STS Rules questions

[steven6282]

Ok, so now that I've got myself a Miata to run this year, I plan to stick to STS when prepping it and had some questions.

I tried reading the rules on allowed modifications but wasn't sure on a couple of things.

First primarily the seats. Based on the rules it seems as if changing to racing seats or even doing a foamectomy on the stock seats are not allowed? I wanted to do this mainly for head clearance room but partly for a better gripping seat too.

Second, I think I'm reading it correctly that harnesses are allowed but the stock seat belt should stay in the car as well, even if it isn't used?

For body bracing and suspension, any sway bar seems to be allowed? But I can't tell if strut brace bars are allowed?

Thanks for the help!

EDIT: Hmm friend linked me a 2013 rule book draft and there seems to be a paragraph in it that specifically allows for replacement of seats as long as seat + mounting hardware weight at least 25 pounds, mount in OE mounting points, and the headrest comes up to at least the center of the drivers head. And it also says strut brace bars are allowed. Assuming that doesn't change in the final rulebook that should take care of those questions. Anyone know when they plan to release the final 2013 rule book?

[srduck]

Seats are definitely allowed.... 25lb minimum weight. Look around at the well-prepped ST* cars and probably 75% of them have aftermarket seats. I don't think it's mandatory to leave the stock seatbelts, but I wouldn't want to drive around on the street with harnesses... so yeah, leave them.

Swaybars are fine... front and rear. The strut bar is legal, but only a 2 point bar unless the car came with a 3 point bar. I'm still not convinced a 2 point bar does ANYTHING.

[lagunamiata]

Harnesses are allowed in open top cars ONLY if a roll bar is in place. You cannot use a harness or torso strap if you don't have a roll bar. You must use OEM seat belts if you don't have a roll bar.

And I don't mean one of the pansy "style bars." It must be a real roll bar...

[illbebetter]

ST classes must retain OEM seatbelt unless that rule was changed for 2013. SP are the first classes seatbelt removal is allowed.