Light weight seats

Is there an affordable light weight racing seat that you guys are using that can actually be used for a 2hr drive. I'm looking for something that has a little more comfort than a fiberglass seat with a viynl cover. Still needs to be able to mount to a bar though for track use. Thanks, Rick.

Comfortable is a very subjective term in regards to seats. I have Kirky layback aluminum racing seats. I also have their fairly decent seat covers on them.

I have driven them seven hours to Englishtown quite a few times and my home track is 95 miles from my house. I even drove from Maine to Ohio and back in them twice. I had no problems.

However my wife won't even go 20 miles in them without complaining. So... It is really an individual choice. I do understand my wife's complaints... Racing seats, 5-point harness, no radio, no air conditioning, no sound insulation, longtubes.... YadaYadaYada...

Comfortable is a very subjective term in regards to seats. I have Kirky layback aluminum racing seats. I also have their fairly decent seat covers on them.

I have driven them seven hours to Englishtown quite a few times and my home track is 95 miles from my house. I even drove from Maine to Ohio and back in them twice. I had no problems.

However my wife won't even go 20 miles in them without complaining. So... It is really an individual choice. I do understand my wife's complaints... Racing seats, 5-point harness, no radio, no air conditioning, no sound insulation, longtubes.... YadaYadaYada...

So were do I look to find these and get a price?

I like the kirkey seats, but I wouldn't want to be in them more than 10 minutes.

I like the kirkey seats, but I wouldn't want to be in them more than 10 minutes.

Have any suggestions for me then. I need to drop some weight from this pig. ;)

Have any suggestions for me then. I need to drop some weight from this pig. ;)

Go to the track or a speed shop and sit in some different ones. See what you like, Summit has the kirkey,jegs, probly about anywhere. The local circle track shop here has the seat/cover package for $199

Everybody has different body geometry in the back, neck, and butt areas. A good upholstery shop should be able to configure some appropriate padding, or have padding available, that you could install yourself (with some sweat equity).

It isn't the seat so much as it is the padding and seat cover that will determine comfort.

I typically drive fairly laid back, literally, with the seat reclined and my knees in the air and maybe that is why the Kirkeys don't bother me. My wife however prefers an upright position with the back of the seat fairly vertical.

Also, I retained the power seat capabilities and did not need to use the "generic" slide rails as the seat bolted up to the power platform so I can move forward and back, as well as tilt by pressing a button. :D

Thanks guys. I don't get to the track that much, but I'm going next week. Maybe I'll ask to sit in a few cars:eek: if they look friendly.:D It kind of looks like I'll just get the regular "cheap seats" and add some padding. It worked back in my Kart racing days.

I have the Corbeau Clubman seat, which I think it's very comfortable and fits really well with the 6pt Wolfe roll bar. Only thing is, it didn't pass tech because it didn't have any support for your lower back, that's what the tech guy told me. The tech guys at the PSCA events are pretty strict. He also told me the 5pt harness lap belts need to be mounted following your waist belt and the Kirkeys need to have a support bar mount to the seat and roll bar.

Jody J.

My Kirkeys are great!

You also don't want something that's too tall, it'll put your head in the roof plus it'll look stupid.

My Kirkeys are great!

Ellis,

Do you have any pics of the seats mounted in your car?

Also, what is everyone using to mount your Kirkeys?

Thanks,

Jody J.

This is what I have "Corbeau Clubman", very comfortable and secure, but no adjustable back.

WD

http://shutter15.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/07/007/7F/BA/00/5E/QOgOi+STNVVqBqV1wqpNqv0EQ6v1gOjp013F.jpg

http://shutter13.pictures.aol.com/data/pictures/05/00A/3F/9F/9B/79/WQyKP-WIG6K+P2YlPYevmORGsGdMPOyz0300.jpg

I agree about the Clubman seat, but when I tried to tech with it he said it would not pass :( because the lower back does not have any support.

Only modification I would do is add the lumbar support.

I agree about the Clubman seat, but when I tried to tech with it he said it would not pass :( because the lower back does not have any support.

Only modification I would do is add the lumbar support.

I haven't had any problem with my Clubman seat during tech at my local NHRA track. Also, having read the NHRA rule book (in great detail), I don't recall any specifics about lower back support in the seat section????

