This close-up of the attaching clips and clips on the end of the tether straps shows how they are hooked up. The release strap should pull down on the attaching clip so it can pull the spring-loaded pin downward and release the clip.
 The foam seat pad is cut out so the R3 doesn't hit you in the back. With this pad it is not noticeable you have it on. |
The next order of business was getting used to hooking the tether straps and then unhooking them after the run. The buckles on the tether straps from the R3 to the helmet are easy to hook up as they simply clip through the hook on the helmet. There are yellow release straps that you can hook to the front of the helmet (at least that is what I did) that you simply pull down on and the tethers are released…very simple.
We had to adjust the length of the tethers so I could still turn my helmet enough to drive the finish line without sacrificing safety. It took about three times to get them where I felt pretty free in the car and still could feel the limitation of the forward helmet movement.
 This buckle goes around your chest and secures the lower part of the R3. The effectiveness of the R3 is not reliant on the safety harness. If the harness comes loose or stretches the R3 is still retaining the helmet and protecting your neck and head. |
In the end, it took about two weekends to get real comfortable with the R3, but the protection is the best I can get for myself, and it could prevent a life-changing injury due to an accident.
We have just ordered special roll cage padding brackets from ISP (Innovative Safety Solutions) and over the winter we are going to get their newest padding installed. It is “progressive foam” much like the product John Force Racing is helping develop. It is a little different in our application because we still need to see out the side of the roll cage, so getting it fit and close to the helmet to absorb impact will be challenging. We are also trying to get our schedule to fit with ISP so we can get a seat “poured” for the dragsters. These seats are the best way to limit body movement and if you can stay put in the car you will be safer and drive better as you will be in the exact same position each run. If you ask guys like Jeg Coughlin, Dave Connolly and dozens of others, they use ISP seats and their record speaks for itself. I hope to have a tech article on that in January or February.
A lot of you are heading out to the different ET Final events, some late season Big Buck races and so on. Please think about safety every weekend, okay?
SOURCES:
| ISP – Innovative Safety Products 5540 Morehead Rd. Bldg 1 Harrisburg, NC 28075 Phone (704) 455-3060 |
Safety Solutions – LFT Technologies (800) 731-4404 The R3, Hutchens Hybrid are all products of LFT. Their website has a sizing page to assist you get the right one. www.lfttech.com |
