A Letter to Our Open-Top Drivers: Is a Rollbar Necessary?
If you’re a Miata driver like me, you’ve been through a bit researching rollbars. They’re a necessity that worsens the practicality of an already impractical car. However, they do make life much more enjoyable when it comes time to tracking.
Purposeful looking, potentially chassis stiffening, and, of course, safety adding. Considering how the list of essential trackday modifications for a lightweight car like a Miata is quite short, the additional $500 needed to help ensure an unscathed exit from the car is money well spent. Moreover, the relief which comes with knowing you’re decently shielded from an impact, you gain the confidence to go harder and experience the thrills your time and energy should be rewarded with. Isn’t the whole point to feel comfortable enough to push?
This Harddog M1 rollbar set me back a mere $350 and only took a couple hours to install.
Though the initial investment isn’t much, you’ll have to pay in other ways. Say goodbye to some space inside the cabin. Also, make sure there’s proper padding in place. The last thing you want to do is spend the time and money installing a rollbar and then clonk your head on it. Though the padding may seem unreasonably stiff to the touch, it’ll deform just the right amount when your head hits it at high velocity.
For those of confused on the definition, let’s spell it out in perfect detail. A roll bar (defined here as a protection hoop with four mounting points) will help protect the occupants in the case of a roll over accident. Additional plusses include stiffening and a place to mount your seat, harnesses, camera, fire extinguisher, and whatever else you need in your cabin. It does come with some setbacks, however: a heavier car and reduced rear visibility being the main two.
We adhere to the usual broomstick test. This test, usually verified by laying a broomstick on top of the the rollbar and the a-frame, is meant to determine if the highest point of the helmet is beneath this line between the two highest points on the car. Obviously, any helmet protruding above this line will not be sufficiently protected in a rollover.
Many open-top race cars come equipped for rollovers from factory.
Sadly, the seriousness of the build isn’t the determining factor when considering which rollbar to buy. Some cars, like the Miata, require one to be added to run most HPDEs. Some cars are equipped more adequately for track use from the factory, and require no such addition. However, a little extra safety isn’t a terrible idea when the speeds are consistently rising. The question remains: how hard do you feel like pushing?
When it comes time to start investigating the various safety options out there, it’s good to remember that there are some shysters happy sell you some scaffolding that wouldn’t support the weight of a golf cart in a rollover situation. We’ve listed a few proper rollbars which won’t crumble—and will give you enough confidence in your car to get after it.
Even if it’s not strictly required by the sanctioning body, some additional rollover protection for the open-top car isn’t a bad idea.
Acceptable roll bars include, but are not limited to, the following:
Hard Dog units including the AC, D (center-braced model only), AB-M1 Hardcore, TB-M1 Hardcore Hardtop, 9B-M2 Hardcore, and NB-M2 Hardcore
Auto Power Street Roll Bar, Street-Sport Roll Bar, and Race Roll Bar
Blackbird Fabworx (Miata / MX5/ 2017 Fiat 124) SD (for NA and NB), RZ (for NC and ND), and GT3 (for NA, NB, NC, and ND)
Known Convertibles that will pass tech “as is” from the factory
Targa top vehicles — OK
Audi A4 / S4
Audi TT Roadster (2009)
Aston Martin DB9, DBS
BMW 1 & 6 Series
BMW Z3 (Optional pop-up bars)
BMW Z4
BMW E36 (Optional pop-up bars)
BMW E46
BMW E90
Chevrolet Corvette C8
Chrysler Crossfire
Dodge Viper
Ferrari 355
Ferrari 360
Honda S2000
Honda Del Sol (top on or off okay)
Infinity G37
Jaguar XK8 / XKR
Jaguar F-Type
Lamborghini Murcielago / Gallardo
2002+ Lexus 430sc
Miata NC & ND
Mercedes SL (1990+)
Mercedes CLK, SLK, E Class, C Class
Mini Cooper 2009+
Nissan 350Z / 370Z
Porsche Boxster
Porsche 991 / 996 / 997
Saab 9-3 (2004+)
Volvo C70
VW Eos
Some newer Beetles — years pending
Obviously, the list of acceptable convertibles is growing. If your vehicle is not on the list, you must provide factory documentation stating that your make and model have rollover protection. Factory-produced sales brochures and websites (a link may be sent), letters, or emails—which must be on letterhead or use the manufacturer’s domain—from an employee of the factory are accepted. The letter must state very specifically that the vehicle does indeed have rollover protection. If it was an option (e.g. pop-up roll bars), then you need to prove your car has these. If your car isn’t listed, contact info@speedsf.com and let us know.
Though the chances of a rollover are slim, it’s important to prepare for the worst. But more than that, having the right safety equipment will help a driver make the most of their time on track and rest knowing that they’ll be fine in the event of an incident. That reassurance will help them push and gets nearer to the limits more of the time, and that’s what it’s all about.
