racing car seats

Types of Racing Car Seats

Racing car seats are specially designed for motorsport enthusiasts and professional drivers. They are designed to provide optimal safety, support, and comfort during high-speed racing. A proper seat can enhance performance and reduce the risk of injury. Selecting the ideal racing seat can be challenging. With many options available, it is hard to know which seat is perfect for any specific needs. Here are the top types of seats to help make an informed decision:

• Bucket Seats

  Bucket seats are a typical choice for racing vehicles. They are molded to fit the contours of the body and provide excellent support during high-speed cornering. Bucket seats are available in various materials, such as fiberglass and carbon fiber, which offer different levels of strength and weight savings.

• Bench Seats

  Bench seats are designed to accommodate multiple passengers, making them a practical choice for endurance racing events. While they offer less individual support than bucket seats, racing bench seats can be customized with side bolsters and harnesses to improve lateral support and safety.

• Full Containment Seats

  Full containment seats are designed to keep the driver securely positioned within the seat during high-speed racing. They feature high sidewalls and head restraints, which prevent the driver from being moved or ejected from the seat in case of an accident. Full containment seats are often used in professional motorsport series where safety is a top priority.

• Hybrid Seats

  Hybrid seats combine features of bucket seats and full containment seats to provide a balance between support and freedom of movement. Hybrid seats are an excellent choice for drivers who require some containment while being able to adjust their position during the race.

• Custom Racing Seats

  Custom racing seats are tailored to meet specific requirements, such as seat height, angle, and firmness. Customization options include adjustable side bolsters, head restraints, and lumbar support to enhance comfort and support. Custom racing seats are ideal for drivers who have particular preferences and need precise adjustments to fit their bodies.

• GT Seats

  GT seats are designed for grand touring cars and offer a blend of luxury and racing features. They are upholstered in high-quality materials, such as leather and Alcantara, and provide comfort, support, and style. GT seats are suitable for track-day enthusiasts who want to experience racing while enjoying a luxurious driving experience.

Specification & Maintenance of Racing Car Seats

While the specifications of car seats for racing may vary depending on the style and manufacturer, here are some common ones to expect:

• Seat frame: The seat frame is made of steel or aluminum alloy. It is designed to offer strength and protection without adding too much weight to the seat.
• Padding: The racing car seat has a fire retardant foam padding that offers comfort and support to the driver and passengers. The foam is available in different thicknesses and densities, depending on the seat model.
• Cover: The seats are covered with a durable material such as faux leather, leather, or polyester. The material is treated to be UV resistant and is available in a range of colors. The seats also have a fire retardant coating.
• Harness: The seats are designed with slots where a harness can be fitted. Some seats come with an inbuilt harness. The harness comes in different sizes and is designed to keep the driver and passengers secure in case of an accident.
• Mounting system: Racing seats for cars have a mounting system that allows easy installation and adjustment of the seat. The seat has mounting brackets that are used to attach it to the vehicle’s floor.
• Reclining mechanism: Some racing seats come with a reclining mechanism that allows the backrest to be adjusted to different angles. The seats also have a tilt mechanism that makes it easier to enter and exit the vehicle.

Here are some tips on how to maintain racing seats:

• To maintain car racing seats, always clean them after every race. Remove any dirt, debris, or spills using a soft brush or cloth.
• Periodically, deep clean the seats using a mild cleaning solution and water.
• When cleaning the seats, avoid using bleach, sharp objects, or any abrasive material that may damage the seat cover.
• Inspect the seats regularly for any signs of wear and tear. Replace any damaged parts, such as the seat cover, padding, or harness.
• Ensure the seats are properly mounted to the vehicle. Loose seats may vibrate while driving, causing damage.
• Racing car seat covers for drivers should be protected from direct sunlight. Prolonged exposure to sunlight may cause fading of the seat cover.
• The harness and other parts of the racing seat should be lubricated periodically to ensure they function properly.
• Always store the racing seats in a clean, dry place away from any harmful chemicals or sharp objects that may cause damage.

