SCCA Rollbar Standards

by Ryan J. Melcher

From the 2006 SCCA Solo 1 (time-trials) and Solo 2 (autocross) rules, here's what this amateur gathers when it comes to the question, "Is this roll bar SCCA legit?", which often gets kicked around on the forums.

For Auto-x: If you want a roll bar that is compliant with the Solo 2 standards (and therefore won't be called a 'chassis stiffening device' and kick you out of stock class), make sure it meets Appendix C of the Solo2 Rules

Main points of the document: Bar at or above your helmet, fore-aft bracing required (bends allowed), diagonals optional. See the rules for other info (tube sizing, mounting plates, etc.)

For Solo1 (time-trials), Levels 1 & 2: This is the PDX (performance driving experience) and club trials. Even though the Miata is a convertible, if you have a hardtop a roll bar is not required for Levels 1 and 2. If no hardtop, then rollbar. If you have a rollbar, it must conform to that required for Level 3. Little nuances apply (such as classes, etc.)

For Solo1 (time-trials), Level 3: These are the track trials. Roll bar required which meets section 18 of the SCCA time-trial rules.

Main points of the document: Beefier tubing than Solo2 requirements. Bar 2" or more above your helmet, fore-aft bracing required (bends allowed). Diagonal(s) required; see rules for description. See the rules for particulars (tube sizing, mounting plates, etc.)

For Solo1 (time-trials), Level 4: These are the hill-climbs. Full roll cage as per section 18 of the General Competition Rules (GCR).

Same thing for Club Racing. But by then you're not driving a street car anymore, really, right?

So, in the end, if you want to know if a particular roll bar is "an SCCA compliant roll bar", you need to decide the end use; i.e. whether it's for Solo1 (time-trials) (which is good for both Solo 1 and Solo 2) or just Solo2.

Things may change for 2007 - we'll keep it updated!