How to choose a roll cage?

Summary:

1. Introduction to the various types of roll cages 
2. Standard roll cages
3. Exceptions roll cages
4. Approved roll cages

1. Introduction to the various types of roll cages

The roll cage to protect and stiffen

The primary function of a roll cage is to protect the occupants of a vehicle by limiting chassis deformation in the event of an accident. It can also help to improve the rigidity of the body for better performance.

Mandatory in motor sports, roll cages are an assembly of tubes designed in standard steel or alloys which feature a number of anchoring points to the body that vary according to the structure:

• 4-point roll cage (or rear roll cage): model placed behind the seats offering limited protection of the passenger compartment.
• 6-point roll cage: single model covering a large area with additional anchors at the bottom of the dashboard.
• Multipoint roll cage: elaborate model featuring at least 8 anchor points.

Roll cages are available in two types of fastening: weld-in or bolt-in.

A weld-in roll cage is very effective in terms of safety due to its high torsional strength. It also increases the rigidity of the shell with its permanent fixings and ensures that the load is distributed over the entire body in case of an accident. In return for this excellent protection capacity, it requires the use of a professional with solid welding knowledge for its installation.

A bolt-in roll cage is easier to assemble and requires less equipment and skills than a welded structure. It also has the advantage of being removable, which can be beneficial if the vehicle is to be returned to its original condition, for example. Another positive point is that a bolt-in roll bar is also generally a little less expensive than its weld-in counterpart.

Roll cages for professionals or individuals, choose your brand carefully

Many manufacturers produce roll cages for professionals or individuals. Among the best known, we find:

• Sparco
• OMP
• Sabelt
• Cusco
• AST Roll Cages
• Custom Cages
• Matter Motorsport
• Jacques Point

Warning: a roll cage is reserved for leisure or competition use on private roads or circuits. Apart from rare models delivered with this equipment (Porsche GT3 RS, Renault Megane RS R26R…), there is no roll cage approved for road use. Any modification made without the manufacturer’s agreement is forbidden for road use.

The 3 types of roll cages, each with its own specificity

There are three main types of approved roll cages for motorsports. Depending on the vehicle or the event, it will be wise to choose one type rather than another:

2. Standard roll cages

A “standard roll cage” is a structure that complies with FIA Annex J. This type of safety frame does not require a specific homologation form and no document needs to be presented during the technical inspection in competition.

It can be modified in compliance with the technical regulations, for example in the context of conformance with the FFSA regulations in force since 2015. Indeed, the FFSA requires the presence of many reinforcements and members at different levels: main arch, windshield pillars, doors and roof.

3. Exceptions roll cages

This type of roll cage is different from a standard model (by the diameter of the tubes used or the absence of tensioning plates bolted to the bottom for example) and must be approved by an NSA (National Sporting Authority) like the FFSA in France.

It is also necessary to present an authentic copy of the homologation form at the technical inspection of each event. Finally, this type of safety frame cannot be modified.

4. Approved roll cages

The so-called “approved” cages are also different from the standard models and must be the subject of a Variant-Option (VO) extension to the vehicle homologation form, approved by the FIA at the request of the manufacturer.

A VO homologation form must be presented at each technical inspection. Like an exception type roll cage, any modification of this type of frame is forbidden by the FIA.

For more information concerning the regulation of roll cages, we advise you to consult the website of the FFSA (www.ffsa.org).

Photo sources: Claude Saulnier / Ford / AST Roll Cages / Louis Yio / Sparco / David Robinson