It is highly recommended that all convertible vehicles be equipped with an aftermarket roll bar that meets or exceeds the standards set in the SCCA Time Trials rules. However, convertible vehicles may participate in Track Night events provided the vehicle meets at least on of the following criteria and is not subject to any of the below exceptions:

- The vehicle is equipped with an aftermarket roll bar that meets or exceeds the standards set in the SCCA Time Trials rules.

- The vehicle is equipped with documented factory installed roll over protection (examples of manufacture documented roll over protection would include hydroformed and reinforced a-pillars or windshield frames and factory installed roll bars and/or “pop-up” bars that are designated as roll over protection.

- The Vehicle is a 2006-year model or newer.

Exceptions: In addition, vehicles that were manufactured since 2006 that fall into any of the below categories must meet the criteria stated above for factory or aftermarket roll over protection:

- Vehicles equipped with factory V8 or forced induction engine

- Vehicles modified meaningfully beyond the factory performance potential (examples: engine swaps, aftermarket forced induction)

reinforced a-pillars specifically designed to provide rollover protection.

S2000 COCKPIT SAFETY SYSTEMS
The driver's and passenger's SRS (Supplemental Restraint System) both use a new compact airbag that fits the S2000's small steering wheel and instrument panel. An optional dealer-installed airbag on/off switch will be available, with government approval.

The lower anchor points for the S2000's 3-point, auto-locking seat belts are at the side sill and seat. The upper anchor bolts to a bracket mounted directly on the S2000's rollbars.

The S2000 body and the highly rigid high X-bone frame's central tunnel, straight front and rear side members, side sills and floor frame are designed to form a strong three-point support structure that distributes loads evenly. The resulting body structure boasts the rigidity and passenger protection of a closed-top vehicle in full-frontal and rear impacts. Head-injury protection is built into the interior, and side-impact protection is built into the doors, door pads, side sills and floor of the cockpit.

Even though open-topped cars are exempted, the S2000 meets the federal standard for occupant protection in a rollover accident. The driver's and passenger's roll bars are made of 1.5-inch diameter high-strength steel pipe with a .080-inch wall thickness, and tie directly into the frame. Additional protection is provided by reinforced door pillars, windshield posts and the windshield frame.

In addition, the S2000 incorporates pedestrian injury-reducing technology in the form of collapsible hood hinges and windshield-wiper pivots, designed to help minimize the chances of head injury to a pedestrian in a collision.

2015 Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack With Impressive Results

TOPEKA, Kan. (Oct. 20, 2015) – The checkered flag has waved over the 2015 SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack, and the results are very encouraging for the Sports Car Club of America’s exploratory program.

From April to September in 2015, almost 4,200 thrill seekers ventured to nearly 90 events at more than 15 challenging race circuits around the United States to grab 500 on-track hours thanks to SCCA Track Night in America. More than 40 percent of participants registered as “Novice” for racetrack activities, and more than 60 percent were not members of the Sports Car Club of America (SCCA).

Of the people that rolled on track for an evening, 44 percent were 35 years old or younger. Another 24 percent were between 36 and 50 years old, and 32 percent were above 51 years old. Overall, 95 percent of drivers were male.

As for vehicles, more than 50 different makes appeared at Track Night in America, including: Alfa Romeo, Ferrari, Lotus, McLaren, Maserati, MG, Tesla, Lamborghini and Austin-Healey. Of the nearly 3,700 different cars used during events, Mazdas and BMWs were seen most (13 percent each), followed by Chevrolets and Fords (11 percent each). Next were Porsches, Hondas and Subarus (7 percent each), with VWs and Scions (2 percent each) rounding out the top manufacturers utilized for Track Night festivities.

Dreamed up as an easy and inexpensive way for anyone who loves cars or motorsports to get on a real racecourse in their own vehicle, Track Night participants only needed to be at least 18 years old with a valid driver’s license and have access to a racing helmet and street car in good working condition. No previous on-track experience or SCCA membership was required to join in the fun. Entrants were divided into Novice, Intermediate or Advanced groups so on-track activities remained fun for all. The cost was never greater than $150 per entrant and granted three 20-minute sessions on track, as well as feedback from SCCA driver coaches on site.

Heyward Wagner, SCCA Director of Experiential Programs, was charged with bringing the Track Night program to life. He said the primary mission was to create a fun, safe track activity that flung open the gates of racing facilities and gave everyday people an inexpensive way to get on a real racecourse in their everyday cars. And it appears that goal was met and exceeded.

“The feedback we received this year was overwhelmingly positive from the thousands of adventurous souls that came out to play at SCCA Track Night in America Driven by Tire Rack,” Wagner said. “We simply can’t thank enough all the racetracks that worked with us to make the program possible, as well as the essential support from Tire Rack, Grassroots Motorsports and the FIA Sport Grant Programme.”

Lisa Noble, SCCA President and CEO, echoed Wagner’s thoughts on the new program’s success.

“Track Night in America is an ambitious, innovative program for the Sports Car Club of America, and the Experiential Programs Department expertly delivered on the challenge,” Noble said. “A lot of thanks goes to SCCA members around the country that came forward to help with events in their Regions. Without their assistance, this program would not have been possible.”

“The SCCA is always looking for ways to share with others our passion for having fun with cars, and Track Night in America is a prized piece of the puzzle that accomplishes this mission,” Noble continued. “We’ll sit down over the next few weeks for a careful review of this year’s activities to better understand what we’ve learned, how we can do better, and how we can help build our Regions’ membership and programs through growing this new base of enthusiasts.”

The Sports Car Club of America, Inc., founded in 1944, is a 65,000-member motorsports organization that incorporates all facets of autocross, rally and road racing at both club and professional levels. It annually sanctions over 2,000 events through its 115 Regions and professional subsidiary. More information about SCCA Track Night in America can be found at the Track Night in America press page, in the Track Night in America media kit, or at www.TrackNightInAmerica.com.