Can any of the GRM staff give me a policy ruling on running cars with cracked windshields at the $20XX Challenge? Anyone have any experience with this as a competitor?
I've had varied reactions from different auto-x clubs. Some are Ok with it as long as it's not in the middle of the driver's view. Some have rules against it.
In my case, it's a vertical crack running along the passenger's side of the windshield. It's contained within a few inches of the edge of the glass, and I would say does not obstruct the driver's view significantly.
I'd just get a new windshield, but don't want to have to put it in the $20XX budget for the car.
I would like to see windshields given "freebie" status in a challenge budget. They do nothing for performance and are arguably a safety item. Disclosure: I also have a (possible future) challenge car with a cracked windshield.
Many many years ago the rule in the NHRA was the crack can't obstruct your view and it can't be open. "Open" was explained as being able to put the tip of a sharp pencil lead into the crack.
SVreX
UltimaDork
4/21/12 8:14 p.m.
Was it cracked when you bought it?
If not, the purchase price included an existing good windshield. Replacing it is just putting it back in the condition it was in when you purchased it.
Rule #5 requires uncracked windshields. As a participant, I am not aware of anyone having been called on this one.
Better wait for an official response.
another vote for windscreens being exempt from budgeting. Even though I'm about to buy a ten dollar nascar take-off, it just makes sense, man.
SVreX wrote:
Rule #5 requires uncracked windshields. As a participant, I am not aware of anyone having been called on this one.
Ah, I thought there was a specific rule about this - I should have checked before posting this.
If GRM's rules will allow it, your local roundy-round stock car supply will have lexan windshield material for about $75 per sheet.
Pat
Reader
4/22/12 9:16 a.m.
SVreX wrote:
Lexan is allowed.
If it meets SCCA and NHRA thickness specs.
Yeah, I've had my eye on the lexan option for a while now. I'll check out some of the oval shops and see what they've got.
Unless you've got a significant crack that imperils the integrity of the windshield I don't understand that rule.
I've had numerous cracks over the years that I've let go forever with no serious side effects. Of course I did monitor them to be sure nothing had changed.
At the Challenge level I'd say it was better than even odds that any car you bought would have a chipped or cracked windshield and at the cost of glass that quickly puts the car out of Challenge territory for discernible benefit.
