When it comes to track driving and motorsport, safety is paramount. One of the most essential safety components for any high-performance vehicle is a race harness. Designed to keep drivers securely in their seats during high-speed maneuvers, sudden stops, and collisions, race harnesses provide the confidence and protection needed to push your car to its limits. In this blog post, we’ll explore everything you need to know about race harnesses, including their benefits, types, and tips for selecting and using the right harness for your needs.

What is a Race Harness?

A race harness, also known as a racing harness or safety harness, is a specialized seat belt system designed to secure the driver and passengers firmly in their seats during high-performance driving. Unlike standard three-point seat belts found in most vehicles, race harnesses feature multiple points of contact, distributing the force of a crash or sudden stop more evenly across the body.

Key Components of a Race Harness:

1. Harness Belts: Race harnesses typically feature either four, five, or six belts that secure the driver across the shoulders, hips, and sometimes between the legs (submarine belt). These belts are made of high-strength webbing designed to withstand extreme forces.
2. Cam Lock or Latch and Link Buckle: The harness is fastened using a cam lock or latch and link buckle system, which allows for quick release and secure fastening. These systems are designed for ease of use and reliability in emergency situations.
3. Mounting Hardware: Race harnesses include hardware for mounting the belts to the vehicle’s chassis or roll cage. Proper mounting is crucial for ensuring the harness’s effectiveness in an accident.
4. Adjusters: Harness adjusters allow the belts to be tightened or loosened for a secure and comfortable fit. Proper adjustment is essential to ensure that the harness provides maximum protection.

Why Use a Race Harness?

1. Enhanced Safety: Race harnesses provide superior safety compared to standard seat belts by securing the driver and passengers more effectively. They reduce the risk of injury by keeping the body in place during a crash, rollover, or high-speed maneuver.
2. Improved Driver Control: By holding the driver firmly in the seat, race harnesses prevent movement during aggressive driving. This improves control and precision, allowing the driver to focus on steering, braking, and accelerating without distraction.
3. Reduced Fatigue: A race harness helps distribute the forces experienced during track driving, reducing fatigue and strain on the body. This allows drivers to maintain concentration and performance for longer periods.
4. Compliance with Motorsport Regulations: Many motorsport events and track day organizations require the use of race harnesses for safety reasons. Installing a race harness ensures compliance with these regulations and allows participation in sanctioned events.
5. Protection in High-G Situations: During high-G maneuvers, such as sharp cornering or sudden braking, a race harness keeps the driver securely in place. This prevents the body from shifting and helps maintain control over the vehicle.
6. Safety in Rollovers: In the event of a rollover, a race harness keeps the driver and passengers securely in their seats, reducing the risk of being ejected or injured by loose objects inside the vehicle.

Types of Race Harnesses

1. Four-Point Harness:
   • Description: A four-point harness features two shoulder belts and two lap belts. It provides good upper body support and is commonly used in high-performance street cars and track day vehicles.
   • Benefits: Offers better safety than standard seat belts and is relatively easy to install. A four-point harness provides adequate support for most track day activities.
   • Considerations: Lacks a submarine belt, which means there is a risk of “submarining” (sliding under the lap belt) in a severe crash. Not suitable for all types of motorsport competitions.
2. Five-Point Harness:
   • Description: A five-point harness includes two shoulder belts, two lap belts, and one submarine belt that passes between the legs. The submarine belt prevents the occupant from sliding under the lap belt during a crash.
   • Benefits: Provides superior safety by preventing submarining and distributing impact forces more evenly. Suitable for a wide range of motorsport applications.
   • Considerations: Requires proper installation and adjustment to ensure comfort and safety. The submarine belt may be less comfortable for daily driving.
3. Six-Point Harness:
   • Description: A six-point harness features two shoulder belts, two lap belts, and two submarine belts. The dual submarine belts provide additional support and reduce the risk of submarining even further.
   • Benefits: Offers the highest level of safety and security, making it the preferred choice for professional racing. Provides excellent support for high-G forces.
   • Considerations: More complex to install and adjust due to the additional belts. Best suited for dedicated race cars rather than dual-purpose vehicles.
4. Seven-Point Harness:
   • Description: A seven-point harness is similar to a six-point harness but includes an additional strap to provide even greater security and support. It is typically used in top-tier racing applications.
   • Benefits: Provides maximum safety and stability in extreme racing conditions. Reduces the risk of submarining and offers unparalleled support.
   • Considerations: The most complex and expensive option, primarily used in professional motorsport. Installation requires careful planning and expertise.

