Driver side window

[Andy]

Hi,

I was reading through the rules again and the option to run a drivers side window either fully up or fully down caught my attention.

If I run a drivers side window (lexan, fixed) is it still required to use a window net?

How is a fixed window regarded from a safety point of view?

Thanks,

Andrew

[rmicroys]

Rules... I'd say yes.

6.3 WINDOW NETS

6.3.1 Window safety nets shall be installed on the Driver's side window of closed Cars. (See Diagram
"WINDOW NET INSTALLATION" herein).

6.3.2 The window net shall be equipped with a quick-release device. If attached to the door rather than a
roll cage, the door shall be pinned shut. The material of window nets shall be of an approved fire
resistant material. (Refer to Appendix "K" hereto).

6.3.3 Window nets, which bear an "SFI Spec 27.1 Label", are acceptable.

My only issue for my own personal safety, would be that one can't climb out of a fixed window.

Also... keep in mind what it says about windows in the rules too. Specifically about egress. So I think if you pop rivet in a front door window - you may be in for a surprise at tech inspection.

22.0 VENTILATION AND ACCESS
GT vehicles shall run with the Driver front door window either fully open or fully closed.
They shall be constructed to allow rapid egress on both sides of the vehicle.

[AndrewW]

Ok Thanks,

For some reason my ruleset neglected the "must allow rapid egress" portion, although that was my concern. I see many teams running fixed driver windows in other series, any ideas on how they are easily removable?

Andrew

[rmicroys]

The egress rule is new from last year, your rules must be 2003 rules. I would recommend downloading and printing out a fresh set.

[Doc Driver]

I think there is a mis-print. The rules always said that the driver's side window should be down. The passenger side window was optional up or down. Someone needs to clarify.

[Bruce Mills]

Our rule was changed when we started to get cross over from other series which allowed fixed windows. If you think about it many of the top cars in the Canada Challenge Cup had no operable windows at all.

The part about full open or fully closed is important to production based cars where a partly open window has no support for the glass and is very easily snapped off in relatively minor crashes.