How to choose racing car seats

There are several factors to consider when choosing the right car seat for a race, such as safety, comfort, and adjustability.

• Safety

  Safety is a top priority in choosing racing seats. All racing seats should have safety features that protect the driver and passengers in high-speed events. Look for seats with a strong seat frame made of steel or aluminum. These materials provide excellent protection in case of crashes. Seats with high side bolsters can also give more protection by holding the driver in place during races. Additionally, racing seats should have harness seat belts. These seat belts securely strap the driver to the seat and reduce movement during a race. The harness seat belts usually have 5 or 6 attachment points. When choosing racing seats, prioritize the safety features that can help save lives.

• Comfort

  Comfort is another important factor when choosing a racing car seat. During long races, comfortable seats can reduce fatigue and help drivers focus on the race. Look for seats with plenty of padding and a comfortable seating position. The padding helps drivers feel comfortable and supported. The seating position also plays an important role in driver comfort. A well-designed seating position allows the driver to see the track clearly and reach the controls easily. Adjustable features are also important for comfort. Seats with adjustable recline and lumbar support can fit drivers of different sizes.

• Adjustability

  Adjustability is important when choosing racing car seats because it ensures that the seat fits the driver perfectly. A well-fitted seat provides better support and comfort, improving performance. Look for seats with adjustable harness anchors. Adjustable anchors make it easy to install the seat correctly in different vehicles.

How to DIY and Replace Racing Car Seats

Replacing old racing seats can be a DIY-friendly activity. Follow the steps below to learn how to replace a racing car seat:

• Preparation

  The first step is to prepare the vehicle. Disconnect the battery, especially if the seats are connected to the car's SRS (Supplemental Restraint System). Gather all the necessary tools that will be used in the process. This includes a ratchet set, a wrench set, a socket extension, screwdrivers, and possibly a torque wrench. New racing seats and seat mounts should also be purchased in advance.

• Remove the old seats

  To remove the old seats, slide the seat back to access the front mounting bolts. Use the ratchet and socket to loosen and remove the bolts. Once the bolts are removed, slide the seat forward to access the rear mounting bolts. The rear bolts may be more difficult to remove because the seat is close to the rear part of the car. Use the ratchet and socket extension to reach the rear bolts and loosen them. Once the rear bolts are loose, tilt the seat to one side to access the side bolts. Not all seats have side bolts. If the old seat has side bolts, use the wrench to remove them. After all the bolts are removed, tilt the seat forward and disconnect any electrical connections that may be attached to the seat, like heating controls or SRS connections. Lift the seat out of the car carefully. Be careful not to damage the interior while removing the seat.

• Install the new seats

  To install the new seats, first, clean the floor of the car where the seat was mounted. This is important because racing seats are usually lower and closer to the ground. Once the floor is cleaned, install the new seat brackets. Align the brackets with the mounting points on the floor and tighten the bolts securely. Once the brackets are installed, slide the new seat onto the seat brackets. Adjust the seat position until it is comfortable and secure. Once the position is adjusted, tighten all the bolts, including the ones on the seat, side, and back brackets. If the new seat is equipped with a harness, it should be attached according to the manufacturer's instructions. Adjust the harness to fit properly.

• Final checks

  Once the new racing seats are installed, reconnect the car's battery. Perform a final check to ensure all bolts are properly tightened and there are no loose parts. Test the new seats to ensure they are comfortable and secure.

Q and A

Q1: Are racing car seats good for everyday use?

A1: Some of the seats are good for everyday use. However, they are not designed for everyday use. Therefore, using them in normal cars is difficult because they are too firm and have a low height for entry and exit.

Q2: What is the benefit of a racing seat?

A2: The benefits of a racing seat are that it helps to keep the driver in position during an impact or a collision, which reduces the risk of injury. It also provides a comfortable seating position, which can be beneficial during long drives.

Q3: Do racing seats have harnesses?

A3: Yes, the seats come with harnesses. However, the seat's harness depends on the type and design. Some may come with a space to install a harness, while others come already equipped with a harness.