The most common types of racing seats are:Īdjustable racing seats – these are seats that recline and can be adjusted to meet the needs of the driver and passenger. Racing seats different in shape, size, the support they offer, the level of comfort they provide, and the materials that they are made from. There are several different types of racing seats available and the one that you need depends greatly on the reason why you are buying the seat. Of course, even if you do not take part in motorsport you can choose to swap out your factory seat for a racing seat, however, in these cases, it is less about function and more about form, comfort, and style.
It also provides additional safety measures should you be involved in a collision or other motor accident. The right racing car seat is essential if you take part in any of these activities as it provides neck and back support, reducing wear and tear on these areas of your body. However, all our previous considerations must also be applied to your passenger.Īnyone who takes part in motorsports should consider a suitable racing seat. Buying a pair of seats where possible ensures that both seats fit securely into the vehicle. Passenger – if you are racing with a passenger, then they need the same level of protection as the driver. When choosing your seat, be aware of any specific needs you have, as well as taking into account the main purpose of the seat. If you are track racing, then the right harness is of vital importance.Ĭushions and padding – most seats include some degree of padding for comfort, however, the type and positioning of this padding depends on the main function of the seat. Others are designed specifically for four, five, or six-point racing harnesses. Some are designed to work with the basic three-point seat belt harness that was factory fitted to your car. Harness fittings – different seats are suitable for different types of harnesses. If these are in the wrong place in relation to your torso, then you could cause yourself a range of injuries if you need to stop quickly. The dimensions are also important in relation to the harness openings. If it is too narrow, it will be uncomfortable not tall enough and you risk damage to your neck and shoulders. If the seat is too wide, then it will not hold you in place and stop lateral movement. Other users – do you need to be able to change the seating position for other people to use the vehicle safely? If so, then you need to consider a seat that includes or can be fitted with sliding mechanisms.ĭimensions – as well as fitting in your car, the seat needs to be a good fit for you. Be prepared to buy brackets and other fittings separately. Some seats are universal but require different mounting brackets that do not always come with the seat. Different seats have different mounting mechanisms, and this also needs to be taken into consideration. If the seat does not fit into the space available in your vehicle, then it is no use. Vehicle fit – after the purpose of the seat, the fit is the most important consideration. If you are looking for a seat that is primarily for normal street driving, then you may want to prioritize comfort and even consider a reclining seat.Īs well as the purpose of the seat, other considerations include:
Safety is a priority over comfort with these types of seats.
Such seats are generally fixed back race shell seats. If you are track racing, then it is vital that you purchase a racing seat that is FIA approved. If your focus is track racing, then your needs will be very different to someone who is primarily focused on street use or even off-road driving. When looking to purchases a racing seat for your car the first consideration needs to be the main purpose of the seat and the car. In this section of the buying guide, we explore each of these elements in more details and provide answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about racing car seats. It also helps if you better understand who should use a racing seat and the different types of seats that are available. It is also important to understand why these seats are the best and what it is you need to look for in a racing seat. Choosing the right racing seats for your vehicle is about more than just knowing what is available.