MSA Rule Changes and Update Kits
The Motor Sports Council has introduced an immediate rule change for Safety Roll-Over Structures. Unless the roll cage is a certified design (i.e. has an MSA or FIA recognised certificate) the new rule allows only one bend in the A pillar tubes below the bottom of the windscreen. For roll cages that do not meet this new MSA regulation it will be necessary to fit a pair of additional support tubes.
Custom Cages has developed a universal kit for updating existing roll cages.
Note that the section of the front leg immediately above the floor mounting need not be vertical but the mounting is not to be readward of the forward most point of the ROPS, noting that any tubular members going forward from the front leg into the engine or luggage compartment are not considered for these purposes as being part of the ROPS.
Remember that the regulations allow for the upper section of the front leg to follow the shape of the windscreen pillars. A Windscreen Pillar Reinforcement is only required if there is more than one bend additional to the one where the tube creases to follow the windscreen pillar.
The kit includes;
- Two 1.25m steel tubes - CDS or T45 material (bent to specification with unprofiled ends)
- Four gusset plates for added strength.
To improve space around the steering wheel the tube is also available with single 10, 15 or 20 degree bend when fitted the tube must be straight in side view. The update kit can be fitted to any make of roll cage.
Figure 1
Figure 1 shows a cage that is unaffected by the new regulations, as it only has one bend below the bottom line of the windscreen.
Figure 2
Figure 2 shows a cage that is affected by the new regulations, as it has two bends below the bottom line of the windscreen. This has to have an A-Bar Reinforcement Bar added.
Click to view a zoomed in image to see more detail
Kits
1.25m x 45mm ø x 2.5mm Wall Tube – suitable for all MSA Cages
Including 4x gussets to tie A-bar support to door bars as 2010 FIA Regulations
| Straight | £38.50 (CDS) | £54.23 (T45) |
| 10˚ Bend | £56 (CDS) | £71.72 (T45) |
| 15˚ Bend | £56 (CDS) | £71.72 (T45) |
| 20˚ Bend | £56 (CDS) | £71.72 (T45) |
1.25m x 40mm ø x 2.0mm Wall Tube – suitable for FIA or Historic cages
Including 4x gussets to tie A-bar support to door bars as 2010 FIA Regulations
| Straight | £37.50 (CDS) | £52.48 (T45) |
| 10˚ Bend | £55 (CDS) | £69.98 (T45) |
| 15˚ Bend | £55 (CDS) | £69.98 (T45) |
| 20˚ Bend | £55 (CDS) | £69.98 (T45) |
Go to our eBay shop to buy the kits - http://stores.ebay.co.uk/Custom-Cages-UK
All prices exclude VAT and Shipping.
MSA new regulations in detail
The Motor Sports Council unanimously agreed to implement immediate changes to Regulations K1.3.1 and K1.3.5, which cover the Technical Specifications of Rollcages.
This change takes immediate effect and competitors are advised to ensure that all vehicles are fully compliant with the new regulations before any future event. Should further advice be required, competitors are encouraged to speak to the MSA Technical Department or an MSA-registered Scrutineer.
The revised regulations are as follows (red wording indicates new text; strike through indicates deleted text):
K1.3.1. Main, Front and Lateral Rollbars. These frames or hoops must be made in one piece without joints. Their construction must be smooth and even, without ripples or cracks. The vertical part of the main rollbar must be as straight as possible and as close as possible to the interior contour of the bodyshell. The front leg of the front rollbar or a lateral rollbar must be straight, or if it is not possible, must follow the windscreen pillars and have only one bend with its lower vertical part unless a windscreen pillar reinforcement [K1.3.5(e)] is fitted.
The mounting foot must not be rearward of the foremost point of the rollbar.
Where the main rollbar forms the rear legs of a lateral rollbar (see drawing K6), the connection to the lateral rollbar must be at roof level. To achieve an efficient mounting to the bodyshell, the original interior trim may be modified around the safety cage and its mountings by cutting it away or by distortion. However, this modification does not permit the removal of the complete parts of upholstery or trim. Where necessary, the fusebox may be relocated to enable a rollcage to be fitted.
K1.3.5. Optional Reinforcement of Rollcage.
(e) Windscreen Pillar Reinforcement
A tube the upper end of which must be less than 100mm from the junction between the front (lateral) rollbar and the longitudinal (transversal) member and the lower end less than 100mm from the front mounting foot of the front (lateral) rollbar, as shown in drawing K62.
The tube may be bent on condition that it is straight in side view and that the angle of the bend does not exceed 20°.