For those of you that track your car regularly but still drive it on the street, what are your thoughts about having only the driver's seat a true racing seat w/harness while leaving the passenger seat stock?

Considerations:
- I didn't like the feel of the stock seat/restraint at the track and as I transition to a stickier tire, I'd like to be as planted in the seat as possible.
- My street/track mileage will likely be 95% Street/ 5% Track (2-3 events / year), so I'd like to keep the passenger comfort as reasonable as possible.
- I recall reading something about "equal" restraint systems at DEs for driver/passenger so not sure if driver's side race seat/harness vs. stock passenger seat/seatbelt is an issue.
- I have a TQ full rollbar in the car.

Questions:
1) Do DE rules allow for a driver side racing seat & harness w/stock passenger seat/restraint?

2) What are your personal thoughts on this? Not fair to the passenger at the track? Looks weird?

Thanks, TK

 

For DE's you must have equal restraints for both the driver and passenger. Therefore if the driver has a race seat and harness the passenger must have a race seat and harness. 5 or 6 point harnesses are not allowed with stock Porsche seats. The seats must have a pass-through hole for the sub-belt and shoulder harness.

Not knowing what run group you are in, as an instructor I would never get in a car where the driver has a race seat and harness and I would be riding in a stock seat with a 3 point belt.

There is some debate whether both race seats have to be of the same make and model (i.e. a Recaro race seat on one side and a Spaco race seat on the other). I would check with the organization running the event if you decide to go that route.

I would suggest looking into a set of GT3 seats. They are comfortable enough for the street, and have all the necessary pass-thoughts for harnesses. Make sure you get genuine Recaro GT3 seats, not the replicas.

 

Very helpful, thank you!!

 

Every region is a little different on this. Check the DE rules with the group you will run with first. Some DE instructors will not ride in a car with 3 pt belts. Personally I have no problem with it if the air bag system is intact and I have confidence in my student to follow instructions.

My car is set up for Time Trials with a comp. seat in the driver position, 3pt belts, and the rest of the interior is stock. It probably does look a little weird with 1 comp seat but it's my car, my choice.

 

Interesting, any pics?

Thx for sharing.