I went to my First HPDE Event on July 2nd at New Hampshire Motor Speedway. The Event was held by COM Sports Car Club. Since it was my first event, I had an Instructor with me. It was more of a School that day, to see if I'm able to obtain my COM License to do SOLO Time Attack Events. However, I was not able to Obtain my COM License that day. My instructor said I need more Instruction and that I should watch a Video of a Pro Driver going around NHMS (Chicane/Chicane Configuration). I had also done my own Video Tapping, which I found to be helpful because I could then watch to see what I did wrong. The Instructor did enjoy the GP though. He even got to drive the GP, the first 2 Laps. 2 things I remember him mentioning were about how well the GP Handles and about how fast/quick the GP is, and this is coming from a guy who tracks with a Porsche 914 and a 911.

Right now, my GP is stock but that's going to change soon. When I was at the Track, I noticed how much the GP Seats are Unsupported. Every time I took a Turn, I would have to make it so I wouldn't be sliding side to side in the seat.

I'm going to have Aftermarket Seats installed, along with a Schroth Harness, and possibly a Roll Bar.

I've run into a little problem with choosing seats though. I'm hoping someone could help.

Please note that I'm NOT skinny. LOL. I'm a 38-40 inch waist, depending on who makes the pants. The seats I'm looking at, are for Larger people.

The seats I'm looking at are:

Fixed Back:

SPARCO EVO 2



Reclining Back:

SPARCO CHRONO ROAD



SPARCO R100



I really want to get the EVO 2 Seats. SoloRacer.com sells a Package Deal for the MINI, which includes the EVO 2 Seat with Seat Mount from Brey-Krause. Pricing is only for 1 seat and 1 seat mount and retails for $819.00, so that's 1,638.00 for 2 seats and 2 seat mounts. This of course doesn't include the cost of Harnesses. If I was to get this Package, I would have to get one for now, then the other later. Total for 2 seat packages, along with harness comes to $1,978.00

My other option is to go with the SPARCO CHRONO ROAD Seat, which retails at $500.00 per seat. So, $1,000.00 for 2 seats. The cost of 2 Seat Mounts, and 2 Harnesses would be $580.00. That's $1,580.00 total.

I might start off with just 1 Chrono Road Seat for now. The thing I like about the Chrono Road is that it looks very supportive. However, I'm not sure it would fit in the GP. The Chrono Road Seats would also be easier to sit in, compared to the EVO 2 seats.

I'm still not sure about the R100 Seats but they're cheaper. These are just another option. More of a Back-Up Option.

I'm looking for something that offers good Support.

My Harness of choice is a Schroth 4-Point Harness.

So, would the CHRONO ROAD Seat fit in the GP?? This is my main concern.

Adam

 

I've been looking at this too, and this is what I've learned so far about seats--there are other with more experience that will hopefully chime in...

Don't know about the fit, but you're looking at two totally different kinds of seats.

The Evo's are fixed back, and will work with a 6 point harness, you should at the very least put in rollbar because of that fixed back (The seat is going to hold you straight up in a rollover). The Chrono's are not fixed back--so not so good for a 6-point harness, but just fine for the Schroth 4-point, and not critical to get a rollbar (although it's still a good idea).

As I remember, the Brey-Krause mounts do not have spot for the OEM seat belt, unless they've recently changed them--you'll have to fashion one if you go that route, and you'll need the stock belts if you're using the Schroth 4-points. So it's not as simple as putting in the mounts, and the seats, and being good to go....

If you're a big guy, you're going to need sliders too--you'll have a tough time getting in and out of the car without them; a sit fixed isn't going to work so well.

Thing is, if you're racing, check the rules--you may at some point be mandated to a 5 or 6 point belt, and some places won't let you run that unless you have a fixed back seat (although if it's not fixed, most places will let you run it with a back brace, but you'll definitely need a rollbar, which you're going to need anyway).

 

I'm aware that I'm looking at two different kind of seats.

The Class I'd be in (Showroom Stock or Street Touring - Depending on what upgrades I install) allows for 4-Point Harness or you can use a 5-Point or 6-Point Harness. As long as the Harness is SFI or FIA Approved. If I was in Street Prepared or Prepared, then I would need a 5-point or 6-point Harness.

The EVO would probably be the seat to go with and that would probably hold me in Better. Be nice if they weren't so expensive but I guess you got to pay for Safety, right?

 

Just a suggestion, but since you are just starting out, why not just get a Schroth QuickFit Harness and see how you like that? It will hold you in almost (I said almost as good as the seat. You'll save money and be able to leave the GP stock.

 

^Agree with rw above.

Also if you've not yet changed to a stiffer rear sway bar it's highly recommended. IMO the H-Sport 25.5mm tubular RSB is a perfect compliment to the GP. It installs relatively easily, fits perfectly, does not make noise & has grease fittings, is adjustable - middle stiffness setting works well for a MINI with no camber plates, and noticeably decreases understeer.