Besides testing fire suppression systems against a standard protocol, SFI Spec 17.1 also includes certain requirements that users of the products should know. First, there is a 2-year recertification period. The system must be inspected ONLY by the original manufacturer or their approved agent. No manufacturer may inspect or recertify another's system. As a convenience to their customers, some manufacturers have personnel at the track that will inspect and recertify systems out in the field. If the system is determined to be acceptable for continued use, the manufacturer will apply a new SFI 17.1 certification label along with the new inspection date. That system is then good for another two years from the inspection date. If a racer needs to contact the manufacturer of their system for recertification, all participating manufacturers in this program are listed under Spec 17.1 on the participating manufacturers page.

Any racer should be familiar with his or her safety equipment on their car, so with that in mind, he or she should know what type of cylinder contains their suppression agent. Cylinders are manufactured to different Department of Transportation (DOT) specs that not only mandate their construction, but also how they are used. Here's a quick breakdown of the different cylinders specified in SFI 17.1 and their uses as mandated by the DOT:

DOT 39: This standard is for non-reusable (non-refillable) steel or aluminum cylinders. If your system has a DOT 39 cylinder and is discharged, federal regulations prohibit the cylinder from being refilled.

DOT 3AL: This standard is for refillable aluminum cylinders.

TC 3ALM: This is the Canadian equivalent to DOT 3AL.

DOT 4B360: This standard is for refillable steel cylinders.

DOT 4DS: This standard is for steel spherical cylinders. (As of this writing, this type of cylinder is pending final approval for addition to Spec 17.1)

Currently Halon 1211 and Halon 1301 are acceptable agents per SFI Spec 17.1. However, as of January 1, 2008, Halon agents will not be allowed in the field. That means that all certified Halon systems currently in use will expire on December 31, 2007, regardless of the system's manufacture or recertification date. This is in response to regulations set forth by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Concerns about Halons include their ozone-depleting properties as well as the human health effects (toxicity) when discharged in small areas.

Also contributing to the removal of Halons from SFI Spec 17.1 is the fact the there are alternative agents available for use which are less harmful to the environment, less toxic to humans, and pass the fire suppression tests required by the spec. For a complete list of manufacturers with systems certified to SFI Spec 17.1, click here or contact SFI at 858-451-8868 for more information.

June, 2006

Grand American Road Racing Association joins SFI

SFI would like to welcome Grand American Road Racing Association (GARRA) as its newest member. Established in 1999, this organization is committed to sustaining competitive and relatively affordable road racing in North America. Grand American is known for its two-tier racing classes that compete for category wins as well as overall race wins. The Rolex Sports Car Series includes the exotic Daytona Prototypes and the high performance production-based Rolex Series GT cars. The Grand Am Cup Series also has two street-car classes, Grand Sport (GS) for big-bore engines and Street Tuner (ST) for smaller import and compact cars. SFI is looking forward to working with this fine organization. More information about GARRA may be found on their website at www.grandamerican.com.

Several Sanctioning Bodies Sign on with SFI

SFI has several new sanctioning body additions to announce this month, on both the member and affilate levels. First, on the international scene, we welcome the National Association of Speedway Racing (NASR) of Australia as one of the latest SFI member sanctioning bodies. NASR was formed in 1997 to bring together various speedway associations under one group. They promote unity and safety for their sport under a variety of divisions such as sprint cars, late models, dirt modifieds, and many more. To find out more about NASR, please see their website at www.nasr.com.au.

Also recently joining SFI as a full-up member is SFX Motorsports. This organization oversees five sanctioning bodies that will benefit from the use of SFI services: Supercross, Arenacross, Freestyle Motocross, U.S. Hot Rod Association, and of course, International Hod Rod Association (IHRA). We look forward to our new relationship with these groups, as well as continuing our longtime association with the IHRA. More information may be found on the SFX website at www.pacemotorsports.com. Or you can link up to each individual group from our member sanctioning body page: SFI members.

