Non-subie question: In addition to a new 2" Sparco harness, I also have a June 06 dated Gforce 3" setup that I'd like to put in for riders in autocross in my GT6. I'm aware of the 2 year rule for open track/hillclimb events, but is this enforced/required at SCCA autocross events? The harness has only been used a handful of times and is in excellent shape. Webbing is like new. I see nothing in the solo2 rules indicating harness dating (only for track). I know the reasoning for the 2 year rule is because of webbing degradation, but I see no evidence of that, and the harness has been in a climate-controlled room, not stored in a garage or shed...thoughts?

Regular ol' Solo events don't have an "expiration date" for harnesses, only helmets.

Karen

That's what I thought Karen, thanks for confirming.

And in the future get FIA rated harnesses. 5 year expiration date.

Degradation of the webbing is mostly due to ozone and UV exposure. It weakens the material over time and can cause it to break at a much lower force than when new. The ratings are very conservative (extra safe) to make sure that the belts will always have enough strength in the event of an accident to hold you in the seat.

Bottom line- For solo II, I'd be ok with 2 year rated belts up to about 5 years old, but after that I wouldn't want to ride with you.

Degradation of the webbing is mostly due to ozone and UV exposure. It weakens the material over time and can cause it to break at a much lower force than when new. The ratings are very conservative (extra safe) to make sure that the belts will always have enough strength in the event of an accident to hold you in the seat.

Bottom line- For solo II, I'd be ok with 2 year rated belts up to about 5 years old, but after that I wouldn't want to ride with you.

point taken. The belt has always been stored in closed box indoors so not as much elemental effect. I have a codriver for the next autocross, so this is really more for me to keep myself in the passenger set while he's driving, if I ride along :lol:

Forgive me for saying this, but I think you are worrying too much. I realize a harness probably works better at holding you in your seat, but is it REALLY necessary for safety in a solo event? On a track obviously it would be.

Most solo drivers use the harness to keep them in the seat. A skinny guy like me needs a harness so that I can left foot brake. Without the harness I need to use that left foot to brace myself.

Also I understand the reasons behind life limits on harnesses but seriously after 5 years you wouldn't want to use the belts in a solo car? Do you change the seatbelts in your street car every five years? A car on the highway is going faster than you will at a solo event. I think some of the concerns with race cars is that their belts are possibly subjected to more oil or grease than can break down the belts.

I have a codriver for the next autocross, so this is really more for me to keep myself in the passenger set while he's driving, if I ride along :lol:

Gabe won't be going fast enough to worry about that. :devil:

Forgive me for saying this, but I think you are worrying too much. I realize a harness probably works better at holding you in your seat, but is it REALLY necessary for safety in a solo event? On a track obviously it would be.

Do you realize how different a good race seat and harnesses make the driving experience?

Do you realize how different a good race seat and harnesses make the driving experience?

Did you not read what I wrote? I said that it probably DOES hold you in your seat better.