Since their introduction into NASCAR® (National Association for
Stock Car Auto Racing, Inc.) in the early 1950s roll bars have
played a vital role in protecting race car drivers from injury
during crashes. Just as helmets, seats, seatbelts and a multitude
of other safety enhancements have evolved and transformed racing
safety, so too have roll bars. From serving as additional bracing
in early stock cars, to being the primary chassis and frame system
in modern NASCAR vehicles, tubular roll bars have changed
dramatically.
This paper summarizes extensive quasi-static testing of tubular
joints. Test variables included joining method and gusset design.
Also described are the material properties, engineering
characteristics and joining methods currently used in modern NASCAR
vehicle chassis fabrication.