Basic Safety

2008-06-18T06:46:00.000-07:00

Microstock Drivers Safety

Disclaimer: It is the drivers and owners responsibility to ensure their own safety. These Safety guidelines are just that. Guidelines only and all drivers are encouraged to take additional steps to utilize and install even better safety devises. All drivers are encouraged to purchase and utilize any additional safety products as the come along.

Note: This has been adapted from the New Jersey State Police's rules for "Full Bodied Stock Cars". Microstocks are classified as such by the state and to my knowledge these are the most stringent set of rules.

Helmet
Must be an SA rated helmet 2000 or better. (SA2000) Only an SA200 or 2005 is rated for multiple impacts to roll bars. Any helmet with an M classification is rated for one impact to pavement and is intended for Motorcycle use. An SA helmet will also have a Nomex Liner in the event of a fire.

Suit
Suit must be a minimum of a one piece single layer fire retardant material and must have an SFI rating with elastic arm and leg cuffs made of Nomex or similar fire retardant material as a bare minimum.

Gloves
Must be fire retardant full cuff with an SFI rating

Shoes
Specially designed and SFI rated Fire retardant shoes must be worn

Neck Restraint
Some form of neck restraint is required.
Acceptable but not limited to are
#1 neck collar
#2 HAANS system

Arm Restraints
These are required but the can be either the padded cuff type worn below the elbow or window nets both designed to keep the drivers arms within the car in the even of a roll over.

Underwear
Fireproof underwear is required in New Jersey and fully recommended if its not a requirement in other states. 2 piece full length NOMEX or CarbonX.

Circle Track Helmet support
Recommended

Socks Must be of Fire Retardant Material.

Seat Belts must be 5 point 3" wide metal hasp style, no Cam Lock Belts allowed and no more than 2 years old. Other States may extend this time frame but I would not recommend this. (RCI Platinum belts can be re certified from the manufacturer after 2 years for an additional 2 years.)

Steering wheel pad must be installed and a padded head rest is also to be installed where the drivers helmet is in contact with the pad while sitting normally in the car.

Seats
I recommend a 1/8 thick aluminum racing type seat with side support. If in a rear engine car additionally I recommend no drilling or lightening of the seat in the area directly in front of the chain.

Additionally, a good rule of thumb for Safety Pinning, Tie Wiring, Cotter pins or Double Nutting is that, if it involves steering, braking or can and does fall off and or become loose it must be secured.

Recently many track and Go Kart Rules have added a Chain Guard as a requirement. To help ensure all Microstock maintain their safety record I recommend this as well and Currently the World Formula Tour requires a chan guard.

Additionally, Here are the rules and the comments from the NJ state police regarding safety in "full Bodied Stock cars"

According to WKA, Micro-stock vehicles do not fall under World Karting rules and
Wall Speedway is not a WKA sanctioned track.
Micro-stock racing will therefore, fall under the rules of Wall Twp. Speedway
and the New Jersey State regulations.
I have included the applicable sections of the New Jersey State Regulations for
"Oval Racing" below.

§ 13:62-2.13 Inspection of vehicles

(a) The licensee shall arrange for the inspection of each participating
vehicle prior to the event, to determine that it meets the requirements of this
chapter. Vehicles not meeting the requirements set forth for the specified event
shall be barred by the licensee from participation or practice.

(b) Vehicles which are to be used in automobile races or exhibitions of
driving skill are subject to unannounced inspection and approval at any time by
the Superintendent or designee.

§ 13:62-2.14 Braking system and pedal reserve

(a) The licensee will be required to test and approve each race car for
pedal reserve before the car leaves the pit area to enter the track.

(b) The licensee shall not permit any vehicle to participate in any race or
exhibition if the braking system includes the direct application of pressure to
any of the tires or with any apparent deficiency.

§ 13:62-2.15 Refueling

(a) In all instances where refueling is permitted with the engine running,
the licensee shall insure that a member of the pit crew equipped with an
approved type fire extinguisher be in close proximity to the fill pipe of the
fuel tank.
(b) The licensee shall not permit smoking in any area where fuel is being
transferred or stored.

