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2015 Cup Safety Requirements 
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A few years back there was a fiery crash at Mid Ohio involving a 944. Several lessons can be learned from the video describing the crash.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shg92VqoSYY

Here are a few we should all consider in preparing our cars and practices to follow while on track, and I am sure there are others.

First, stopping on the track should be avoided if at all possible, especially on the driving line, in particular one with limited visibility in the approach. Whether because of an incident or a mechanical breakdown, or even a red flag, bring the car to rest as far off the track as possible, preferably in a protected area and away from areas adjacent to the driving line where cars are more likely to find you if they go off track. Bad things happen when cars going fast hit cars that are stopped.

Second, fire suppressant systems should be installed in all cars that allow the driver to engage from the driver's seat while buckled in. The expense is minimal and they are simple to install. Multiple outlets for fire suppressing chemicals should be place in the interior, engine bay and by the fuel tank. This is not a place where money and weight need to be saved.

Third, fasten your safety belts properly with the latch facing up. Give yourself plenty of time to get buckled in and situated prior to a track session. Being in a rush to get our on track increases the likelihood of making mistakes. Safety equipments works best when properly used.

Fourth, if you have modified the car in a way that may make the car more vulnerable in a crash, consider strengthening those areas in other ways to protect the driver. The rules allow for removal of stock bumpers, bumper shocks, and the spare tire well. These mods will lessen the ability of the car to better withstand a heavy crash in the rear, especially the rear corner passenger side, where the fuel tank is least protected. Even in stock configuration, the rear of the car is more vulnerable without the spare tire in place. Currently the rules allow impact absorbing material may be positioned between the fuel tank and rear of the car.

Beginning in 2015, the Cup rules will require impact absorbing material be positioned between the fuel tank and rear of the car when the stock bumpers are removed and/or the spare tire well removed or modified.

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Dave Derecola
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cup944@aol.com


Thu Mar 06, 2014 6:31 pm
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Through the tremendous efforts of Brian Weathered at Midwest Eurosport, the series will be working with BSCI Energy Impact Systems to make available to drivers state of the art technology impact foam in shapes and sizes that will fit into the 944 stock spare tire well, inside the rear fender wells, and the area created when the spare tire well is removed.

We are hoping to have these new safety pieces available by the summer of this year for those who want to install this added safety measure to 944 race cars in the interim. We think this addition will go along way to assist in preventing the type of incidents seen in the video from Mid Ohio. Not only will this addition to your car's safety system for the driver, it has the added potential of minimizing damage to your car if involved in a rear end collision.

Here are some examples of the prototype for the impact foam for the tire well delete application.


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Dave Derecola
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cup944@aol.com
Fri Mar 07, 2014 11:00 am
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The gas tank protetcion described here is still in the development stage. Will advise when avaiilable.


Also, note that pca will require the driver side window net to be attached at all fastener point to the roll cage.

Have all discussed with pca the idea of requiring two working brake light to get on track. They have agreed to clarify their rules. If a brake light goes out while on track, the car driver will be advised when returning to pit. If both lights go out on track, the car will be black flagged.

The 944 Cup rules are bring changed to require an FIA approved flashing rain light for use during wet weather track sessions. The flashing rain light mounting location should be in the area between the rear tail lights. This rule will require pca enforcement so until pca accepts this safety provision, which I have proposed, the rule only will be enforced at a non pca event. Such as: https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/produ ... RecID=5603 . We have all raced in wet weather with near impossible conditions, and we kept racing. They can be installed to turn on when you turn on the windshield wipers, headlights, or tail lights. The lights blink continuously for an added measure of safety. Each LED is isolated on its own individual circuit -- one failed LED will not knock out any others. Think about the fact we won't start a track event because of fog, yet we will rain all day long in wet weather conditions where the visibilityconditions can be as bad, especially because of the spray which gets worse every year with wider tires.

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Dave Derecola
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cup944@aol.com


Sun Nov 09, 2014 10:53 am
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Director wrote:


Have all discussed with pca the idea of requiring two working brake light to get on track. They have agreed to clarify their rules. If a brake light goes out while on track, the car driver will be advised when returning to pit. If both lights go out on track, the car will be black flagged.

...........



Now per PCA rule book: Cars must have two working brake lights, at least as bright as stock. Corner workers are instructed to notify the National Steward if a car has less than two brake lights on the track. If the car has no brake lights, it will be black flagged. If a car has only one brake light while on track, the National Scrutineers will attempt to notify the driver after the session.

Racers can expect that the Scrutineers will strongly recommend getting this fixed, because with only one working brake light there is no reserve before you get a black flag if the other one stops working also.

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Dave Derecola
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cup944@aol.com


Sat Nov 22, 2014 10:48 am
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