Choosing the Right Race Harness

1. Consider Your Driving Needs: Choose a race harness based on your intended use. For occasional track days and high-performance street driving, a four-point or five-point harness may be sufficient. For competitive racing, a six-point or seven-point harness is recommended.
2. Check Compatibility: Ensure that the race harness you choose is compatible with your vehicle’s seat, roll cage, and mounting points. Some harnesses are designed to work with specific racing seats and roll cages, so compatibility is essential for proper installation.
3. Select the Right Material: Look for harnesses made from high-strength webbing materials that meet or exceed safety standards. Common materials include nylon and polyester, which provide durability and resistance to wear and tear.
4. Choose a Reliable Brand: Opt for race harnesses from reputable brands known for their quality and safety. Brands such as Sparco, Schroth, Simpson, and Takata are well-regarded in the motorsport community.
5. Compliance with Safety Standards: Ensure that the harness meets relevant safety standards, such as SFI or FIA certification. Compliance with these standards ensures that the harness has been tested and approved for use in motorsport applications.
6. Consider Ease of Use: Choose a harness with a buckle system that is easy to use and provides quick release in case of an emergency. Cam lock buckles are popular for their ease of use and reliability.
7. Comfort: Comfort is important, especially for longer track sessions. Look for harnesses with padding on the shoulder and lap belts to reduce discomfort and chafing. Adjustable harnesses allow for a customized fit, enhancing comfort and safety.

Installing a Race Harness

1. Read the Instructions: Before installation, carefully read the manufacturer’s instructions. Follow the guidelines for proper mounting angles, belt routing, and attachment points.
2. Use Proper Mounting Points: Secure the harness to strong, reinforced points in the vehicle’s chassis or roll cage. Never attach the harness to weak or flimsy components that could fail in an accident.
3. Check Belt Angles: Ensure that the shoulder belts are mounted at the correct angle, typically 0-20 degrees below the shoulder line. Incorrect angles can lead to spinal compression in the event of a crash.
4. Secure with Proper Hardware: Use the mounting hardware provided with the harness or specified by the manufacturer. Grade 8 bolts and appropriate washers and backing plates should be used for secure mounting.
5. Adjust for a Snug Fit: Adjust the harness belts to fit snugly against the body. The lap belts should sit low across the hips, not the abdomen, and the shoulder belts should be tight enough to prevent movement without causing discomfort.
6. Test the Fit: Once installed, sit in the driver’s seat and test the harness fit. Ensure that the harness is comfortable and allows for full range of motion with minimal slack. Make any necessary adjustments to achieve a secure fit.
7. Inspect Regularly: Regularly inspect the harness for signs of wear, fraying, or damage. Replace any worn or damaged components immediately to maintain safety.

Using a Race Harness on the Track

1. Buckle Up Correctly: Always ensure that the race harness is correctly buckled and adjusted before driving. Double-check the fit to make sure that all belts are tight and secure.
2. Position the Harness Pads: Position the shoulder and lap pads correctly to prevent chafing and discomfort. Pads should be centered over the belts and cover any areas where the belts make direct contact with the body.
3. Practice Quick Release: Familiarize yourself with the harness’s quick-release mechanism. Practice using the cam lock or latch and link system so you can exit the vehicle quickly in an emergency.
4. Stay Seated and Secure: Once the harness is buckled, stay seated and secure in the seat. Avoid moving or adjusting the harness while driving, as this can compromise safety.
5. Regular Checks: During track sessions, periodically check the harness fit and adjustment. Make sure the belts remain tight and secure throughout the day.

Conclusion

Race harnesses are a vital safety component for anyone serious about track driving or motorsport. By providing superior support and security, they allow drivers to push their limits while maintaining control and reducing the risk of injury. Whether you’re participating in track days, autocross events, or competitive racing, investing in a high-quality race harness is a decision that pays off in safety and performance.

At MGMT Autoworks, we specialize in performance upgrades and safety equipment, including race harness installation. Our team of experts can help you choose the right harness for your vehicle, ensure proper installation, and provide valuable advice for safe and effective use. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you stay secure and confident on the track with high-quality race harnesses!