Car racing harnesses play a crucial role in ensuring the safety of drivers during high-speed races. They are designed to keep drivers securely fastened in their seats and prevent them from being thrown out of the car in the event of a crash. While racing harnesses come in different shapes and sizes, they all have one thing in common – they are built to keep the driver safe. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the different types of car racing harnesses available and what makes them unique.
Types of Car Racing Harnesses:
Two-point harness:
The two-point harness is the most basic type of racing harness, consisting of a lap belt that is secured around the driver’s waist. This type of harness is suitable for some classic car races or those who participate in low-speed events. However, it is not recommended for high-speed races as it doesn’t provide adequate support to the upper body. proceed with caution if these are the only available options for your race series.
Three-point harness:
There are two types of three point harness, a three-point harness is a common type of safety belt found in passenger vehicles. It consists of a single strap that crosses the driver’s lap and chest, securing them to the seat. This type of harness is not recommended for racing as it does not provide adequate support to the upper body and can cause serious injuries in high-speed crashes.
While a three-point harness may be suitable for everyday driving, it is not designed to withstand the forces experienced during high-speed races. The single strap can cause the driver’s body to pivot forward in the event of a crash, increasing the risk of injury to the head, neck, and spine.
Furthermore, the lack of shoulder straps means that the upper body is not properly supported, increasing the risk of whiplash and other injuries. As a result, three-point harnesses are not allowed in most racing events and are not recommended for drivers who participate in high-speed racing.
It’s worth noting that there are some three-point harnesses that are specifically designed for racing. These harnesses are built to withstand the forces experienced during high-speed racing and provide better support to the upper body than a traditional three-point harness. However, they are still not as safe or effective as a four-point or six-point harness, and may not be allowed in some racing events. Drivers who are considering using a racing style three-point harness should consult with their racing organization to ensure that it meets the safety requirements of their particular event.
Four-point harness:
A four-point harness consists of a lap belt and shoulder straps that are secured to the back of the seat. It provides better support to the upper body and helps to distribute the force of impact more evenly. However, the shoulder straps can restrict the driver’s movement and make it difficult to exit the car in an emergency.
Four-point harnesses are a popular choice for drivers who participate in racing events. They consist of a lap belt and two shoulder straps that connect to the back of the seat, providing better support to the upper body than a two-point harness. The lap belt is designed to keep the driver securely fastened in their seat, while the shoulder straps help distribute the force of impact more evenly.
One of the main benefits of a four-point harness is that it provides better support to the upper body than a two-point harness. This can help reduce the risk of injury to the head, neck, and spine in the event of a crash. Additionally, the lap belt can prevent the driver from sliding forward in their seat, while the shoulder straps can help prevent the driver’s head from hitting the steering wheel or dashboard.
However, there are some drawbacks to using a four-point harness. The shoulder straps can restrict the driver’s movement, making it difficult to exit the car in an emergency. Additionally, some drivers may find the shoulder straps uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, especially if they are not properly adjusted.
Overall, a four-point harness is a good option for drivers who participate in racing events and require better support and safety than a two-point harness can provide. However, drivers should be aware of the potential drawbacks and make sure that the harness is properly adjusted and compatible with their seat and HANS device, if they are using one.
Six-point harness:
The six-point harness is the most advanced type of racing harness, providing maximum support and safety. It includes all the features of a four-point harness and adds two additional straps that go between the legs and connect to the lap belt. This type of harness offers the best protection in high-speed crashes, but it can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.
A six-point harness is a more advanced type of harness that provides even greater support and safety than a four-point harness. It consists of a lap belt, two shoulder straps, and two additional straps that connect to the back of the seat and wrap around the driver’s legs, securing them to the seat.
The addition of the leg straps helps to prevent the driver’s body from moving forward or upward in the event of a crash, reducing the risk of injury to the head, neck, and spine. The leg straps also help to distribute the force of impact more evenly throughout the body, further reducing the risk of injury.
However, a six-point harness can be more difficult to adjust and use than a four-point harness, and it may require some practice and assistance to ensure that it is properly secured. The leg straps can also be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time, especially if they are not properly adjusted.
In addition to providing better support and safety than a four-point harness, a six-point harness is also required in many racing events. It is the preferred type of harness for professional and high-level amateur racing, where safety is a top priority.
Overall, a six-point harness is the safest and most effective type of harness for racing, providing superior support and safety to the driver. However, it can be more difficult to use and may be less comfortable than a four-point harness. Drivers who are considering a six-point harness should practice using it before racing and ensure that it is properly adjusted and compatible with their seat and HANS device.
