The racing harness is perhaps the most significant safety mechanism inside a racing vehicle, and race car drivers effectively invest their hopes for survival on their personal driving talent and the integrity and functionality of their harness.

Over the course of time, many different kinds of racing harnesses have been invented and put into place in vehicles, without a single variety being designated as standard for the industry. As successive accidents and problems arose, designers and engineers discovered ever more valuable information about the nature of safety in a race car, and hence advanced the qualities of racing harnesses considerably to where they are today, which is quite advanced compared to even just twenty years ago.

Of the many differences that exist between racing harnesses and ordinary car seat belts the most significant is the fact that the former is bound to the car’s subframe or frame, and is not bound to the seat itself such as is the case for normal cars. Safety on-board for the driver is majorly increased through this sole innovation.

In the race car industry, it is common to see harnesses incorporating 4 or more straps; 6 straps is at this point basically the most common set up. As mentioned above about the cause for safety advances, it was the death of a famous racing driver–Dale Earnhardt in this case–that prompted the industry to make the leap from the 5-point to the 6-point harness. The additional strap on the 6-point harness is located between the legs.

Beyond the issue of the number of straps a harness may include, a big distinction of racing harnesses is the particular fastening mechanism being used. Just as with the straps, it is common to see quite different models and fastening mechanisms from one race car to the next, and in all cases the technology is quite significantly different than in ordinary car seat belt latches.

The necessity for a perfect balance between sturdiness and lightness is in this case (as with all other components of a race car) a driving factor, and it is no simple accomplishment. In the search for the perfect material in this regard, Carbon Fiber has received a lot of attention and is currently utilized by several principal manufacturers.

It is very important from a safety perspective that the harness’s lock be practically impossible to release while operating the car, and the cam lock buckle has presented excellent qualities in this sense. When you add to this design a rotational locking mechanism, it is all but impossible to unlock while driving, which is a major safety conquest. Further problems are avoided by making them dust proof and shockproof.

An interesting curiosity of the racing harness business is that many models developed and many lessons learned have been put into practice not only in the auto racing field, but furthermore on passenger and even military aircraft; the biggest racing harness suppliers are also major airplane seat buckle suppliers.

Byron Jonas knows that the racing harness is an important element of car racing safety. Which is why, as per with all his race gear, he only buys from GMP Racing Products

Schroth has really taken the lead in the design of race harnesses by producing the lightest buckle available today. Their safety belts are used by both Boeing and Airbus for their airplanes. GMP Racing Products serves as the main distributor for Schroth harnesses in Australia.

Schroth 6-Point belts employ carbon fibre to achieve the remarkably light weight in belts that are without parallel in safety harnesses. A 3″ shoulder strap (using dual sub straps) plus a lap belt of 3″ in length adds up to a T-bar weight of just 2.17 kg. Schroth’s Prof III race harness ensures that the belt will not come undone during competition by employing their locking system that puts rival belts to shame.

For HANS users concerned with sliding during the race, check out a Slip Stop Race Harness by Schroth which features rubber grips to keep equipment in place. Its standard 6-point harness has the comfort of a 2″ belt.

Drivers still not employing the HANS devices can use the Formula Race Harness, also equipped with 2″ belts, providing comfort and added flexibility in smaller spaces.

The Schroth Enduro Harness is without equal among race harnesses, simply the best belt available today. Quick entry and easy exits are done without a second thought with the Enduro belt. The unique Zip adjusters make this 6-Point harness extremely easy to use, along with bright hand-loops that can be accessed without trouble during the race.

For drivers who want to follow the example of the Ferrari team, go for a Sabelt harness. Sabelt harnesses are made in Italy and come available in 6-Points, as well as 4 and 5-Point models for club cars or weekend drivers.

Founded in 1967, Willans not only features a long run in race harness manufacturing but also an excellent record in Grand Prix championships by drivers using these English-made belts.

To satisfy your needs for an inexpensive FIA-approved belt (at an admittedly lower level of quality than Schroth belts), Monza harnesses are available from GMP.

For end harnesses outfitted with a clip, pick up eye bolts that will thread into almost any hole with their universal size, available in short and long configurations of hard steel quality.

For open-ended belts you will save a lot of time by using Schroth Snap-in ends, capable of fitting harness bolts.

Schroth Race Harnesses have not only surpassed the competition in safety belts, they have been one of the key innovators in safety technology for years, making them the choice of any conscientious driver who loves to race. Companies like Airbus and Boeing do not compromise when it comes to safety; neither should you.

Byron Jonas knows a race harness is an crucial piece of equipment for car racing safety. As such, as with all his car racing gear, he only trusts GMP Racing Products

Suiting up for a big race day is an exciting moment. You already start to play the race out in your mind, what might happen and how you’ll fare. No daydream is complete without imagining yourself being handed the winner’s trophy and having your photo taken. You want to make sure all of your racing gear and accessories point you toward one goal: victory. At the same time, you want to look good doing it.

Stock up on all your race gear with GMP Racing products, featuring the highest in quality and the brand names that are found on Grand Prix winners at any race track in the world.

Buying the right race boots means allowing your feet to do the job without interference. Getting the perfect grip for stopping and accelerating is the key to any race boots. You don’t want to wonder what happened when the race is over. Your toes should have all the flexibility they can get, while the bottoms of your race boots should be thin enough to react instantly. There should never be a moment when your feet lose their grip.

Sabelt boots from GMP will supply the necessary balance of comfort, durability and style. The Street Mid Boot by Sabelt is the boot that never loses its grip and looks good with any racer’s suit. Available in a variety of colors, Sabelt’s Mid Boot features a suede vamp with an incredibly light sole. While there isn’t a cut out at the back of the boot, this FIA-approved model does have an Velcro ankle strap that can be tightened according to the driver’s wish.

Going with Sabelt boots is choosing an innovator in boot design and a stylish choice for looking good around the track. Boots by Sabelt all have Scotchguard treatment, keeping out water, greases and other interference, while allowing the feet to breath. A continual pursuit of perfection is what separates Sabelt boots from competitors.

GMP Racing is always featuring top race boots on sale, making the choice easy when you’re looking to find value and quality in one place. Step 2 Boots by Sabelt, the hi-tops found in winning cars, are offered at discount prices on GMP’s website.

For superior protection and precision handling in your car. check out the FIA 2000 race boots, manufactured by GMP Racing. Fireproof and offering plenty of ankle support, drivers stay protected while keeping their grip on the pedal without a second thought. The rubber soles, crafted from synthetic materials, are designed to stop slipping and will not be affected even if your shoes are wet. Velcro ankle straps anchor the boots, which have leather backs to limit wasted movements.

GMP also offers hi-top boots with nomex lining and adjustable ankle straps for maximum comfort and performance. Expect plenty of pedal control, safety and FIA approval, but don’t expect a high price.

Drivers who want logos or their own names to be featured on their racing gear will be happily accommodated at GMP Racing Products. The best prices and service are all part of shopping with GMP, Australia’s one stop in motor sport shopping.