(c) The licensee shall not permit the use of welding and acetylene torches
in any area where fuel is being
transferred or stored unless a fully charged fire extinguisher is in close
proximity.

§ 13:62-2.16 Water overflow tanks

The licensee shall not permit water overflow tanks or reservoirs to be
installed inside the driver compartment. Tanks or reservoirs mounted in the roll
cage must be fully shielded to protect the driver.

§ 13:62-4.7 Safety belts, shoulder harness and crotch belt

(a) A quick release type safety belt, shoulder harness and crotch belt in
good condition shall be compulsory on all vehicles.

(b) Both ends of the safety belt, shoulder harness and crotch belt must be
fastened to the frame of the vehicle.

(c) All fittings and connections of the safety belt, shoulder harness and
crotch belt shall be metal.

(d) All safety belts and shoulder harnesses shall be worn properly the
entire time the vehicle is being driven in a race.

(e) All safety belts and shoulder harnesses shall bear the date of
manufacture and shall not be used for more than two years from that date.

(f) The shoulder harness shall be secured to the frame of the vehicle and
come over a round bar at the driver's shoulder height.

(g) No alterations shall be allowed to any manufactured design of seat
belts.

§ 13:62-4.8 Inspection of vehicles

(a) The licensee shall arrange for the inspection of each participating
vehicle prior to the event, to determine that it meets the requirements of this
chapter. The licensee shall prohibit vehicles not meeting the requirements of
this chapter from participation or practice.
(b) Vehicles which are to be used in automobile races or exhibitions of
driving skill are subject to unannounced inspection and approval at any time by
the Superintendent or designee.

§ 13:62-4.9 Number of persons in vehicle

No vehicle shall carry more than one person at any time during a race or
warm-up, except that during a bona fide training period an instructor may
accompany the trainee.

§ 13:62-4.10 Seats

A metal racing seat, that bears a manufacturer's identification as suitable
for use in racing shall be used. The seat shall be set on a steel plate 1/8-inch
thick, the size of the base of the seat. The seat shall be attached by six,
three-line 5/16-inch bolts. Four bolts shall be installed at the bottom of the
seat not more then three inches from the most outside edge. The remaining two
bolts shall be installed at the two most practical widely spaced points at the
top of the seat back. The two seat back bolts shall be attached to an anchoring
position on the vehicle. A washer, larger than the head of the bolt, shall also
be installed on each bolt.

§ 13:62-4.11 Bumpers

(a) All vehicles shall be equipped with bumpers on the rear.

(b) The bumper shall be fastened to the frame or structural component of the
car.

(c) The height of the bumper shall be as high as the center of the wheel and
at least two inches in height.

§ 13:62-4.12 Rollover bars

(a) All vehicles shall be equipped with a rollover bar of a design,
construction and quality recognized by industry standard and maintained with a
view toward affording the driver maximum protection against injury.

(b) Rollover bars shall be a minimum of three inches above the driver's
head.

(c) Rollover bars shall be bolted or welded to the frame of the vehicle.

§ 13:62-4.13 Nerfing bars

(a) All vehicles shall be equipped with auxiliary bumpers, also known as
nerfing bars, of a construction and design to afford the driver maximum
protection against injury.

(b) Nerfing bars shall extend within two inches of, but not beyond, the
outside edge of the tire.

§ 13:62-4.14 Exhaust system

(a) The outlet for the exhaust system shall be outside of the vehicle and
extend at least to the rear of the front firewall.

(b) The exhaust system shall be designed and constructed so as to direct the
exhaust flow out and away from the driver.

§ 13:62-4.15 Fire wall and flooring

(a) All vehicles shall have suitable metal flooring from the front firewall
to the center of the driver's seat.

(b) All vehicles shall have a permanent fire wall between the fuel supply
and the driver, unless the fuel tank
consists of a shell with an inner rubber bladder in which case the fire wall
is not required.

§ 13:62-4.16 Fuel lines and fuel pumps

(a) A fuel line or fuel pump is prohibited in the driver's compartment
unless properly shielded to prevent leakage in the event the line or pump is
damaged or broken. This shielding shall consist of the steel braided material.