Pros and Cons:
The two-point harness is the most basic and affordable type of racing harness, but it provides minimal protection in high-speed crashes. The four-point harness offers better support to the upper body, but the shoulder straps can restrict the driver’s movement. The six-point harness provides maximum support and safety, but it can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods.
HANS Devices and Harness Compatibility:
A HANS (Head and Neck Support) device is a safety device that is designed to prevent neck injuries in high-speed crashes. It works by connecting to the driver’s helmet and distributing the force of impact more evenly across the head and neck. HANS devices are compatible with all types of racing harnesses and are highly recommended for drivers who participate in high-speed races.
In conclusion, choosing the right type of racing harness is essential for the safety of drivers during high-speed races. While all racing harnesses serve the same purpose, they differ in their level of support and comfort. A four-point harness is suitable for most racers, but those who participate in high-speed events should consider upgrading to a six-point harness and using a HANS device for added protection.
Harness selection and pricing:
| Type of Harness | Brand and Model | Price | Color Options | Brief Description | Customer Rating (out of 5) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3-Point Harness | Schroth Racing 3-Point | $129.00 | Black, Blue, Red | A racing style three-point harness designed for racing. Provides better support than a traditional three-point harness but not as safe as a four or six-point harness. | 4.5 |
| 3-Point Harness | Takata Race 3 | $219.00 | Black, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow | A racing style three-point harness designed for high-speed racing. Features a lightweight aluminum cam buckle and easy-to-use adjusters. | 4.8 |
| 4-Point Harness | Sparco 4-Point | $299.00 | Black, Blue, Red, Silver, Yellow | A high-quality four-point harness designed for racing. Features lightweight aluminum adjusters and a durable construction. | 4.7 |
| 4-Point Harness | G-Force Pro Series 4-Point | $169.99 | Black, Blue, Red | A budget-friendly four-point harness designed for racing. Features a latch-and-link buckle and a durable polyester construction. | 4.3 |
| 6-Point Harness | Schroth Profi II-6 | $399.00 | Black, Blue, Red | A high-end six-point harness designed for professional racing. Features a lightweight aluminum adjuster and a durable construction. | 4.9 |
| 6-Point Harness | Takata Race 6 | $579.00 | Black, Blue, Green, Red, Yellow | An advanced six-point harness designed for high-level racing. Features a lightweight aluminum cam buckle and easy-to-use adjusters. | 4.6 |
It’s important to note that these ratings are based on customer reviews and may vary depending on the individual’s experience and usage of the product. Drivers should always carefully consider their needs and budget when choosing a harness, and ensure that it is compatible with their vehicle, seat, and HANS device, if they are using one.
Conclusion
In conclusion, a racing harness is a crucial component of a race car’s safety system that provides support and protection to the driver in the event of an accident. There are different types of harnesses available, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks.
The three-point harness is the most basic type of racing harness, and it provides a minimal level of support and safety. The four-point harness provides greater support and is the most commonly used type of harness in racing. The six-point harness is the most advanced type of harness, providing superior support and safety, but can be more difficult to use and less comfortable than a four-point harness.
When choosing a harness, drivers should consider their individual needs and budget, as well as the requirements of their racing series. They should also ensure that the harness is compatible with their seat and HANS device, if they are using one, and that it is properly adjusted and secured.
Overall, a well-designed and properly used racing harness can make a significant difference in the driver’s safety and performance on the track. It is an essential component of a race car’s safety system and should not be overlooked or taken for granted. By selecting the right type of harness and using it correctly, drivers can better protect themselves and focus on what they do best – racing.
Source
- “The Beginner’s Guide to Motorsport Safety Equipment” by OMP Racing: This article provides a detailed introduction to racing safety equipment, including racing harnesses, seats, and HANS devices. It also includes tips for selecting the right harness and ensuring proper fit and installation. Link: https://www.ompracing.com/en_gb/blog/the-beginners-guide-to-motorsport-safety-equipment/
- “How to Choose the Right Racing Harness for Your Needs” by Speedway Motors: This article offers guidance on choosing the right type of racing harness based on a driver’s individual needs, budget, and racing series requirements. It also includes information on harness compatibility with seats and HANS devices. Link: https://www.speedwaymotors.com/the-toolbox/how-to-choose-the-right-racing-harness-for-your-needs/29326
