Hey guys,

I am a former motorcycle track day guy looking to get into HPDE with my 350Z. I decided to get out of motorcycles because I recently had neck surgery, with hardware installed, and can't afford the risk of a serious fall with no neck protection. Yes, I know there is a risk of injury to my neck in a car...etc. but I plan on getting a roll bar and HANS device. I realize this still does not guarantee against a neck injury, but I was addicted to motorcycle track events and tracking my 350z is my compromise. I miss Blackhawk and Autobahn.

As to my question, do you guys have any opinions on a Kirk vs. Autopower rollbar? If possible, I'd like to retain most of the range of movement for the passenger seat. I'd also like to transport a second set of wheels within the car. Before making any major decision, I thought I'd ask you guys. Any thoughts or opinions would be greatly appreciated. Thanks, Jason

 

First of all, welcome.

I have a kirk roll bar and love it! I could not honestly compare between the two units since I have not had both installed in my car as I don't think anyone else has either. I will assume however, that there are not too many people that just have the Autopower Roll Bar because they came later in to the 350z aftermarket and the only person I know that has an Autopower system is the prototype FULL cage.

As far as passenger seat range. You will lose a bit with the Kirk Bar, but with the trunk space and available seat spacem you should be able to lug a set of rims and tires along with you to track days.

 

Hey - thanks for the reply. One concern I have read of the Kirk bar is that it runs directly over your head (where the Autopower sits further back). I'm a little over 5'7. Even with proper padding, is there a legitimate safety issue of hitting my head while driving on the street (ie., no helmet)?

Also, in reading some NASA stuff, it seems that if you have a roll bar, you should or must get proper harnesses (e.g., 6 pt). If you add a harness, NASA and some others seem to require an FIA racing seat. If you get all this, I've heard many instructors won't ride with you unless you have the same gear for them. Does the above seem accurate? If so, is it adviseable complete a couple of events in HPDE 1 and 2 before deciding on all those mods? As a final note, I have a an additional 2 years on my extended warranty. I've heard some Nissan dealers will red flag with you harness bar, let alone a roll bar. Any thoughts? Thanks.

 

Here are some pics to give you an idea of head clearance. I personally think that the bar sits back a bit. I'm 5' 7" as well







I would definitely recommend atleast a 4 point FIA approved system. However, having to have the same safety equipment on the passenger side will depend on the standards that the HPDE in your region implements.

The dealership would be total azzes if they redflagged you for a simple roll bar. I took my car to performance nissan fully gutted and they fixed my car