H&N support

[Old school]

Hi everyone

first post. :)

I'm a simple enthusiast that enjoys lapping the GP track at Mosport. Several years back I got a fresh set of r compound tires for my mustang. Has some minor suspensions bolt ons, stock seat belts etc With the increased grip came increased neck strain. At the end of a lapping day. My neck would become quite sore. Any suggestions on how to reduce this?
thanks in advance

Hanes

[nissannx]

Hanes,
Great question and I lean towards answer #2.
1. Simple - helmet collar. May help fatigue but could be worse in an accident. Available at JRP and online.
2. Complex - 4 point rollbar, proper race seat, 5 or 6 point harness, head and neck restraint system (HANS or similar), helmet Will help. Available through a few sources.

http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/showthread.php?t=24749 - thread that's a couple of years old discussing this concept.

Frank

[STeveD]

Hi Hanes,

I'm along the lines of Frank on this one. I haven't personally used a collar, but they are simple to try out to see if they'd help. You might try posting on the http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/ (http://www.casc.on.ca/forums/) to see if someone has a used nomex automobile (not karting style) collar that they will part with.

My guess is that if you were properly planted in a winged bucket seat, you'd be doing a lot less with your shoulder muscles and neck strain would be reduced. Rulesets usually allow you to use your OE three point with a racing bucket and no rollbar that will keep you more planted in the seat and relieve some "holding on" stress from your upper torso. You can check with the group you lap with to see what their policy is on this.

Frontal Head Restraints like HANS limit forward movement of your head, but I don't find that they reduce neck strain. That is the proper step to get to as Frank has indicated, but requires more commitment with the safety equipment. Race bucket required, rollbar required, five or six point belt required.

http://www.sportseats4u.co.uk/images/uploads/Cobra/Evolution/CobraEvolutionBlack.jpg
https://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/files/resized/large/U/img/ult_cc_s.jpg

[Daniel]

Some good tips here - all of which I agree with. And as a bonus, you're increasing your level of safety at the same time. The one thing I'd like to stress is the importance of fitness level. Safety equipment aside, I think there's no substitute. It's for good reason that the top race car drivers are some of the fittest and most highly conditioned athletes around. Takes a lot to sustain not only the high g-forces throughout a race/day, but also to be able to deal with the heat and fluid loss.

It definitely helped when I had a 4-point roll bar and harness installed in the car, but if I had to choose the top 2 ways to help with neck strain they would be a good race seat and a good level of fitness. The added bonus to all the safety equipment and fitness is that you'll also be able to stay that much more focused throughout the day and maintain concentration that much longer. Getting a bit off topic now, but the vast majority of accidents that I've seen (16 years of track experience) were either first thing (cold track/tires and high levels of excitement) and from about midway through the afternoon (once fatigue is setting in).

[Old school]

Hi fellas
thanks for the great information.

As my car does track duty only a few times a year. I'm having a hard time convincing myself to put scafolding and racing bucket in it 100% of the time. i will need to find another method.

Physical condition. Ok I lose that battle. Maybe some neck exercises are a good idea. Any suggestions?