GP Racing seats? And a Q about TDR Ultrashield
 

I'm on the hunt for a pair of seats for my NA for some DE and street fun. I went to a local race shop looking to try out a Momo Supercup seat but was quickly redirected to a GP Racing seat. The only reference I can find of them is in a different language. I was wondering if anyone here has had any experience with them?

I am also considering the TDR Ultrashield as I've read it's an easy fit and not too hard to get in and out of for daily use. I'm looking for stories on comfort on these. It seems when people find any aluminum seat uncomfortable they just add some memory foam and it all goes away.

Thoughts?

-S

No real idea, but the lack of available information would be a red flag for me. Is GP the name brand?

Never heard of them before but a quick google search turns then up on only european sites. But I am finding english sites with them. No reviews though.

I had an Ultrashield in a car I've just sold - it's comfy enough for race, but not for street. Even though I did drive it for 11 hours to Laguna Seca and back, it's not something that I would describe as comfortable in any way. The way it holds on the track though is just amazing. It wrapped around my shoulders and contained me nicely. No need to use elbows, knees or any other body parts to brace yourself during cornering. Getting in and out was a bit of a pain, but not horribly so.

I've had Sparco Sprint - marginally better in terms of comfort because it's suspended belts on a tube frame, but back rest shape is also not ideal Little support for lower back in most of these seats unless you for for more expensive options around $700-1200 range.

I had the Goodwin Marrad seats. Very much a compromise seat. Not the best DD, not the best race seat. I did AutoX, HPDE and TT in the seat, and at least four 8 1/2 hour drives. Holes for a 5 point, without the cushion gets you low enough under a roll bar. Comes with bolt in brackets and sliders. A touch pricey, but not bad when you calculate all the included stuff.

I actually find my Kirkey incredibly comfortable for long trips. I cut up a 1" memory foam mattress topper and put it into a pillow case to give some extra support and cushion.
I think how comfortable you find the seat really depends on your body shape.
Getting in and out is definitely a pain, but I guess you get used to it.

A friend of mine has the Marrad seats in his NB, my head hit the soft top with the way he had it mounted. How tall are you?

I find my UltraShields extremely comfortable too. I mounted them on custom bases that I welded up out of C-channel. Put in about 20 degrees of recline. This gives additional headroom and comfort. Details in my red car build thread.

I've also spent time in seats that were just bolted to the floor. Horrible. The recline makes all the difference.

5"10'

I work at Track Dog Racing. I tell people the Rally Sport seats are fantastic for the track. I'm too old to use them on the street personally. I bolt mine in for track days and run stock seats otherwise. We have had many customers use them as a DD though. My recommendation would be to add some closed cell foam like a cut up yoga mat for extra padding and you can also add lumbar support.

x2 on this. I've been running my kirkey for about 6 years and I've done a lot of driving in it. Drove to nashville and back to upstate ny (1k miles) straight through with only stops for gas. My lower back tends to get sore on long trips but I usually stuff a sweatshirt in there for extra support and it works fine. Short trips (less than the hours or so) are no problem. I love it personally.

Thanks. I ended up order the TDR's. Should be here on Monday.

Reviews and pics when you get a chance please!

It'll be a while before I get to mount them. I'm starting to work on some cooling upgrades and then the interior safety bits will be next (harnesses, seats, seat bracing).

A pic to hold you over. This is the optional grey stripe. I chose to keep the TDR patch on the top but you can chose to not have it with the custom covers.

https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/659/31...61725603_c.jpg
Untitled by sicklyscott, on Flickr

That looks great! What color is the car they are going in? I can't wait to hear what you think of them. Feel free to review them on our website as well.

Most important part about using aluminum seats is proper mounting. They have to have a back brace.

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I didn't do mine that way. I don't like that design either. If you're handy with a welder, you can do what I did (in the Red Car build thread).

Thanks for this (it's page 9 for anyone looking) - I've also got an ultrashield ready to go in and was not happy with the off the shelf braces.
Yoga mat foam is also a great idea!

I got the TDR seats mounted using their brackets. I ended up cutting the rear humps on the driver's side for some extra clearance. I still have to button up the harness install and figure out the back bracing.

https://flic.kr/p/S82U4Nhttps://flic.kr/p/S82U4N by https://www.flickr.com/photos/sicklyscott/, on Flickr

https://flic.kr/p/SmPoXehttps://flic.kr/p/SmPoXe by https://www.flickr.com/photos/sicklyscott/, on Flickr

https://flic.kr/p/R57Azhhttps://flic.kr/p/R57Azh by https://www.flickr.com/photos/sicklyscott/, on Flickr