Question: Has anyone done a track day in a ZR1 CONVERTIBLE?

[silentservice703]

I am wondering about the ability to take my ZR1 Convertible to the track.

Does the windshield frame qualify as roll bar protection?

Has anyone done this?

 

[Hib Halverson]

Obviously, a convertible is less safe in a rollover incident than is a coupe. I suspect that whether or not a trackway organizer will allow Corvette convertibles is going to depend on the type if insurance the event has and the track's safety regulations.

 

[Scottsredvette]

Obviously, a convertible is less safe in a rollover incident than is a coupe. I suspect that whether or not a trackway organizer will allow Corvette convertibles is going to depend on the type if insurance the event has and the track's safety regulations.

About fifteen years back, there was a track in Colorado that would let us take our convertibles out, but... Unless you had an approved roll bar and passed a vehicle inspection, they put a track official in the car with you and gave you a do not exceed speed which kept you from doing much. Those days are long gone. Their current track rules no longer allow this. I lifted this from their website.

Cars Open face helmets are acceptable. No karts of any kind are allowed. All loose items must be removed from the passenger compartment and trunk. 3 point OEM seatbelts minimum required. Convertibles MUST have occupant rollover protection installed immediately behind the driver’s seat. Windshield only rollover protection is not sufficient. Bolt on or retractable hardtop roofs are not sufficient. T-Top or Targa tops are OK as long as there is a permanent B pillar and only the middle section of the roof is removable. OEM rollover protection is acceptable only if installed immediately behind the driver’s seat. OEM “pop up” rollover protection is acceptable only if installed immediately behind the driver’s seat. Permanent aftermarket rollover protection is acceptable subject to management approval. Aftermarket “pop up” rollover protection is not acceptable under any circumstances. Rollover protection, whether “pop-up” or permanent, installed behind rear passenger seats is not acceptable under any circumstances. Common convertibles with acceptable factory rollover protection: Honda S2000 Porsche Boxter Others are allowed, with specifics to confirm. Common convertibles that DO NOT have acceptable factory rollover protection and must have aftermarket protection added: ALL Mazda Miata/MX5 (the ’06 and newer have “style bars” that are not designed to provide rollover protection per the manufacturer) Porsche 911 series (although they have pop-up protection, these are 4 passenger cars despite how small the rear seats are) Chevrolet Corvette Chevrolet Camaro Ford Mustang This list is not exhaustive  Passengers are allowed, subject to restriction at the discretion of track management. There is no charge for passengers. Passengers must be at least 18 years of age. Drivers who display multiple spins or other indications of driving “over their head” may lose their ability to have passengers in the vehicle. Pickup trucks or other vehicles with higher GVW’s and/or high center of gravity are not allowed unless the suspension, wheels, tires and brakes have been upgraded to safely withstand the rigors of track use. The approval of such vehicles will be made on a case by case basis. Please insure that the front of your car has a readily accessible tow point. If your car has a threaded tow hook in the tool kit please install it in the front bumper prior to entering the track. While we obviously try to be as careful as possible, the park is not responsible for any damage.

 

[silentservice703]

Thanks for that. AS I suspected.