Track forum general chit chat.

[roastbeef]

A driver died at Sonoma today. Very sad.

[///Mobbin]

Getting prepped for COTA with Chin next weekend!

[kyrix1st]

Originally Posted by ///Mobbin

Getting prepped for COTA with Chin next weekend!

Does your power bleeder work well? I've heard mixed reviews..

[dparm]

Anyone here running the Schroth SHR Flex? If so, did you have the more traditional HANS before?

I trust the original HANS since it is tried-and-true in a shitload of racing series and real accidents over the years. The SHR Flex has the same SFI 38.1 cert meaning it should offer the same level of protection (in theory), but I'm still skeptical since you always see the pros with the "original" device.

I have also heard that the SHR is a bit more comfortable than the regular HANS, especially on the collarbone. Some people are particularly sensitive to bruising there due to their unique anatomy, though if you are wearing a full suit it adds some additional cushioning.

(FYI there was a recent price drop on the SHR, it's now $499)

[Mantii]

Originally Posted by dparm

Anyone here running the Schroth SHR Flex? If so, did you have the more traditional HANS before?

I trust the original HANS since it is tried-and-true in a shitload of racing series and real accidents over the years. The SHR Flex has the same SFI 38.1 cert meaning it should offer the same level of protection (in theory), but I'm still skeptical since you always see the pros with the "original" device.

I have also heard that the SHR is a bit more comfortable than the regular HANS, especially on the collarbone. Some people are particularly sensitive to bruising there due to their unique anatomy, though if you are wearing a full suit it adds some additional cushioning.

(FYI there was a recent price drop on the SHR, it's now $499)

I have both the SHR and traditional Hans.

I find the SHR more comfortable and lighter, unless you have the Pro Hans that is Carbon. I still don't like that long thing right behind your neck.

I bought the SHR for myself and the Hans for the passenger in case I need it.

One difference I have noticed is that the straps on the SHR have more play versus the traditional Hans. I think this was answered by Schroth, saying it is normal and that the Straps tighten on impact.

I trust Schroth, I'm sure they know what they are doing. The SHR looks similar to the Simpson hybrid which I have seen pro drivers use in IMSA for example

[Visceral]

Originally Posted by kyrix1st

Does your power bleeder work well? I've heard mixed reviews..

I have the same one.

I'll never do it any other way.

That said, I never put fluid in the bleeder. I always refill the car's resevoir and keep an eye on the fluid level. That way there's zero cleanup, up if I only use SRF on anything.

[romemmy]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

A driver died at Sonoma today. Very sad.

Wow, that sucks.. any idea how he died? Mechanical failure, heart failure, something else? I heard of an older biker dying at Laguna not too long ago because he literally had a heart attack on the front straight and of course lost control.

Thanks,
S.

[roastbeef]

No idea, some were speculating a heart attack.

[Mantii]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

No idea, some were speculating a heart attack.

There should be a cut off point in terms of age. I'm not discriminating, but a 60 or 70 year old just doesn't have the reflexes or speed of thought a younger driver has. In addition, heart is doing a lot more work at those speeds, and if someone isn't fit or has other cardiovascular issues such as cholesterol etc, these things will happen. Why introduce more potential issues when there is already so much that can go wrong on track?

Sad story either way, not something we want to see. Stay safe everyone, track season starting.

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Mantii

There should be a cut off point in terms of age. I'm not discriminating, but a 60 or 70 year old just doesn't have the reflexes or speed of thought a younger driver has. In addition, heart is doing a lot more work at those speeds, and if someone isn't fit or has other cardiovascular issues such as cholesterol etc, these things will happen. Why introduce more potential issues when there is already so much that can go wrong on track?

Sad story either way, not something we want to see. Stay safe everyone, track season starting.

^ sorry but that is complete BS

Driving competently on track is not about lightning reflexes, its about feel, anticipation and sensory feedback.
Cognitive power doesn't magically disappear at a certain age.

I agree about fitness and or physical limitations, but that applies regardless of age.

...and yes I'm 65+ and getting faster every year.

[dparm]

Originally Posted by Mantii

I have both the SHR and traditional Hans.

I find the SHR more comfortable and lighter, unless you have the Pro Hans that is Carbon. I still don't like that long thing right behind your neck.

I bought the SHR for myself and the Hans for the passenger in case I need it.

One difference I have noticed is that the straps on the SHR have more play versus the traditional Hans. I think this was answered by Schroth, saying it is normal and that the Straps tighten on impact.

I trust Schroth, I'm sure they know what they are doing. The SHR looks similar to the Simpson hybrid which I have seen pro drivers use in IMSA for example

Thanks, good info. The tether slack isn't really a big deal, based on what even Simpson has said.

I am also eyeing the Simpson Hybrid and might even rent one for a weekend to see what I think. It looks much more comfortable than the HANS/SHR. I have 4-points so the ability to use it with factory 3-point belts isn't a selling point, but that flexibility is pretty awesome.

[M3 Number 86]

Simpson hybrid is way better. You don't even realize it's on.

[beats]

I am very happy with my Simpson Hybrid. Apex Performance did have some on a discount a while back. It would be worth checking with them. Great shop...

