point harness restrictions and installation requirements from PCA minimum standards requirements
This rule only applies to vehicles with aftermarket installed safety restraint systems.
If you have the OEM 3 point seat belts installed these are perfectly acceptable for use in an HPDE event.
Harness Systems: If the participant chooses to install a 5 or 6 point driving harness several changes to the automobile must be made to create a safe occupant restraint system. Harnesses must include an antisubmarine strap and be mounted in an approved manner consistent the manufacturer’s instructions. The Harness system must be used in conjunction with a seat which has the supplied routing holes for the shoulder and anti-submarine belts. All pieces of the restraint system must be installed in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
This means that a seat is required to have the proper routing holes for the harness as supplied by the seat manufacturer for the shoulder and anti-submarine straps. The shoulder straps should be mounted at 90 degrees to the axis of your spine or at most 40 degrees down from horizontal. Because the addition of the harness system means that the occupants are fastened upright in the vehicle, a properly padded roll bar or roll cage is strongly encouraged to complete the SYSTEM. The use of one without the other may result in an unsafe environment and is not a COMPLETE SYSTEM.
Due to UV degradation and wear the harness webbing must be replaced every five years.
In general 4 point restraint systems that do not incorporate antisubmarine technology are not allowed in vehicles at ORPCA HPDE events. The exception to this rule is if the vehicles owner can produce documentation proving certification by the manufacturer that the 4 point system is suitable for use on their vehicle and incorporates antisubmarine technology then this system will be allowed provided it is installed in compliance with the manufacturers instructions
PCA Harness Standard Amendment effective 3/2008:
In addition to the standard SFI and/ or FIA approved five and/or six point system, the standard will allow a four point system that meets the following requirements:
1. Meet the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard 209
2. Attaches to the factory seat belt mounting points
3. Each belt is designed to work in a specific vehicle and that vehicle tag must be attached to the belt system
An example of a system that meets the above criteria is the Schroth Quick Fit system.
For a more complete description of ORPCA's implementation of the rule see the Annual Technical Inspection sheet.
2) Car Technical inspection requirements
ANNUAL TECHNICAL INSPECTION is REQUIRED for all PARTICIPANTS CARS
New in 2008: We require an annual tech inspection at the shop of your choice.
At the first event we have noted that a few of you have chosen shops that are not really familiar with Motorsports or your specific automobile. This is your choice but I want to remind you that you are required to bring a track worthy vehicle to our events. A shop familiar with the stresses and wear experienced in track driving and with your specific automobile will do a better job of this inspection for you.
There are many of these shops available in the Portland area. If you are not aware of these shops your respective car club should be able to point you to a shop with the experience needed.
NOTE: For those of you from outside the local area. if your regular HPDE program has a similar requirement and you have already had an annual inspection done, we will accept proof of this inspection as satisfying this requirement provided the items on the inspection list are generally the same. Please contact Don Clinkinbeard to gain our agreement to accept your inspection before you show up at the track.
