2009 bulkhead spec picture

[Steve O]

In the picture below you will see a front bulkhead/cockpit that is almost compliant with the new template that they will be instating in 2009. I just wanted to show everyone how much leg room this will actually give you. As everyone has predicted, it will make the front end a little bigger, but it is definately worth it when you get in and can move your legs without wacking it on your steering rack or rocker arm bolts. Everything is under the floor.

The only thing that needs to change for compliance is the the front roll hoop. It needs to be about an inch higher and rounded on the sides instead of a straight shot to the top.

http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/osuch/cockpit.jpg
http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/osuch/shifterclutch.jpg

Steve

Hartford Motorsports

[Steve O]

In the picture below you will see a front bulkhead/cockpit that is almost compliant with the new template that they will be instating in 2009. I just wanted to show everyone how much leg room this will actually give you. As everyone has predicted, it will make the front end a little bigger, but it is definately worth it when you get in and can move your legs without wacking it on your steering rack or rocker arm bolts. Everything is under the floor.

The only thing that needs to change for compliance is the the front roll hoop. It needs to be about an inch higher and rounded on the sides instead of a straight shot to the top.

http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/osuch/cockpit.jpg
http://uhaweb.hartford.edu/osuch/shifterclutch.jpg

Steve

Hartford Motorsports

[Superfast Matt McCoy]

Well I guess we can take that "No Fat Chicks" sticker off the car.

[HenningO]

Our monocoque for this year is also compliant with the 2009 rules. As you say it's actually pretty nice with all that space!

Only thing that have confused us a bit is the cockpit opening. It states that it have to be equal or bigger then the template down to the upper side impact frame member. Where is that on a monocoque...

[Horace]

Are the exact drawings in the 2008 rules going to be official? Did they say anything about it in VIR that they will be sticking to those templates are will they be making it smaller?

[Hector]

We actually run a tight foot box on purpose. Turns out that reducing the size of the footbox means the drivers' legs stay firmly planted on the pedals no matter how hard you're turning. We increased the size of our footbox one year and the drivers hated it... they like having their legs held in place for them.

[ben]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hector:
We actually run a tight foot box on purpose. Turns out that reducing the size of the footbox means the drivers' legs stay firmly planted on the pedals no matter how hard you're turning. We increased the size of our footbox one year and the drivers hated it... they like having their legs held in place for them. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Which is why lots of top end race cars have large foam pads that hold the driver's knees in place - giving the advantages you mention, plus energy absorption in a crash.

Ben

[Steve O]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Hector:
We actually run a tight foot box on purpose. Turns out that reducing the size of the footbox means the drivers' legs stay firmly planted on the pedals no matter how hard you're turning. We increased the size of our footbox one year and the drivers hated it... they like having their legs held in place for them. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

The floor closeout accommodates for lateral support, you just can't see it in that picture. We also may place foam under the knees, if needed, as Ben had mentioned.

As for the other comments made... still not sure fat chicks can fit, but I guess that depends on how fat...

In regards to Horace's comment, I think there is a post on the forum mentioning a quote from Michael Royce about the rule for 08.