johnc Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 I often get asked or whined at regarding the rules behind roll cage design and construction. Why so many tubes? Why require such expensive tubing? Why do I have to build it a certain way? Why can't I just build it the way I think it should be built? This is why... 100mph+ off the track sideways, at least 5 complete flips, so violent that the entire exhaust system ripped out and wrapped over the hood of the car, and the driver walked away and helped me get his car loaded onto my open trailer. The unibody supported by the cage (firewall, floor pan, and rear bulkhead) are undamaged except for one crease by the driver's side rear brace. Two doors can still open, close, and latch. Pay attention to the rules, you're not smarter then 50+ years of real world experience. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dtsnlvrs Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Damn Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Globerunner513 Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 Wow, that is incredible. Is that a cage you built Jon? Reminds me of the red 350z a year or two ago that flipped over the tire wall and a fence. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted March 22, 2010 Author Share Posted March 22, 2010 Wow, that is incredible. Is that a cage you built Jon? Reminds me of the red 350z a year or two ago that flipped over the tire wall and a fence. No, the car owner built the cage in his garage. I offered a little bit of advice and did the final SCCA Tech inspection but Bryan gets all the credit for the build and saving his own life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ModernS30 Posted March 22, 2010 Share Posted March 22, 2010 That's what a well built cage is supposed to do. Is it a moly cage? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted March 22, 2010 Author Share Posted March 22, 2010 That's what a well built cage is supposed to do. Is it a moly cage? No, 1.750" x .095" wall DOM. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted March 23, 2010 Share Posted March 23, 2010 What's the story behind the accident? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted March 23, 2010 Author Share Posted March 23, 2010 What's the story behind the accident? SCCA Regional race at Buttonwillow running counter-clockwise. Bryan was racing in ITR against John Norris in a close race for about 5 laps. Coming out of Star Mazda Bryan had a small lead but John started to gain on him approaching Magic Mountain. Bryan moved left to get a good run at the right hand kink before Magic Mountain and John had caught up to Bryan on the outside. Bryan didn't see how close John was on his left and pushed John two wheels in the dirt, John backed off but his right front tire hit Bryan's car in the left rear door (you can see the tire marks in the first pic). This spun Bryan to the right and he went off sideways. Right side wheels immediately dug into the mud and the car started flipping. SCCA ruled it a racing incident and Bryan blames only himself. No damage to John's 325. John has found Bryan a replacement shell and Bryan and I started tearing his car down last Sunday to salvage as many parts as possible. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sq_creations Posted March 23, 2010 Share Posted March 23, 2010 Glad he was okay. What is all over the bars above the drivers seat? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JMortensen Posted March 23, 2010 Share Posted March 23, 2010 It's either poo or mud. I'm thinking poo. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted March 23, 2010 Author Share Posted March 23, 2010 Glad he was okay. What is all over the bars above the drivers seat? That's the salt and selenium laced mud that is Buttonwillow Raceway. The car ended up on the driver's side. I think all the mud got shoved into the car when it hit the ground on the driver's side on the first flip. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
260DET Posted March 26, 2010 Share Posted March 26, 2010 These pics need to go over to a new non tech thread, pics of crashed race cars we have seen, for a wider audience. Not morbid pics, happy ones where the car is wrecked but the driver has walked Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
garvice Posted March 26, 2010 Share Posted March 26, 2010 It's either poo or mud. I'm thinking poo. I think I almost wet myself reading that comment. On a serious note, that guy must be greatfull of all his effort. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mayolives Posted March 26, 2010 Share Posted March 26, 2010 I often get asked or whined at regarding the rules behind roll cage design and construction. Why so many tubes? Why require such expensive tubing? Why do I have to build it a certain way? Why can't I just build it the way I think it should be built? This is why... Crash pictures and narrations of what had taken place should be required reading for those who get involved with auto racing of any kind. They are a sober reminder of what can happen and depict better ways to protect the driver. Properly fabricated roll over protection and wearing safety gear should top the list of requirements. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
johnc Posted April 29, 2010 Author Share Posted April 29, 2010 They are a sober reminder of what can happen and depict better ways to protect the driver. Properly fabricated roll over protection and wearing safety gear should top the list of requirements. Here's a very clear cut example. VIR last weekend at the Grand Am race. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
260DET Posted April 30, 2010 Share Posted April 30, 2010 (edited) Nasty. And here is another from Targa Tasmania currently running, the Evo in the fifth and seventh videos down, RHD car, driver OK power pole not so good. http://www.sportcom.com.au/targatasmania/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=28&Itemid=61 Edited May 1, 2010 by 260DET Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
zxtoy Posted May 3, 2010 Share Posted May 3, 2010 What a feeling of satisfaction the driver must have, knowing that the roll bar he created and built saved his life. That's the best safety equipment that there is. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FlatBlack Posted May 3, 2010 Share Posted May 3, 2010 Another great shot of a roll cage working. The car looked solid while skimming on its roof. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIM73240Z Posted May 3, 2010 Share Posted May 3, 2010 ouch. that VIR crash hurts. here is another. braided brake line failed. Jimbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JIM73240Z Posted May 3, 2010 Share Posted May 3, 2010 ouch. That VIR crash hurts. here is another, brake line failed Jimbo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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