[Mantii]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

^ sorry but that is complete BS

Driving competently on track is not about lightning reflexes, its about feel, anticipation and sensory feedback.
Cognitive power doesn't magically disappear at a certain age.

I agree about fitness and or physical limitations, but that applies regardless of age.

...and yes I'm 65+ and getting faster every year.

Unfortunately it is not bs. I commend you for still pursuing your passion at 65+ but this is an outlier.

Please don't take this as an insult, but I've had too many scary instances on public roads with elderly drivers who ran lights, can't see, swirl around, etc. Just research a bit and you'll find plenty of countries considering regular testing for elderly drivers to make sure they aren't a hazard on the road.

Driving competence has nothing to do with age as this was the case here too. It was apparently a heart attack. How many younger drivers pass out or get heart attacks on track? However, as you age, everything slows down, that's a fact.

If you think your body and "sensors" function the same at 70 versus 20, maybe you should submit yourself to a science study. If reflexes and such aren't important, please tell that to the professional teams to stop their drivers undergoing such tests and training. Let's not even talk about the ability to fully recover from a bigger accident at that age.

If you still got it, more power to you. I hope I can say the same thing at 65.

[M3 Number 86]

Almost got to see a Mustang incident at Cars and Coffee!

[Mantii]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

Almost got to see a Mustang incident at Cars and Coffee!

Lol. Was it you that also recorded a car that started smoking real bad? I thought that one was absolutely hilarious

[inTgr8r]

Originally Posted by Mantii

Unfortunately it is not bs. I commend you for still pursuing your passion at 65+ but this is an outlier.

Please don't take this as an insult, but I've had too many scary instances on public roads with elderly drivers who ran lights, can't see, swirl around, etc. Just research a bit and you'll find plenty of countries considering regular testing for elderly drivers to make sure they aren't a hazard on the road.

Driving competence has nothing to do with age as this was the case here too. It was apparently a heart attack. How many younger drivers pass out or get heart attacks on track? However, as you age, everything slows down, that's a fact.

If you think your body and "sensors" function the same at 70 versus 20, maybe you should submit yourself to a science study. If reflexes and such aren't important, please tell that to the professional teams to stop their drivers undergoing such tests and training. Let's not even talk about the ability to fully recover from a bigger accident at that age.

If you still got it, more power to you. I hope I can say the same thing at 65.

No insult taken, and maybe I wasn't clear.
I'm not disputing the fact that there is no fountain of youth.
I get that.

I am disputing your contention that there should be cut off based on age.
It should be based purely on health and competency regardless of age.

If there was some way to monitor/test for this, i would be 100% behind it.
But it should apply to everyone regardless of age.

I've seen plenty of 40somethings at the track that look to be somewhat less than healthy.
There are also asshats on track who's bravado exceeds skill level and that is definitely not limited to any age group.

[SQ13]

I’d be more worried about a young obese person experiencing a health event on track, than a healthy old person.

If we’re going to ban old people from track events, we should ban obese individuals as well people with cardiovascular health issues. While we’re at it, let’s require everyone to get clearance from a physician, and anyone who has a higher than normal risk of experiencing a health event on track should be banned.

[SQ13]

Originally Posted by M3 Number 86

Almost got to see a Mustang incident at Cars and Coffee!

Where’d you put your mic? I’m having a hard time finding a spot where my mic won’t capture wind noise.

[roastbeef]

Originally Posted by SQ13

WhereÂ’d you put your mic? IÂ’m having a hard time finding a spot where my mic wonÂ’t capture wind noise.

I use one of these and squish it between my trunk and the bumper. Works good.

[Mantii]

Originally Posted by inTgr8r

No insult taken, and maybe I wasn't clear.
I'm not disputing the fact that there is no fountain of youth.
I get that.

I am disputing your contention that there should be cut off based on age.
It should be based purely on health and competency regardless of age.

If there was some way to monitor/test for this, i would be 100% behind it.
But it should apply to everyone regardless of age.

I've seen plenty of 40somethings at the track that look to be somewhat less than healthy.
There are also asshats on track who's bravado exceeds skill level and that is definitely not limited to any age group.

Originally Posted by SQ13

I'd be more worried about a young obese person experiencing a health event on track, than a healthy old person.

If we're going to ban old people from track events, we should ban obese individuals as well people with cardiovascular health issues. While we're at it, let's require everyone to get clearance from a physician, and anyone who has a higher than normal risk of experiencing a health event on track should be banned.

Good points and completely agree. I think most if not all sanctioning bodies require Health Checkups before you can go compete. Unfortunately that is not the case with HPDE.

I didn't mean an arbitrary number to ban people from participating, more like doing checkup to make sure that individual is still healthy enough. After reading my post again, that's kinda want it sounded like.
But I would also agree that probably everyone should at last a yearly checkup. And yup, tons of younger jackasses far more dangerous than the older drivers. Gentleman drivers also tend to be a lot more helpful and source of good info from my experience

[SQ13]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

I use one of these and squish it between my trunk and the bumper. Works good.

$13 for grey hair???