Do you have a car that must be certified to 9.99 and below? The rules get much more critical at 9.99 and below? I'll talk with our local tech person this weekend and see what he has to say about the seat issue and get back with you.

WD

I haven't had any problem with my Clubman seat during tech at my local NHRA track. Also, having read the NHRA rule book (in great detail), I don't recall any specifics about lower back support in the seat section????

Do you have a car that must be certified to 9.99 and below? The rules get much more critical at 9.99 and below? I'll talk with our local tech person this weekend and see what he has to say about the seat issue and get back with you.

WD

Nope, the car only runs 10.90's.

Great, thanks!

Jody J.

Nope, the car only runs 10.90's.

Great, thanks!

Jody J.


I love it, "only 10.90s" Most people with F-Body LTs would die for 10.90s! Including myself. However, with some really good DA I think my car may run that.

WD

I love it, "only 10.90s" Most people with F-Body LTs would die for 10.90s! Including myself. However, with some really good DA I think my car may run that.

WD


But, that's with a 200 shot. N/A only runs 12.70's. I'll trade you my 12.70's for your 11.30's any day :)

I have a set of Summit race seats in my car. Personally I love em. They fit me like a glove. I'm 5'11" and about 190... As already stated not all seats will be comfortable for eberyone. These fit me great and I would have no trouble with them on a long trip. Too bad my car isnt a street machine to test that out;).

There are pics and other info in this thread:

http://web.camaross.com/forums/showthread.php?t=482519&highlight=summit+race+seat

I have the Corbeau Forza. Comfortable for 1HR+ drives. A bit constricting, because of the wraparound, but not uncomfortable. Never had a problem with tech. You are supposed to have an aftermarket seat attached to the roll bar cross piece behind the seat (General Requirements 6:2), but no one ever faulted me for not having a connection. Is that possibly what you are refering to with regard to "support for your lower back"?

http://www.injuneer.com/images/photos/Interior/DCP03791a.jpg

Nope, he actually pointed out with his hands where the support should be and that was the lower back. Maybe he was just being over protected, which is fine, I'd rather be safe than sorry. He did mention when you get the Kirkey to make sure it is attached to the roll bar, but he did not mention anything about the Clubman attaching to the roll bar.

Jody J.

Thanks everyone, some good info and pics here. :thumb:

Nope, he actually pointed out with his hands where the support should be and that was the lower back. Maybe he was just being over protected, which is fine, I'd rather be safe than sorry. He did mention when you get the Kirkey to make sure it is attached to the roll bar, but he did not mention anything about the Clubman attaching to the roll bar.

Jody J.

It appears your local track tech person is out in "left field" on this one! I spoke with my local NHRA tech guy last night and then re-read the 2007 rule book this morning. And, no written requirement reference to lower back support, or a brace between the seat and cross-bar.

Here are the 2007 NHRA rule book references:

Section 1A, Interior (page 21) SEATS-Properly braced, framed and supported seats constructed of aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber, or double-layer poly (automotive accessory seats) permitted. See General Regulations 6:2.

Section 16-Genteral Regulations, (Page 224) 6:2 UPHOLSTERY, SEATS

In this paragraph more detailed info, but no reason the Clubman seat would be any different from any other accessory race seat. It has back and head support like any other basic race seat.

Again, it looks like your track tech guy is not following the written rules in the NHRA rule, or even the basic spirit-and-intent of the rules. Take it to another NHRA track and see what happens, or come out to Oklahoma and Texas and race with us. You won’t have any problems!

WD

Yeah I am a little confused too... to be legal the seat back must be bolted and supported by the cross bar on the main hoop. Here is a pic of mine and how it is supported.

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/6343/0000018ie8.jpg (http://imageshack.us)



If you sliding thru tech without it then you tech guy is either not up to speed or just doesn't care. The seat should be attached for safety. It takes a ton of stress off the floor bolts in a wreck and also keeps the seat and belts in the same position. Your belts are no good if the seat you are sitting in falls back 3 inches... the belts are no longer tight and not holding you in place. Your belts and seat must remain stable and in place or you might as well not be wearing the belts, and you may as well be sitting on a milk crate at 100mph.