(b) Fuel lines shall be more than three inches from the headers, unless
shielded by metal.

§ 13:62-4.17 Fuel tanks

(a) The use of a commercially manufactured fuel cell is mandatory in all
vehicles utilizing a cell size of five gallons or more.

(b) All fuel cells shall be comprised of a steel or aluminum container,
bladder, anti-surge baffling and fill plate with check valves (vent check and
fill check).

1. The rigid container shall be manufactured of not less than 22 gauge
steel or 16 gauge aluminum.

2. No baffling material other than standard foam baffling as provided by
the fuel cell manufacturer shall be permitted.

3. Bladders shall be commercially manufactured of either soft rubber
(rubberized fabric) or a molded cross linked material.

4. Manufactured check valves shall be installed as a flow control device
which closes during a "roll-over" accident to prevent fuel escaping from the
cell.

5. Any vehicle utilizing a tail tank shall use a rear bumper with a hoop
plate, and it is recommended that a bladder also be utilized.

6. Fuel tanks shall not be mounted within the driver's compartment.

(c) All commercially manufactured fuel cell systems shall be approved for
use by major sanctioning bodies (for example, NASCAR, FIA, SCCA, USAC).

(d) Except as set forth in (e) below, vehicles utilizing an "x" type frame
work using a self-contained fuel cell with an inner bladder shall bolt the fuel
cell to the frame under the cell. At least three one-inch metal straps
one-quarter inch thick, shall be bolted to the frame of the vehicle by at least
two 3/8 inch three line bolts positioned around the cell on all sides, except
for the bottom, so as to apply maximum pressure against the tank to the frame.

(e) Vehicles not utilizing an "x" type frame shall have four one inch metal
straps, 1/4 inch thick, bolted to the frame of the vehicle by at least two 3/8
inch three line bolts positioned around the cell on all sides, except for the
bottom, to apply maximum pressure against the tank to the frame.

(f) A reinforcing member of the same kind and size material as that used in
the roll cage of the chassis shall be installed to the rear of the fuel tank
joining the rearmost portion of the chassis.

(g) A vehicle utilizing a fuel tank mounted to the front of the front fire
wall shall have a reinforcing member of the same kind of material as that used
in the roll cage or chassis installed to afford maximum protection to the tank.

§ 13:62-4.18 Fuel supply shutoff valve

(a) All vehicles shall be equipped with a fuel shutoff valve or switch which
is easily accessible to the driver.

(b) The fuel shutoff valve or switch shall be conspicuously marked with a
brightly colored paint.

§ 13:62-4.19 Refueling

(a) In all instances where refueling is permitted with the engine running, a
member of the pit crew, equipped with a 10 BC or greater fire extinguisher,
shall be in close proximity to the fill pipe of the fuel tank.

(b) Smoking shall be prohibited in any area where fuel is being transferred
or stored.

(c) The driver compartment shall not be occupied when the vehicle is being
refueled if the fill pipe is located within 24 inches of the cockpit, except
that the driver compartment may be occupied when the vehicle is being refueled
from gravity fed fuel containers.

(d) The use of welding and acetylene torches is not permitted in any area
where fuel is being transferred or stored unless a fully charged fire
extinguisher is in close proximity.

§ 13:62-4.20 Batteries

(a) Batteries, located in the driver compartment, shall be secured and
shielded to prevent leakage in the event of damage or turnover.

(b) Batteries located adjacent to the fuel supply of the vehicle it shall be
secured in a metal box bolted to the frame of the vehicle by at least four 3/8
inch three line bolts and in such a manner to apply maximum pressure against the
metal box to the frame. The battery shall also have a marine box cover secured
to the top of the metal box as to not allow any movement of the battery.

(c) Batteries located in any other area not specified in (a) and (b) above
shall be secured and shielded to prevent leakage in the event of damage or
turnover.

§ 13:62-4.21 Braking system and pedal reserve

(a) The licensee or designee shall test and approve each race car for brake
pedal reserve before the car leaves the pit area to enter the track.

