Roll over protection

[Craig Mann]

I just attended Gurston Down hill climb school. I have to say had a fantastic day, would totally recommend. 
 Now, to have a go properly, if I’ve read the rules correctly, my Westfield would fit into “road going specialist production” . 
 I know before I ask this, that it would be advisable to have better roll over protection. But is it required by the rules in this class. ( my reading is, it isn’t) at present, only have Jap bar. 

 Reason I ask, is that I have another car ( MR2) that will not need modifications to compete and I could use this.  But I’d much prefer to use Westfield. 

[Kingster]

13 minutes ago, Craig Mann said:

advisable to have better roll over protection

That’s a huge understatement - in my view, for any competitive event, it is essential not advisable to replace the “jap” (aka chocolate) cosmetic roll bar with something that would actually save your life in the event of a rollover.

[Craig Mann]

Thanks for the response. But that was exactly what I wanted to avoid, going down the risk versus cost debate. I just wanted clarification on the rules. 
 In my opinion driving on the road, where most of my miles will be done, is inherently more dangerous than driving on my own, up a hill climb. ( Track day / racing completely different). 
 We all way up risk ourselves. I ride motorbikes on the road, and have raced. Again I’m aware of the risks and still view my Westfield on a hill climb with no roll over protection as safer. And if I do have a problem, I’ve only got myself to blame. 
 So out of interest do you know the answer to my original question. Or should I just use my MR2 also with no roll over protection, but I know for a fact that doesn’t require it. 😄

[Kingster]

3 minutes ago, Craig Mann said:

 In my opinion driving on the road, where most of my miles will be done, is inherently more dangerous than driving on my own, up a hill climb. ( Track day / racing completely different). 

Agreed - and yes it’s entirely up to you.

[Craig Mann]

Sorry , I really hope my reply hasn’t come over facetious. To let you understand. I bought the Westfield with no intention of putting it on any sort of track. Loved driving it and love the look of it. But I feel the bug could bite of competing. But I don’t want to butcher the car, also roof won’t fit cover won’t fit etc. to then only do a few meetings and decide it’s not for me would be gutting. 
 

[Mark (smokey mow)]

3 hours ago, Craig Mann said:

I just attended Gurston Down hill climb school. I have to say had a fantastic day, would totally recommend. 
 Now, to have a go properly, if I’ve read the rules correctly, my Westfield would fit into “road going specialist production” . 
 I know before I ask this, that it would be advisable to have better roll over protection. But is it required by the rules in this class. ( my reading is, it isn’t) at present, only have Jap bar. 

 Reason I ask, is that I have another car ( MR2) that will not need modifications to compete and I could use this.  But I’d much prefer to use Westfield. 

For specialist production cars such as Westfield’s you will need a compliant ROPS to section 7 of the MSUK blue book.

 

This would typically be a cross braced hoop with back stays and tubes of the appropriate diameter and thickness.

 

As your MR2 is defined as a series production road car this is subject to less onerous requirements.

[Craig Mann]

Ok, thanks for the clarification. Looks like I’ll be using the MR2 until I see if I take to it. But good to know it wouldn’t require a full cage, It wouldn’t be quite as bad as I thought it would. 
Thanks

[Steve G.]

Hi, I haven't done the school but did go and watch at Gurston. I'm looking to fit a better roll bar but it seems the only readily available option is a full cage from Caged Lazer. 

Westfield did have rear cages listed on their website but can only get them if they get a few. 

[Kingster]

4 hours ago, Craig Mann said:

really hope my reply hasn’t come over facetious

Not at all - and likewise I hope mine didn’t come across as patronising. At the end of the day it’s your call 😁

[Euan Hoosearmy]

RAC/MSA bars come up on here fairly regularly second hand. Might be worth a post in Parts Wanted. 

 

Roof is completely gone on mine. Have a one piece rain suit for if I get caught in a downpour - not had to use it yet...... Have driven in rain a few times, you stay fairly dry if you keep the speed up. Worst thing is visibility. Wipers are c**p and don't even attempt to wipe/smear the bit of screen I look through.

[Mark (smokey mow)]

8 minutes ago, Euan Hoosearmy said:

RAC/MSA bars come up on here fairly regularly second hand. Might be worth a post in Parts Wanted. 

 

The Westfield RAC bar is not MSUK compliant for motorsports due to the tube diameter and use of rose joints on the back stays.