I have been tracking my 2017 Mustang GT for two years but am still most comfortable running with the beginners groups. My problem is that my hands are old and they get cramps from too tightly gripping the steering wheel, especially around turns like 2 at Thunderhill, or 6 at Sonoma. I think being tightly strapped-in would let me relax my grip but I would like to avoid a roll bar and six-point harness. My idea is to get a good racing bucket seat and swap it for my stock seat for track days. My questions are: How likely is just the seat, with only the stock belt, to give me the the lateral support I need? And which seat would be best? I am tall and narrow. Thanks for slogging through this odd post.

Because you are local ( i live in walnut creek) you are welcome to come see my set up.
I got the SPARCO ALPHA at motorsport winecountry in sonoma.
You must try different seat to find the right one for you. And it did change my life on track. I also strongly suggest you to pair with a schroth pro quickfit belt ( with ASM) so you can use both 3 points(for daily) and schroth for be "attached to the seat.
Feel free to contact me

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What he said. ↑↑↑↑↑
Stock seat is not likely going to help you down the road and the Schroth Quickfit is a good plan. I have Recaros and even with them I was having issues staying in place, the Schroth harness fixed that. Totally unobstrusive on the street, uses the stock mounts and clips in and out in no time. I just leave mine in place all the time, it doesn't get in the way of the 3 point belt.

Other thing is to try to relax more, you don't have to grip the wheel tightly, that sort of thing indicates you're not really comfy yet. Try to think about it when doing some easier laps, take time to monitor your breathing and relax your grip.

Oh wow! I was totally unaware that anything like the harness belts are available. I probably shouldn't make major modifications to my car but I need to do something or quit. I think your suggestions are perfect for me. Thanks much!

Early on when I was learning, one of my instructors gave me a strap - a 2" luggage strap I think it actually was - that I put all the way around my chest and the back of the stock Mustang comfort seat. It stabilized me so I could focus on driving. Once I realized how much difference it made, I installed a set of Schroth Quickfit belts and used them. I have the Quickfit belts in my GT350, and again, it's surprising how much difference they make. I run them with a HANS and it's like having your upper body in a cage.

I think the Schroth QuickFit is your first move.

I have placed my order for a Blue Quickfit Pro and am excitedly looking forward to my next track day. Thanks to all. Love this site.

Gary

I bought a similar system for my daughters Focus RS. Add the small adapters behind the stock hardware and clips in, simple.

Gary,

I have been in your shoes. Stock 2005 leather seats with a 3 point factory harness. I upgraded to a roll bar and Schroth ASM setup. I can tell you the belts will keep you in your seat, but they won't eliminate the bruising of your knees from bracing and the lack of throttle control that accompanies this. Even with good belts, there is still too much lateral movement in the stock seats to not rely on the steering wheel for support. I just purchased fixed back seats to finally eliminate the issue you are having.

I agree that the belts should be step one, but to eliminate the issue with your hands aching, the seats should be in your budget.

Boone, Thanks. You describe my problem more fully than I did. I suspect you are correct about the seat but I intend to experiment with just the harness first. I know a lot more now because flyhalf (Alex) generously took the time to meet me and strap me into his nifty car. The harness seemed like it will help a lot but his Sparco Alpha seat will not work for me. I need to sit in other seats before I choose.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention. Flyhalf's belts are red - I'm getting the blue for extra protection.

Gary Smith said:

Boone, Thanks. You describe my problem more fully than I did. I suspect you are correct about the seat but I intend to experiment with just the harness first. I know a lot more now because flyhalf (Alex) generously took the time to meet me and strap me into his nifty car. The harness seemed like it will help a lot but his Sparco Alpha seat will not work for me. I need to sit in other seats before I choose.

Oh yeah, I almost forgot to mention. Flyhalf's belts are red - I'm getting the blue for extra protection.

Click to expand...

Blue is the new red
Nice meeting you Gary.


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