(b) The licensee or designee shall prohibit any vehicle from participating
in any event or exhibition if the braking system includes the direct application
of pressure to any of the tires or with apparent deficiencies.

§ 13:62-4.22 Tires

(a) No vehicle shall be permitted to participate in any race if the tires
are equipped or fitted with any studs, hobs, or other projections.

(b) This section is not intended to prohibit the use of rubber knobbed tires
normally used on dirt race tracks.

(c) No vehicle shall be permitted to participate in any race if the tires
are in an unsafe condition.

§ 13:62-4.23 Ignition switch

All vehicles shall have an ignition switch which is easily accessible within
the driver compartment and conspicuously marked.

§ 13:62-4.24 Repairs

No repairs shall be made on any vehicle during the course of a race unless
the vehicle is removed to the pit area.

§ 13:62-4.25 Drivers

(a) All drivers shall be at least 17 years of age, except that:
1. Licensees may permit drivers 16 years of age to operate in events
utilizing full-sized vehicles restricted to 400 hp or less, provided they have
satisfied the skill and experience requirements of the licensee.

(b) All drivers are required to wear fire resistant underwear and one piece
fire resistant clothing covering their body, legs, and arms.

(c) All drivers are required to wear fire resistant gloves.

(d) All drivers shall wear fire resistant shoes and socks.

§ 13:62-4.26 Helmets, head cushions and head and neck restraints

(a) All drivers shall wear a properly secured helmet, which meets or exceeds
the latest Snell Memorial Foundation Testing Standard SA, incorporated by
reference herein, as may be amended and supplemented, which has not reached the
expiration date established by the Snell Memorial Foundation at the time of the
event. The standards are available from the Snell Memorial Foundation, 3628
Madison Avenue, Suite 11, North Highlands, CA 95660.

(b) All vehicles shall be equipped with a head cushion attached to the
roll-on bar or to the back portion of a
one-piece seat. The cushion shall be mounted so that it shall be at the
approximate height of the center of the driver's helmet.

(c) The head cushion shall be a minimum of 16 square inches in area with at
least two inch padding. The minimum length of any side of the head cushion shall
be four inches.

(d) A support cushion shall be located behind the rear portion of the seat,
attached to the roll cage and at least 1/8 of an inch thick.

(e) All drivers shall wear a properly secured head and neck restraint
device/system and/or a neck collar which are commercially-produced and designed
for racing.

§ 13:62-4.27 Goggles or face shield

The driver of all vehicles not equipped with windshields shall wear
windproof, shatterproof goggles or a face shield of the type which meets or
exceeds U.S.A. standard Specifications for Head, Eye and Respiratory Protection
Z2.1-1959 testing standard.

§ 13:62-4.28 Arm restraints; window nets

All drivers shall use arm restraints or window nets.

§ 13:62-4.29 Transmission safety mats

(a) Any vehicle equipped with an automatic transmission shall have a steel
mat, plate, or blanket installed over the transmission so as to protect the
driver from injury caused by fragmentation of the automatic transmission upon
explosion.
(b) All cooling devices within the driver's compartment shall be shielded
from the driver to protect against injuries.

§ 13:62-4.30 Enclosed drive shaft

The drive shaft of a vehicle shall be enclosed or secure, front and rear, by
a steel strap 1/4 inch thick by one inch wide, a 1/2 inch steel rod, or one inch
steel tubing with .06 wall thickness.

§ 13:62-4.31 Water overflow tank

Water overflow reservoirs shall not be installed inside the driver
compartment. Tanks or reservoirs mounted in the roll cage must be fully shielded
to protect the driver.

§ 13:62-4.32 Speed limits

(a) Vehicles traveling in the pit area or staging area must obey a five
miles per hour speed limit.

(b) Vehicles utilizing a return road will be limited to a 15 miles per hour
speed limit.

Sgt. E. Heitmann
New Jersey State Police
Traffic Bureau
P.O. Box 7068
West Trenton, NJ 08628-0068
(609) 882-2000 x-2240

Microstock Safety

Basic Safety