SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/501768
IMPROVING SAFETY Comfort: Key to Safety As the primary component, the racing seat is much more of an integral part of the vehicle's safety factor. From extensive research, testing, and use in desert racing conditions, racing seat manufacturers have learned that at its most basic core, safety has a lot to do with feeling comfortable in the seat, and the product being a good fit around the occupant's body. "Our seats are designed to withstand tremendous impacts," explained Warren Caswell, general manager of Sparco. "They also help absorb and dissipate the energy without any deformation of the seat. This keeps the driver in place and safe. The seats made today will withstand much greater impacts and forces compared to when we first started manufacturing them." With the constant impacts and vibrations experienced during a 500 or 1000 mile race, it would seem like a lost cause to try and add comfort to a racing seat, but new improvements in seat foam and cushioning are making that possible. Foam technology, for example, has raised the level of comfort but also impact absorption, fire retardant capabilities, memory, and even antibacterial elements. In addition, the cushioning also reduces fatigue, which can keep a driver alert and in tune with the course ahead. MasterCraft Safety, as an example, has been able to tackle the comfort aspect of their racing seats, with the development of new foam and cushioning that came about from working with the U.S. THE PODIUM SUSPENSION SEAT FROM PRP SEATS FEATURES ADDITIONAL HEIGHT IN THE HIP AREA AS WELL AS EXPANDED SHOULDERS TO SUPPORT THE DRIVER DURING EXTREME TURNS AND ANGLES. THERE'S ALSO A SPLIT-BOTTOM CUSHION FOR LEFT LEG SUPPORT WHILE THE RIGHT LEG IS EXTENDED. WWW.PRPSEATS.COM THE HYBRID PRO LITE HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT HARNESS FROM SIMPSON IS MADE FROM LIGHTWEIGHT CARBON AND HAS A TETHER SYSTEM FOR SMOOTH SIDE- TO-SIDE MOTION. IT ALSO FEATURES A THINNER BACK PLATE, ENCAPSULATED TIE PLATES, AND TETHER GROOVES. SIZES RANGE FROM EXTRA SMALL TO EXTRA LARGE FOR A CUSTOM FIT. WWW.SIMPSONRACING.COM. 059 SCORE JOURNAL