MSA partners with FIA Institute for improved race car safety
The UK Motor Sports Association (MSA) and the FIA Institute
have concluded a test and development programme to further
improve safety in grass roots motor sport.
The jointly-funded project has run a number of tests over
the last two years to determine the safety-level of cars used
in national championships. The work has focused on the "crashworthiness"
of space-frame chassis construction race cars, which are used
in national single-seater championships such as Formula Ford.
With assistance from Ford Motor Company and Van Diemen International,
a standard Van Diemen Formula Ford chassis was fitted with
prototype energy absorbing crash structures and subjected
to frontal and side impact tests. The chassis and roll-hoop
were also subjected to physical loading tests.
The Van Diemen chassis comfortably met the test criteria,
demonstrating the high level of driver protection that can
be provided by a traditional space-frame chassis. This chassis
will be used as the foundation to develop low cost, but high
performing safety features, including an energy absorbing
nosebox, rear impact structures and anti-penetration side
panels.
As a result of the work undertaken by the MSA, crash test
criteria are in the process of being formulated for implementation
in future cars of this construction and a full report will
be completed for the FIA Institute.
Colin Hilton, MSA Chief Executive:
"I am delighted that the MSA's skills have been utilised
to undertake this important project and I would like to commend
John Symes and the other project partners for their excellent
work. It further underlines UK motor sport's excellent reputation
on the international stage."
Sid Watkins, FIA Institute President:
"Race car safety is of paramount importance at every
level of motor sport. This is why the FIA Institute has actively
supported this project from its inception and will continue
to work with the MSA to develop safety at a grass roots level."
John Symes, MSA Technical and Risk Control Manager:
"A similar process was undertaken in respect of composite
chassis construction a few years ago and this had led to a
perception that space-frame chassis could not offer adequate
levels of protection. It is essential that the risk inherent
in motor sport continues to be managed to the highest possible
level and the future introduction of these test criteria will
contribute to the continuance of this form of chassis construction
which is common in many formulae."
Mike Norton of Ford Motor Company commented:
"This project was initiated with the FIA Institute and
MSA to confirm the strength of modern tubular steel chassis
cars such as the Formula Ford. Safety is crucial to Ford Motor
Company and having the cars certified by the FIA will enable
Formula Ford's resurgence to continue into countries which
stipulate this certification.
"This recognition will also be important in emerging
markets where motorsport is growing fast. The opportunities
to manufacture and design Formula Ford cars locally without
the need for carbon monocoque designs will be most welcome.
The ability to maintain and repair the chassis locally is
another area that makes steel a favourable option.
"The recognition and certification of tubular steel
chassis will mean this small specialist industry of designers
and technicians will continue to be part of our motorsport
heritage."
Steve Jenner of Van Diemen commented:
"We think that this is a very important project and
it was a pleasure to work with the MSA, the FIA Institute,
Ford and Cranfield on such a professional operation. We have
always believed in the strength and safety of the space-frame
chassis and I think that the results of these tests could
well give a new lease of life to this type of racing car construction."
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