Recently picked up my new 05 and was planning to head to Thunderhill on the 30th - however I've run into a snag due to hoop height. Need to get certified so instructor helmet must pass broomstick test. I'd need a very short guy to make this happen and all of them are tall!

Can't seem to install a taller rollbar because then the top won't close. What is a girl to do???

 

Does each track have their own rules for helmet to hoop height?

I completely understand the safety reason for this rule - still trying to find a permanent workable solution.

 

Yes, most tracks have different rules for OEM roll bars, however, some organizations may levy additional requirements due to the liability aspect on their side.

 

I really wish Brey-Krause (or whatever the name is) would make something bolt-on ala the Porsche boxter hoop extension that would allow the 350Z Roadster some track time. I HATE seeing them get left out of the fun. From an orgainizer standpoint, we err on the side of safety and will only allow SCCA Approved roll-bars at our events. Even if a factory hoop is approved by a certain track we feel its important enough of a risk factory to stick with the SCCA guidelines since our events are high-speed events. The local region Alfa-Romeo club used to run a 'touring lights' group that was a lower-speed paced run group that allowed convertibles. There may be some in your area that do that, although it just wouldn't be the same, I know.

 

Really appreciate the input - I too wish there was a bolt-on solution. One of my friends that builds custom cages said I might be able to design a bolt on cage using pins. That would mean I'd always run with top down since it wouldn't close and it could be easily removed when not on the track.

Any idea whether that type of solution would be acceptable for the track?

Completely in love with my roadster - but.... had I known this was going to be an issue I would have picked up the coupe for sure....

 

broomstick rule is pretty much standard everywhere

Only thing I can imagine is something custom

 

broomstick rule 'should' be standard, but its not stand-alone. Some of the seat-hoops you see in Miatas and Z3s would pass a broomstick test, but many are not structural and would not provide sufficient protection for a high-speed event.

And who knows... the 350Z hoops may very well provide excellent protection, like the S2000 hoops, but its a risk many event organizers can't afford to take.

They Brey-Krause I mentioned above is actually a structural member that attaches in conjunction with the factory bar (which is already good) creating a four-point structure.

 

Another way "around" the broomstick rule is to lower the seats... Miatas do this by removing seat material, but for Zs, you'd have to use custom mounts.