DIRT Motorsports has recently joined SFI at the affiliate level. DIRT Motorsports owns and operates these popular dirt track racing sanctioning bodies: DIRT Northeast, Mid America Racing Series (MARS), United Midwestern Promoters (UMP), and the World of Outlaws. For more info on DIRT and the exciting sport of dirt track racing, visit their website at www.dirtmotorsports.com. Or you can link up to each individual group from our affiliate sanctioning body page: SFI affiliates.

April, 2006

This month SFI welcomes two unique organizations as new SFI members that at first glance don’t seem to fit the usual description of what a motorsports sanctioning body is, but they are both just that in every sense of the term.

BMW CAR CLUB OF AMERICA, CLUB RACING

Different car marques all have their enthusiast clubs, with some being casually organized while others are highly coordinated. In these car clubs, owners can exchange information about their beloved vehicles and at the same time develop lasting relationships with other club members. In the case of the BMW Car Club of America (BMW CCA), a venue is also provided for Club Racing. BMW owners can prove their cars on premier tracks around the country, but only after first earning their competitors licenses in the extensive racing school offered by the BMW CCA. Having newly signed on as an SFI Member Sanctioning Body demonstrates that this Club Racing Group wants to provide the best racing services available for its members. For more information, go to www.bmwcca.org or www.bmwccaclubracing.com.

SAE COLLEGIATE DESIGN SERIES

Another unique group recently joining SFI as a member sanctioning body is the SAE Collegiate Design Series, where “Xtreme Engineering is what you get” from its participants. In this innovative program, university students get to leave the text books behind and apply engineering principles to the real world. Student teams design, build and test their own race vehicles and then compete against other teams to determine the best overall design.

While there are other non-race related projects such as radio-controlled aircraft and clean-running snow mobiles, the two disciplines concerning motorsports applications are the Formula Series and the Mini Baja Series. Students are challenged to design and build their vehicles with as much creativity as possible while working within the parameters set forth in the rules. This program is important in the development of the world’s brightest automotive engineers and SFI is proud to be working with this prestigious group. For more information about this program, go to http://studends.sae.org/competitions/.

February, 2006

ARCA Becomes SFI Member Sanctioning Body

As a key element of its new Hardcore Motorsports ARCA Safety Initiative, the Automobile Racing Club of America recently signed on as an SFI Member Sanctioning Body. Founded way back in 1953, ARCA has a rich history and a solid reputation as a leader in the world of stock car racing. ARCA currently oversees the traveling professional Re/Max stock car and Lincoln Welders truck series. It also owns and operates the Flat Rock, Michigan and Toledo, Ohio speedways. Running on both pavement and dirt, and on short and intermediate tracks and superspeedways, ARCA produces some of the most diverse and competitive racing in the world of motorsport. For more information about ARCA, please visit their website at www.arcaracing.com.

January, 2006

Clarification of SFI Spec 20.1 Labeling

There has been slight confusion about the various SFI certification labels for youth chest protectors certified to Spec 20.1. There are currently two labels representing two types of protectors: 20.1/1 and 20.1/2. Each type is based on the size of the chest protector and the size of the Hybrid III upper torso dummy used during testing as called out in the spec. If the chest protector has an SFI Spec 20.1/1 label, it was tested on the 5-8 year old size dummy. If it has a 20.1/2 label, it was tested on the 9-12 year dummy. Originally, this specification provided for only one size, so there is a limited number of products in the market with a 20.1 label with no level or size designation. It should be noted that these are properly certified products, but just with an older label prior to size differentiation. Please contact SFI with any questions regarding this labeling clarification.

SFI Kicks Off the New Year with New Sanctioning Bodies

First, SFI welcomes the American Drag Racing League (ADRL) as its newest member sanctioning body. This fledgling group strives to organize outlaw racers, also known as outlaw pro mods, in a new way that promotes high performance and excitement for both the race teams and their fans. SFI looks forward to a growing relationship with the ADRL as they expand their impact on the drag racing world. For more information about ADRL, please visit their website at www.outlawpromods.com.

