The next head and neck restraint system is the Hutchens 2 Hybrid. It uses a harness that hooks around your torso and under your hips to retain the rear of your helmet. The Hutchens 2 now also includes a smaller version of the R3 that attaches to the driver and is not held in place by the 5- or 6-point harness we all have. Due to the extra time to get the Hutchens 2 put on it is probably better suited for oval track or road racing where the driver has more time to suit-up and also more time in the racecar. It is a great product and since it incorporates using the pelvis area for support as well it is a great choice if you are looking for that extra protection.
 This is the rear view of the Hutchens 2 hybrid. Similar to the R3 in design, the Hutch 2 uses a leg strap to keep the rear of the device in place. This type restraint does not rely on the shoulder harness to keep it in place, it goes with the driver. |
The decision will be yours to make on what seems right for you. I recommend you talk to your dealer and have some information ready when you call. Know the angle of the back of the seat from perpendicular. There are a couple different models that will make using them more comfortable.
Safety Harness: How they are mounted is critical to how they can protect you in the event of an accident.
Due to space limits I will go into further detail next month on harnesses but here are just a few tips for you to consider as you begin to prepare for 2007.
- Nylon belts or polyester? Even though about 80% of U.S.-made racing safety harnesses are nylon, the polyester is by far a better product. Polyester will stretch less under impact and does not absorb moisture like nylon. When nylon gets wet, from perspiration or high humidity, it stretches even more. UV resistance is much better with polyester than nylon. For a minor difference in price, get the polyester models being offered. If your favorite company doesn’t offer polyester, call someone else, it’s your life!
- Mounting: sit in your car, pull the shoulder harness tight and have someone determine if the shoulder harness is mounted more than 10 degrees below your shoulders. Even with the top of your shoulders or just slightly lower is best. Why, you ask? If they are more than two or three inches below your shoulder, in a hard impact they will crush vertebrae in your spine rather than just restrain you from going forward. This is important, check it today!
- The next thing to look at is the angle and how your lap belts are attached. They should
come across your pelvis, and not wadding up on the adjusters when you pull on them. The adjuster should be flat when tightened, otherwise it could bunch up the harness and impact will cut it or it may just pull through the adjuster.ADVERTISEMENT
- If you have brackets welded to the frame to mount your harness, please check to make sure the mounting tabs are double-shear (two brackets). Rather than tighten the bolts down against the harness hardware, use a bolt that will bottom out and be tight but will leave the mounting hardware free to swivel between the brackets so it will not bind up. This “freedom of movement” is like a suspension rod-end. If it can move freely it will function correctly.
- Crotch strap mounting is very important too. It should attach to the frame at a point that is basically in line with your spine. Too far forward and you will slide down and forward and the shoulder harness will loosen. Too far behind your butt and it basically does not stop you. The choice here is to get a 5-point harness or a 6-point harness. They each have their benefits. I am switching to the 6-point on my dragster because it is a wide cage and the dual straps on the 6-point will hold my pelvis area tighter.
That’s about all I can cover this month. We are working on having a DVD to send out to those of you that want to hear more on the Head and Neck Restraints. Watch the magazines for that announcement if we can work out the details.
Next month I will dive into the harnesses a little more with some different models that are out there and then it’s into helmets and basic car building and fire safety. Over the next couple of months I will go into a little about trailer safety and some tips on pit area safety and travel safety. Thank you for reading this whole series. It is IMPORTANT and if you got this far I know you are concerned.
