Timaru Winch Challenge

[monstr]

After watching the winch challenge on tv3 this afternoon i have changed my mind somewhat on roll-cages. In the past i thought a 4 pt roll cage would be safe enough in a winch challenge truck, after watching the multi roll over i think even club class trucks should have a 6pt roll cage. Accidents by their very nature are unforseeable, the roll over on tv today proved this. Had that been a nissan or a heavier truck with a 4pt cage i don't think the occupiants would have got away so likely. Sure the cost of a 6pt roll cage can be high but what price would you put on your life? People entering club class are normally inexperienced in competition and are entering this class to learn. Although tracks can and are being set to lessen the danger accidents will still happen, i would hate to be the orgainiser of a competition that allowed trucks to compete with Inadequate safety equiptment as i know believe a 4pt is not enough!

This is just my thoughts, shoot me down if you like........

Steve

[haynzy]

You are right on the money and several competitors were running standard lap belts as well, need that elec isolation switch too, the more you think about it clubmans class should have the same safety rules as challenge.

[coxsy]

can see the need for a killswitch fitted as part of the spec 's too

[haynzy]

I believe its gonna be a requirement for the big boys next year

[PigFmr]

yep it was a good roll over,and yes in my view clubmans should have some sort of roll over protection,as i was in that truck that went over as witch bitch, as for a kill switch the key was turn off straight away it was just running on oil,just glad we had a full exo on the truck,and the exo cage only moved 20mm over,did not even smash the roof lights,truck has been in the garage for the last 3mths complete rebulid ,truck was not ready for Takitimu challenge but we still went down to support them ,but will be ready for top of the south event,

3.8 chev v6 with new computer
safari diffs and axles under it,soon to arb's front and rear
truck deck been shortned even move
it now has a tray on the back,cab resprayed etc
the list goes on and on.


vince

[TJ]

This is just my thoughts, shoot me down if you like........

Steve

Actually Steve, I think what you are saying makes sense. Even on club trips things can go wrong very quickly. A proper roll cage is coming up on my priority list fast (faster than some of the other things I want to do) as its almost a "need" not a "want" in certain circumstances.