Safety Requirements and Tech Information for 2021

New for 2021: Helmet Snell Rating & Harness Expiration Mandate

Please review the following as there have been changes made since last year:

HELMET – 2010, 2015 or 2020 SNELL rating REQUIRED with SNELL sticker attached. SNELL SA standard strongly recommended but SNELL M helmets are acceptable. DOT-rated helmets are not acceptable.
- Updated 3/29/2021: SNELL 2010 rating will be accepted through 12/31/2021 by PCA. Helmets rated 2005 and older will not be allowed! No refunds if your helmet doesn't meet the standard.
SEATBELTS or HARNESS RESTRAINT SYSTEMS – As a minimum the vehicle shall have OEM seat belt restraints. If aftermarket harnesses are installed, proper installation requires several changes to the vehicle to create a safe occupant system. Harnesses must include an anti-submarine strap mounted in an approved manner consistent with the harness manufacturer instructions. The seats used with harnesses must be manufactured with routing holes for shoulder belts and anti-submarine belts. Equal restraint systems are required for both driver and passenger.
Harnesses will be checked for expiration date compliance. Most harnesses have a tag clearly stating when the harnesses expire. PCA National requires: “Belts must be replaced no later than five years (FIA certified), or two years (SFI certified) after the date of manufacture”. FIA harnesses manufactured in 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 are acceptable. SFI harnesses that were manufactured in 2020 and 2021 are acceptable. Expired harnesses will not pass tech inspection, with no refunds.
- If you have a 5-point or 6-point harness, an approved head and neck restraint is required!
- If you have anything other than OEM seat belts, 5 or 6 point harnesses installed, please contact Safety@ARPCA.com

SEATING REQUIREMENTS – All participant vehicles must have TWO seats with equal restraints for driver and passenger. This applies to all run groups (including instructors).
CONVERTIBLES – All “non-fixed-metal” roof cars must have OEM rollover protection (e.g. 996 and later Cabriolets, Boxsters) or a proper roll bar that passes the “broomstick test”. Convertibles will run with the top up or occupants will wear arm restraints.
AGE – Drivers must be at least 18 years old and possess a valid driver’s license.
SHARING A CAR – Two drivers sharing a car must be registered in two different run groups.
CAR SAFETY – The driver is responsible for proper preparation and operation of their vehicle. All registered drivers must print and bring ARPCA’s Vehicle Safety Inspection form (ARPCA Vehicle Safety Insp Form), which must be completed and signed by a third-party automotive repair/inspection facility no more than 30 days before the event. All non-instructor-driven vehicles will be required to pass tech inspection at the track. No refunds for failure to pass tech inspection. You may remedy failed items and resubmit your vehicle for approval.
INSTRUCTOR OPINIONS WITH REGARD TO SAFETY TAKE PRECEDENCE OVER STUDENT OPINIONS – The instructor assigned to the student will have final say regarding the operation of the vehicle while on track. This encompasses the student's driving and operation of the vehicle and its’ equipment. Be advised that the Chief Driving Instructor is likely to side with your instructor in matters involving a difference of opinion.
CARS NOT PERMITTED – All open-wheeled cars are prohibited. Cars with fenders attached to the suspension and not attached to the body of the car in at least two locations are prohibited.

Contact the ARPCA Safety/Tech chairman at Safety@ARPCA.com with any questions about the suitability of a vehicle.

Tell us about your abilities:

In order to place you correctly, please make sure your driving resume is up to date in MotorSportReg.
Please make sure your logbook of experience in your member profile is current. We use this information to evaluate your experience and track driving abilities to correctly place you into your proper run group.