Yeah I am a little confused too... to be legal the seat back must be bolted and supported by the cross bar on the main hoop. Here is a pic of mine and how it is supported.


If you sliding thru tech without it then you tech guy is either not up to speed or just doesn't care. The seat should be attached for safety. It takes a ton of stress off the floor bolts in a wreck and also keeps the seat and belts in the same position. Your belts are no good if the seat you are sitting in falls back 3 inches... the belts are no longer tight and not holding you in place. Your belts and seat must remain stable and in place or you might as well not be wearing the belts, and you may as well be sitting on a milk crate at 100mph.

While a lot of cars have that brace (seat back to cross bar), the NHRA rule book does not mandate it. It is probably more seat design (manufacturer) dependant.

To further make your point, cite a rule book reference (Section and Paragraph).

WD

While a lot of cars have that brace (seat back to cross bar), the NHRA rule book does not mandate it. It is probably more seat design (manufacturer) dependant.

To further make your point, cite a rule book reference (Section and Paragraph).

WD

Honestly I did not know that. I was always under the impression that the seat had to be bolted to the cross bar. Thanks for the clarification.

personally I fell the more fastening points you have the safer it is.

Just to clarify.... there is a brace similar to your yours behind my seat. Its adjustable (not legal), and not bolted to the seat (not legal). I think when tech sees seats like the Corbeau, they consider it similar to a stock seat and don't look at it the same way as the obvious drag seats.

The Corbeau seats are FIA approved. I know that's not NHRA, but FIA is a recognized international racing organization. On the other hand, the Corbeau type seats are a frame with fabric stretched over them. They are not a solid seat (at least that's the way my Forza is). Again, if you read the details of 6:2, it may possibly be interpreted as requiring a solid aluminum, fiberglass, carbon fiber or double layer poly seat. They never use the work "solid" in the reg's though. I can see where an overzealous track official may find an objection to the frame and fabric seats. Maybe not as "out in left field" as you would imagine.

I'm a little puzzled by the comments on the cross-bar to seat brace not being required. 6:2 inthe General Requirements (admittedly 04 issue, not the current issue of the rule book, since I'm "at work") says:

"The driver's seat in any car in competition must be constructed, braced, mounted and upholstered to provide full back and shoulder support. The driver's seat must be supported on the bottom and back by the frame or crossmember. Except as noted in SFI Specifications, seats must be bolted with four bolts (and nuts and washers) on the bottom and one bolt in the rear into the crossbar; all bolts must go into frame or crossbraces."

So Fred, is that out of the rule book word for word? I assume so since you put it in quotes. I was always under the impression that a brace to the rear was required but I dont have a rule book in front of me.

At my local track I had them actually look for that once... they looks and saw the brace and the guy said "nicely done rear brace" and keept on looking the car over. I was always told it was needed so I did it.

So Fred, is that out of the rule book word for word? I assume so since you put it in quotes. I was always under the impression that a brace to the rear was required but I dont have a rule book in front of me.

At my local track I had them actually look for that once... they looks and saw the brace and the guy said "nicely done rear brace" and keept on looking the car over. I was always told it was needed so I did it.

I have an 06 rule book and the wording in General Regs. section 6.2 is exactly as Fred posted. Any race seat (meaning any seat that didn't come in the vehicle from the manufacturer) must be bolted/attached to the rollbar cross bar. Every track in MI looks for the brace.
And being that the reg requires ''full back and shoulder support'' it leaves it up to the tech to decide if a seat fills the bill.

i know this thread is kind of old but i had a question. how fast does your car have to go in order for the seat be required to be bolted to the rollbar crossbar?

and since it's bolted it means you can't slide it forward/backward. what if you're short?? i'm 5'2" and have to slide my seat forward to reach the pedals. I see the seat being bolted to the crossbar a potential future problem for me.

i know this thread is kind of old but i had a question. how fast does your car have to go in order for the seat be required to be bolted to the rollbar crossbar?

and since it's bolted it means you can't slide it forward/backward. what if you're short?? i'm 5'2" and have to slide my seat forward to reach the pedals. I see the seat being bolted to the crossbar a potential future problem for me.


Speed doesn't matter.
If you have the factory seat it does NOT have to be bolted to the crossbar.
If you have a light weight race seat it must be bolted.