Also joining SFI this month as an affiliate is the Badger Midget Auto Racing Associatino (BMARA). They have a rich tradition of midget racing in Wisconsin dating back to 1934. BMARA is very proud of their deep history. This is reflected in the progress of midget chassis design and innovative engine technology that has developed under their oversight. BMARA also takes pride in having been the early racing home of several nationally recognized champion drivers. If you would like more information about BMARA, please see their website at www.bmara.com.

November, 2005

Chassis Spec Updates: The SFI Specification for Top Fuel Dragster Roll Cage has been revised and is now version 2.3M (replacing 2.3L). As part of the revision to SFI Spec 2.3M, the information that relates to the alcohol dragster roll cage has been separated into its own spec number, 2.1. This new spec for alcohol dragsters is administrative only, for ease of use, and does not affect the technical requirements for the alcohol chassis. For more information on obtaining SFI Roll Cage Specs, click here.

October, 2005

ASA Late Model Series is First SFI "Affiliate"

The SFI Foundation is very proud to announce its new SFI Affiliated Sanctioning Body Program. This new program is perfect for motorsports sanctioning bodies wishing to utilize SFI's industry-wide accepted standards within their rules, but without the cost of additional services that they might feel are not relevant to their operations.

The original Member Sanctioning Body Program also allows sanctioning bodies to include SFI standards in their rules, in addition to using other SFI services such as the development of new specifications, technical personnel training and certification, and on-track incident response seminars. As an alternative, the new Affiliate Program allows a sanctioning body without the need for these extra programs to use existing SFI specs at a reduced cost. If you're interested in learning more about this new program, please contact SFI at 858-451-8868 or Email sfi@sfifoundation.com.

We are also very happy to announce the very first group to join as an SFI Affiliate, ASA Late Model Series (ASALMS). This group had unique beginnings in that they heavily relied on racer input during the organization stage in an effort to provide cost-effective, comptetive and professional racing. The Series continues to operate under this mantra while it grows ever larger as an exciting venue for short track racing. For more information about this group, visit their website at www.asalatemodels.com.

July, 2005

International Kart Federation Joins SFI

International Kart Federation, known as IKF, is the latest sanctioing body to become a member sanctioning body with SFI. The IKF has lengthy and world-wide experience with governing rules for karting competition. IKF membership is available to novices and experts alike on a regional or national level. Different types of karting are available depending on your preference of track or speed: Sprint Racing, Road Racing, Speedway Racing and Shifter Kart Racing. All are equally exciting. The IKF is proud of its mission to maintain the integrity and safety of the karting sport. While kart racing is popular for all ages, SFI also provides IKF with youth-oriented specifications such as helmets (24.1) and chest protectors (20.1). For more information about IKF, visit their website at www.ikfkarting.com.

April, 2005

Counterfeit SFI Labels Found on Gloves

April 25, 2005 - SFI has discovered that a company known as Gloves Manufacturing House out of Sialkot, Pakistan is manufacturing racing gloves and labeling them with counterfeit SFI Compliance tags. Gloves Manufacturing House is NOT a participating manufacturer in the SFI Program, and their gloves have NOT been certified to the SFI Specification 3.3. This company is in violation of the SFI Specs Program and has been notified to immediately cease and desist the production of counterfeit labels.

When shopping for certified race products, we urge consumers to always check the SFI Participating Manufacturers list found on this website to confirm certification. If there is ever any question whether or not a company complies with any SFI Specification, it is always best to contact SFI for information.

