[Racerdad916]

Trackbird and I were talking the other day about some rumors floating around about the "New" NASA HPDE rules. My question is: To run a NASA HPDE event in 2011, if my car has a cage that is ERW not DOM, but is within design specs, will I be able to run? Same thing with fuel cell, seats etc. Before I finish the cage, it might be good to know if there are rule changes......

[PeteL]

From the practical side, no NASA HPDE tech inspector has ever asked me to show proof that my cage was made from DOM material or that it was made from the requisite tubing wall thickness or that it was even made from steel.

Regions and tech inspectors vary as to how closely they scrutinize HPDE cars, but if it looks right you'll probably pass. If it doesn't look right, you may still pass. Whether that's a good thing or not is another topic. Of course NASA will allow vehicles without any safety equipment besides a helmet on the drivers pumpkin to run in open passing groups which is something I won't do...anymore. It just took one close call to convince me to put a cage in my TT car.