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If you’re shopping for a quality racing harness made in the USA, then you’ve come to the right place.
A racing harness is a key piece of safety equipment for any track enthusiast, professional racer, or lead-footed daily driver. While the average car on the road has a 3-point lap/shoulder configuration, racing harnesses have anywhere from 4-7 points for added security.
But that’s not all, racing harnesses also boast multiple locking-mechanism options, mandated certifications, material restrictions, and more.
Thankfully, this guide explores everything you need to know about American-made racing harnesses (also known as racing seat belts), including certification requirements to watch for, materials and features to consider, maintenance and inspection specifics, and more.
Armed with this information, you’ll be able to confidently shop for the best racing harness for your needs. To further streamline your search, we’ll also reveal the top American-made racing harness options currently on the market.
Let’s get started.
Race Harness Requirements & Quality
Racing Harness Certification Standards
First up, if your plans are to participate in any competitive racing events, you’ll need a racing harness that meets official FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile) and/or SFI (Safety Foundation Inc) standards.
These standards ensure the harnesses are suitable for the high-risk environment of motorsport racing, focusing on safety and performance under extreme conditions.
For example, any racing harness with an SFI spec of 16.1 must include a lap belt, shoulder harness, and an anti-submarine strap. What’s more, only specific latching mechanisms are allowed, and any webbing must be made from Nylon or Polyester.
Before purchasing a racing harness, be sure to check that it’s eligible for the type of events you plan to participate in. Otherwise, you may not be allowed to enter the event.
Features of Quality Racing Harnesses
As we touched on earlier, some racing events require specific features or materials to ensure qualification. A HANS device (Head and Neck Support) is one such safety feature that’s often mandated, and for good reason.
This device works by stabilizing the head and neck during a crash, preventing extreme movements that can lead to serious injuries. High-quality racing harnesses are designed to be compatible with such devices, ensuring seamless integration for enhanced safety.
What’s more, these harnesses often boast adjustable straps for a more secure fit, quick-release buckles for emergency situations, and padding for comfort and impact distribution. Flame-resistant materials are also commonly used and required, providing an extra layer of protection.
Racing Harness Maintenance and Inspection
Keeping your racing harness in peak condition is also important for safety. Regular inspection is key. Look for signs of wear like fraying or weakening of the material, and check the integrity of buckles and quick-release latches for signs of damage or malfunction.
It's also important to ensure the harness is correctly mounted per the manufacturer's guidelines. Regularly cleaning the harness and protecting it from UV rays can prolong its life.
Before and after each use, a thorough check is recommended, including a tug test on the belts, inspecting for rust or damage at the anchor points, and ensuring no slackness or misalignment. Proper maintenance ensures your harness continues to offer optimal safety.
Racing Harness Expiration Dates
You’ll also need to consider the expiration date of a racing harness. Each belt in a set can have its own expiration date, making it important to check the labels on all.
These labels indicate whether the belts meet FIA or SFI standards. FIA-certified belts typically have a five-year validity from the 1st of January following the year of manufacture. As for SFI-certified belts, these usually expire after two years, reflecting differences in material durability and construction.
It's important to replace expired belts to comply with safety regulations. Expired belts may still be used for non-regulated activities like open track days or in road cars.
For more details on choosing the right racing harness for your needs, check out our in-depth buying guide.
Top American Made Race Harnesses
Now that you have a better understanding of the different certification and quality requirements expected of a qualifying racing harness, let’s review your top American-made options.
RJS Racing Equipment Harnesses
RJS Racing Equipment Inc., based in Michigan, USA, is a prominent manufacturer of safety equipment for various types of motor racing, including harnesses. They take pride in manufacturing most of their branded products domestically.
Committed to high-quality and economical pricing, RJS Racing meets or exceeds current Racing Association Specifications and Regulations, including SFI 16.1 and others. Their product range caters to an array of motorsports and safety industries, demonstrating their commitment to racer safety and innovation in the field.
- 5-Point Cam-Lock: The RJS Racing Equipment 5-point Cam-Lock racing harness is a high-quality safety harness featuring a Cam-Lock style, 3-inch pull-down lap belt, and individual shoulder harnesses. This black harness is SFI 16.1 certified and includes a 2-inch single sub belt. It's designed for roll bar mounting, but does not come with mounting hardware.
- Classic Series 2-Point Latch and Link: Next up, the Classic Series 2-point latch and link harness. This blue harness is SFI 16.1 certified and features a 3-inch double submarine belt with bolt-in ends. Designed for floor mounting, it has a durable Nylon construction and a convenient pull-down, latch-style belt adjustment. This harness is sold individually and does not include floor mounting hardware.
- Cam-Lock HARNESS w/Roll Bar Mount: This SFI 16.1 Cam-Lock harness features a 2” pull-up lap belt and two individual shoulder harnesses with a roll bar mount wrap. This harness is ideal for various racing applications and is a solid choice for drivers seeking both safety and convenience.
JEGS American-Made Racing Harnesses
JEGS, a well-respected name in the automotive parts industry, stands out for its American-made racing harnesses. Popular for their commitment to quality and safety, JEGS offers a range of harnesses designed to meet the rigorous demands of racing.
Emphasizing both durability and compliance with safety standards, JEGS harnesses are a top choice for racers seeking reliability and performance.
- JEGS Ultra-Series 5-Point Pull Down: The JEGS Ultra-Series 5-point pull down V-type harness delivers top-tier performance. It features 3" wide shoulder and lap belts, smooth pull-down lap adjusters, and high-strength steel mounting hardware. This black Cam Lock harness is SFI 16.1 rated, assuring compliance with rigorous safety standards. Made in the USA, it's a great choice for racers seeking reliable, high-quality safety gear.
- JEGS Ultra-Series 5-Point Latch and Link: The JEGS Ultra-Series 5-Point latch and link harness is a blend of safety and comfort. It features a 5-point design with 3" wide shoulder and lap belts, equipped with smooth pull-down lap adjusters. The black harness is SFI 16.1 rated and includes high-strength steel mounting hardware, suitable for either bolt-in or wrap-around installation.
JEGS: For All Your Automotive Needs
If you’ve made it this far, then you should now have all the necessary details to purchase your next racing harness with confidence.
For all your automotive needs, consider JEGS, a leading manufacturer and supplier of performance auto parts, including racing harnesses made in the USA.
Browse our massive selection of parts and complete your order online. Still have questions? Contact our team today.
