A case for aftermarket seats in stock

[Steve Hagberg]

Even though Don Morris makes a well stated case for replacement seats as a safety concern, it's interesting that the Rules Committee came back with an unqualified NO without sharing any justification for their decision. As a career pilot in both the Navy and in commercial aviation, I can tell you that their rules and operational procedures are written in blood. I wonder if the organization that is the world's foremost automotive racing safety body ( the stated rationale for their 501c(6) non-profit status) is waiting for a tragic accident to decide to take action. That seems to be the recent trend.
Steve

[Dave Ficacci]

It seems that whenever someones says (insert gripe of the week here) is for safety and not performance, one really has to question the motive. No doubt, aftermarket seats are safer. You cannot dispute that. But let's dig a little deeper .

Is safety is your number one concern, I would ask you these questions...

Does your car have a full roll cage and window net?
Do you wear the hans device?
Do you wear SFI gloves and shoes?
Do you run a diaper?
Do you run a full transmission shield?

ALL of the items I listed above can be put into a stocker today... Aside from the AA and some A cars, I would bet 90% of the remaining cars and drivers do not use ANY of the items listed above .

So if safety is so important to you, why are you not using the allowed and legal safety devices that are available to you? After all isn't that what everyone is the post is preaching? How you want to be in a safer racecar...

I do like Gregs idea about an aftermarket seats that closely resemble the stock originals. The last thing I would want to see is a stocker with a Kirkey seat.

Stock has changed more in the last 5 years than it has in the 20 years before that. People like Ken call it progression, I call it bastardization.

In closing, if you don't feel safe in your racecar, maybe you shouldn't be in the seat.

Originally Posted by Ken Miele

I think NHRA needs to give us the option if we want a little more safety, not make mandatory, just an option.

If NHRA makes it an option, it should come with an addition of 5 HP. I bet you wouldn't put one in.