Small Tear in Bumper Kevlar

[eacmen]

Had an incident on track. Rear bumper kevlar has a small tear in it. Replacement required?

Dedicated track car.




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[FBloggs]

2 questions:

1. Is the driver a 10/10ths guy?
2. Is the car caged?

Imo, if a 10/10ths guy and no cage....yes to the question.
If not a 10/10ths guy and cage...No to the question.

If no Hans device, get one first.

[eacmen]

2 questions:

1. Is the driver a 10/10ths guy?
2. Is the car caged?

Imo, if a 10/10ths guy and no cage....yes to the question.
If not a 10/10ths guy and cage...No to the question.

If no Hans device, get one first.

Intermediate HPDE, so def not 10/10.

Car has a half cage(rear of the seats). No airbags.

Full seats, harnesses and HANS.

I assume the rebar is there to absorb energy in a rear end collision before being absorbed by the frame?


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[FBloggs]

I would pass on it for now; given that you have safety equipment.
You'll get faster and see more wheel-to-wheel so maybe defer it for a couple of seasons.
Bottom line is that the car should be considered disposable at this point.
...and as you have said, there is a good sized crumple zone.

[bigjae46]

Just don't tow the car from the rear.

Technically, yes it should be replaced. It absorbs energy in the event of a crash. If you want, you can repair it with some kevlar fabric and epoxy. Just hand laminate.

I still wouldn't tow the car from the rear if you repair it.

[eacmen]

Just don't tow the car from the rear.

Technically, yes it should be replaced. It absorbs energy in the event of a crash. If you want, you can repair it with some kevlar fabric and epoxy. Just hand laminate.

I still wouldn't tow the car from the rear if you repair it.

Thanks guys.

I assume the risk of towing from the rear is the rebar flexing and putting effectively a lever force on the frame rail?


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[bigjae46]

Thanks guys.

I assume the risk of towing from the rear is the rebar flexing and putting effectively a lever force on the frame rail?


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The tow hook screws into the rebar. If its cracked then towing with it might cause the rebar to fail.

[eacmen]

The tow hook screws into the rebar. If its cracked then towing with it might cause the rebar to fail.

That makes sense. The only scenario I would ever use that tow strap is if the car needs to be recovered on track.


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