Is it acceptable / bad form / prohibited for a car to have non-matching driver and passenger equipment, at most track days?

In other words, does the passenger seat HAVE to match the driver's seat (two OE seats, or two Sparco Corsas, or whatever)?

And do they both have to have the same harnesses?

Of course, I'm sure it's PREFERRED that both sets of equipment are the same.

Any advice?

I wouldn't think it would make a damn bit of difference- I've done a fair amount of track driving with no passenger seat whatsoever, and nobody ever mentioned anything to me about it...

Most instructors will opt to use the stock 3-pt belts even if you have harnesses. Also, I used to have a race bucket for the driver and a stock seat for the passenger. It was ok until they decided to require matching equipment on the tech form. This has been my experience with BMWCCA schools.

Thanks guys, for the quick replies.

I have an E30 that serves as my toy for mountain drives, etc --- I want to take it out to a DE, but I have a Sparco Corsa w/ a 6pt camlock harness, and a Sparco Sprint w/ a 4pt harness (and a 6pt Autopower cage). I do still have the stock seatbelts too.

I'm just thinking about whether or not an instructor will be willing to use the passenger stuff.

I'd like to avoid having to re-equip my car...

How long/how many events do you generally have to drive with an instructor for anyway?

depending on the club, it really is up to the instructor to decide whether or not your car is safe enough for them. Some might actually decide NOT to ride with you, just because you don't have a submarine strap or crotch strap for the passenger side. On the other hand, some will strap in w/o any comment. Some clubs will require at least a 5 point with a roll cage, or that safety equipment be equal on both seats.

as for the mismatching seats.........that's not a problem. I personally run a sparco rev for myself and a Corbeau forza on the other side. I do have matching 5 point camlocks for both though, and i had my bar made so the harnesses work properly for the height of the holes going through the seats for the belts. It really is important to have that strap inbetween your legs if you have a roll cage/bar, IMHO.

i was signed solo (allowed to drive w/o an instructor) towards the end of my 2nd DE, but i credit my autox experience for that. It really depends on the club and/or if the instructor feels you are safe enough to drive on your own. Even though i am allowed to drive by myself, i usually will request an instructor to comment or critique my laps every once in a while. Some people may never get signed off, and some will earlier than others. Driving by yourself, isn't THAT much more fun that driving w/ an instructor. Although i have to admit, i prefer not having one most of the time.

have fun, and stay safe!

Thanks for the great reply, Mark.

Can a seat that does NOT have a 5th hole for the anti-submarine strap, such as my Sparco Sprint, be run safely with a 5pt or 6pt harness (with the straps run over the front of the seat) ?

if tightened enough, it should be fine. I'm not an expert on safety equipment, i'm sure it wouldnt be as optimum as having the hole.

Any way you could just make a small hole for the extra belt?

Hrm. Yeah - I'll get in the car tomorrow and see if I can make a hole for the extra belt.

Thanks again,