The seat fitting: an important step in every driver preparation

Q: How does it work? What is the process to make a racing seat?

The Beechdean Aston Martin comes with a large seat shell to fit a wide range of drivers. Our job is to fit all three drivers into this shell using our Indi Seat moulding system. First, we fit the largest driver and generally this insert will stay in the shell. Then we will fit the two smaller drivers into the base insert. These two inserts will be removed in driver changes with each respective driver.

The Indi Seat process uses a unique polypropylene bead and resin mix (similar materials to the lining in crash helmets) and vacuum casting bag. The driver sits on the casting bag and by varying the amount of air inside the bag we mould him by moving the beads and resin around.

During the fitting we make the insert using two criteria - Safety and Performance. The driver must be at the right height and held into the shell for safety. The drivers eyeline must be in line halfway up the headrest and his/her shoulders must be in line with the seat harness apertures. For performance, the insert is moulded to make sure the drivers’ reach to the steering wheel and pedals is comfortable and full motion is achievable. The moulding is forced around the driver so the driver is “locked” and cannot move laterally or slide forward under braking, this massively helps the driver in Endurance races to reduce fatigue over long driving stints.

Our Indi Seat material is also energy absorbing and we have carried out a lot of testing at FIA approved facilities to make sure we achieve high levels of protection.

Once the insert has cured we remove excess material, we cut holes for the seat belts and we then make sure the removable inserts can be extracted quickly and easily in driver changes. This is rehearsed with the drivers.The inserts are then upholstered using approved covering materials.

Q: How many people do you need to manufacture a racing seat?

During the fitting there will be one or two technicians from Indi Seat, there will be the Race Engineer to make sure the team is happy with the driver position and there will be a team mechanic to adjust pedals or steering wheel if necessary.

Q: What is the link between the seat and the driver’s weight?

The driver’s size and weight link would mean a larger driver will have a smaller insert and a smaller driver will have a bigger insert. The Team Race Engineer will also be involved in making sure  the driver position does not affect the centre of gravity.

Q: What materials do you use to make a GT car seat?

We use our own unique polypropylene bead and resin mix developed over 20 years and tested for optimum energy absorption.

Q: How long does it take to make a seat?

For 3 drivers, it will take at least an 8-hour day. The seat insert fits general take 2 – 3 hours per driver. We have a trial run with the seat fit, making sure we have the correct volume of beads inside the bag, this is done without resin. This can take 30 minutes plus. We then add the resin, working time with the resin before curing is 25 minutes. Then we have trimming/cutting and then driver change practice.

We have met with Andrew Howard, founder of Beechdean Dairy Ice cream and AMR driver. He gave us his though about the importance of having the perfect racing seat.

Q: What is the importance of having a good race seat?

 It is very important to have a fitted seat; modern race cars put the driver under a lot of physical pressure and having a seat that specifically fits your body is important. It is also important in a crash as the less the body moves the less damage is done, so having a tight fit is safer as well.

Q: Is it a special moment when you are doing your seat fitting?

It is certainly hot; most seats use a two-part foam that is quite exothermic in nature when it is mixed and put in the seat mould. The job of the driver is to then to sit tight whilst the foam moulds to the seats and body – forming a harmonious bond.

Q: Do you need a new seat for every new season?

Generally, a seat will be okay for a few seasons but if your body changes or a seat changes then a new one is required. The seat may also be changed depending on your co driver