Is there such a thing as an adjustable/reclinable RACE seat that is certified/legal?

Just a discussion going on someplace else in light of the fact that I use Sparco Torino 2's in the rallycross car (which are adjustable, since I have to drive hours to events and want to be reasonably comfortable doing so). I know the Torino 2 is considered a "sport" seat rather than a race seat, but was just wondering if there are any seats that can be reclined (or otherwise mechanically adjusted) that are certified for any "real" racing series and or considered actual "race" seats. And doesn't necessarily have to be FIA, but any other certifying agency (overseas, or whatever).

I would imagine perhaps there would be a requirement for a back-brace mounted to the rollbar crossbar at least, if such a seat does exist.

Let's ignore the fact that the adjustable seats are much heavier than fixed race seats, so I would assume most real racecars would run fixed seats for that reason.

Impart some knowledge, just for the sake of argument.

30 minutes of google turned up nada... one OMP seat on a vendor's site offered a glimmer of hope, but upon further investigation, the site info was wrong...

Do you absolutely need the reclining bit? I believe some rules do allow adjustable sliders.

I'll do some research, but I got a set of Corbeau A4's and they have a tube steel frame, just like my Forza's. I didn't see any certification on them, but again, neither do the Forza's. I'd imagine there could exist such a seat, as long as the reclining locking mechanism was stout. Again, it's hard to say. It is also possible that there are such seats out there, that would otherwise pass race spec qualifications, but the manufactures simply don't because it would be a waste of money on their part. This would be interesting thou.

IIRC, only fixed back seats are approved by the FIA, which probably accounts for something; it seems to be kind of like the Snell rating for a helmet, at least with how many sanctioning bodies require FIA certified seats.

Can you just put the sliders on a tilt to get the recline angle you want?

In reply to irish44j:

You probably wont find a seat that claims to be "approved" and is back angle adjustable.

Some racing bodies permit such seats with stipulations like adding upper back braces and some do not. It is best to consult the specific rules for the series you are interested in racing to see what is and is not permitted then go from there.

If adjustable seats with added back braces are permitted, there are some braces made that permit re-adjustment fairly easily such as this from Pegasus: https://www.pegasusautoracing.com/Images/L/5176-2009.JPG

I ran a corbeau with the above back brace, with sliders. My thought was it would make everything solid AND adjustable. The reality is the back brace in not as easily adjustable as one might think. So while you can adjust it, you'll likely need tools to re-adjust the angle etc. Not something you can do on the fly if you were double driving. To be honest it's a pain in the arse.

If the car is big enough, you can run a stockish seat for the drive to the event, and swap in your race seat at the event. I think you are a subie driver is I remember correctly, and those are just four bolts and come out pretty easy.

Make sure your race seat fits you, it will make a world of difference. Any race seat will hold you in better than most stock seats......but a race seat that fits you is a dream come true.

Ian F wrote: 30 minutes of google turned up nada... one OMP seat on a vendor's site offered a glimmer of hope, but upon further investigation, the site info was wrong... Do you absolutely need the reclining bit? I believe some rules do allow adjustable sliders.

For rallycross I can use any seat....stock, reclining, fixed, whatever. There are no rules about seats. The question was really just for the sake of knowledge/curiosity, and maybe down the line if I do rallysprint/rally with this car once it's more built up.

SlickDizzy wrote: IIRC, only fixed back seats are approved by the FIA, which probably accounts for something; it seems to be kind of like the Snell rating for a helmet, at least with how many sanctioning bodies require FIA certified seats.

I'd bet that's the case - since most racers WANT fixed-back, the seat companies probably don't want to pay the bribe money to FIA/SFI to get seats approved that aren't going to be used at the track anyhow.

just another money-making scam, like for the helmets, harnesses, etc :P

It's difficult enough to design a recliner mechanism to pass passenger car regulations, let alone FIA crash standards. However, I do believe I've seen a race seat that had a beefy turnbuckle on both sides where a normal recliner would be. Don't have any idea if it could pass an FIA standard.

if e30 stock seats can pass passenger car regulations, anything can!

(pretty sure no e30 seats currently in existence have a reclining mechanism that works or locks fully, lol)

I'd spend the time making my race seat comfortable enough to spend hours in. Heck, I've done just that! Took a lot of tinkering but I can easily do 13 hour days in mine.

I have no issues spending all day in my Recaro SPG XL. You just have to find the right seat that fits you properly.

irish44j wrote: if e30 stock seats can pass passenger car regulations, anything can! (pretty sure no e30 seats currently in existence have a reclining mechanism that works or locks fully, lol)

I know of two sets. The ones currently in my car and the set that's been in my attic for years (bought for the 1800).

I know there are no stringent requirements for rally cross. None for autocross either. I believe even TT rules allow stock seats as long as a harness can work. I've seen a bunch of cars running stock seats at hill climb events.

In reply to Ian F:

lol...yeah, I was exaggerating for effect. One of the two that came in my car worked pretty well.

I'm pretty sure for rallycross you could bolt in a la-z-boy and as long as it was attached well you could run with it. I've seen the condition some peoples' seats are out there, haha....

I can imagine. It does seem that rallycross lends itself more to "budget-built beaters" than the typical autocross car. Of course, I've seen a guy run a full size Caddy Fleetwood, so he basically was sitting on a lazy-boy.

Fortunately, the stock sport seats in a 325is are supportive enough that if I ever replace them, it'll be because I'm building a full-on TT/HC car and want Hans compatible seats. If I were replacing them for weight reduction, I'd probably still go with a fixed back, FIA seat. Just to be once and done.

They're really comfortable too, although I do have to take my wallet out most of the time.

I don't know about being able to adjust the back of the seat, but at Daytona the Ferraris had adjustable sliders on their seats.

The commentators even mentioned how much better that was than the seat inserts as if they'd used them themselves.

Many of the commentators are former drivers, and yes, they do generally prefer that method. An FIA approved seat can be mounted on sliders without a back brace IF if has a production date that is less than five years old. Most teams that run sliders also run multiple sub straps, so that they only have to pull the correct colour strap through, and it is the correct length for the incoming driver. And AFAIK, the only group to sertify seats is the FIA.

you can get fixed back seats with different laybacks... seems like one that is comfortable for racing would be comfortable for transports as well...