March, 2005

Rally America is Newest SFI Affiliate

We are happy to announce that Rally America has recently signed on with SFI as a member sanctioning body. Rally racing boasts fast cars that compete on all types of road surfaces, from snow to desert sand. Rally America plans to lead the way for rally's growth in the United States, a sport that has been ever popular worldwide, especially in Europe. With regional events and a national championship series, Rally America encourages participation at all levels, from those just starting out to serious competition. For more information, visit their website at www.rally-america.com.

3/16/05 - Clarification Regarding Y-Type and V-Type Racing Harnesses

Effective Jan. 1, 2005, Y-type seat belts were no longer certifiable under SFI Spec 16.1. However, existing Y-type belts with current dates of manufacture may be used until their 2-year expiration. After they expire, they may not be recertified.

Below, the Y-type and V-type harnesses are illustrated:

Y-Type Harness	V-Type Harness

January, 2005

Drag Racing Verniging eXplosion! Joins SFI

SFI welcomes a new sanctioning body to our program this month. We are pleased to have the affiliation of Drag Racing Verniging eXplosion, or just eXplosion for short. Just from their name, it's apparent they enjoy bringing the "explosive" sport of drag racing to the fans in The Netherlands. SFI looks forward to serving our newest member sanctioning body. For more information about this group, visit their website at www.eXplosion.nl.

SFI Foundation Releases New Head and Neck Restraint Specification

The SFI Foundation, Inc. (SFI) has recently released a new minimum performance specification for head and neck restraint devices for use in motorsports applications. This spec has been adopted by various sanctioning bodies for use in the 2005 racing season. SFI President Arnie Kuhns said, "We developed this spec with the help of many industry experts, at the request of our member sanctioning bodies. They needed a test procedure that would define whether a given system was acceptable for the purpose intended."

Like we do with all of our specs, SFI will post a listing of the manufacturers whose products have successfully passed the test requirements and are therefore certified. Because test data and results are the property of the manufacturer, SFI will not be posting any product that does not meet the spec. "It is important to remember that SFI is not like Consumer Reports and does not compare products against one another, however we can provide a listing of acceptable products to help the public make informed decisions," Kuhns said.

The new head and neck restraint device spec is one of more than ninety SFI minimum performance standards utilized by approximately 50 sanctioning bodies worldwide. For a listing of acceptable products that have met Spec 38.1, click on the manufacturers link, then click on 38.1 at the top of the page. Check back regularly, as more products may be added when future testing is successfully completed.

November, 2004

Effective November 1, 2004 the SFI Foundation, Inc. (SFI) announced they are rescinding their Quality Assurance Specifications for Aftermarket Road Wheels. This would include SFI Spec 5.1A for One Piece Aluminum and Aluminum Center/Steel Wheels, SFI Spec 5.22A Multi-Component Steel Wheels and SFI Spec 5.3A Multi-Component Aluminum Wheels. As these specifications are no longer available, anyone with technical questions is advised to contact SEMA for information regarding their new standard for Aftermarket Wheels.

September, 2004

Recertification requirements for 3.2A/10, 3.2A/15 and 3.2A/20 Driver Suits

The SFI Spec for Driver Suits states that all jacket and pants or driver suits that meet the SFI Spec 3.2A/10 or higher must be recertified on a five-year interval. Suits with these higher ratings have SFI patches that indicate the year of manufacture on them. The five-year recertification, which was first required in 2000, has raised a few questions about the implementation of the expiration date on non-dated suits.

Below are the recertification dates for the different year patches currently available:

For recertification, owners of driver suits should contact the original manufacturer to find out their procedures for returning the suits for inspection and recertification.

On driver suits with sewn-in arm restraints, the date stamped on the arm restraints is a reference date for the manufacturer and has no bearing on the suit's expiration date. For further questions on the requirements, contact either the manufacturer of your driver suit, or SFI.

August, 2004

August 26, 2004: A Tech Advisory affecting vehicles that meet SFI Spec 2.3K for Rear Engine Dragster Roll Cages; 6.29 Seconds E.T. and Quicker has just been released. Please click here for details.

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