Roll bars and broomsticks

Got a roll bar question. I've been pouring over thread after thread and can't seem to find my specific question being answered.


I know that in Solo 2, I don't have to have a roll bar at all. The way I'm reading the 2012 rules and specifically Appendix C, if I do have a bar installed, the top of said bar "shall not be below the top of the driver's helmet…" My question is, if the roll bar is not required in the first place, does it truly need to be above the top of my helmet. I know the answer is probably pretty obvious but will the local tracks not allow me to drive if I'm technically in violation of Appendix C. I'm relatively tall, 6'2'' and I'm not sure that a Hard Dog Hard Core(soft top version) will be tall enough. I'd like to keep my stock seats and not go thru a foamectomy. Oh, the car is an 05 LS. If this has been answered, and I've missed it, don't hurt me too bad.


Thanks!

Patrick

The 'broom stick' test doesn't matter/count for autocross. There are some track events that will enforce it, but I don't know any details beyond that.

Thanks sammm. As long as I'm good to go for autocross, then I won't worry if I might be a bit taller than the bar.

My interpretation of the rules is that if you are racing in a AX class that REQUIRES a roll bar, like Prepared, then your helmet must be below the top of the bar.

I have never seen in writing any rule regarding the "broom stick". Does it really exist somewhere? I purposely do not use a 5 point harness in my Miata. If it rolls over, I know that the windshield will collapse, and I want to be able to duck or lean in to the center to get my upper body out of harms way.

Ok, I just went back an re-read 3.3.2 and it finally clicked. It says in open top in stock or street touring it can be below the Appendix C requirement which does say it has to be above the top of the helmet in a normal driving position. Looks like I have nothing to worry about. I'm not going to use a harness since I'm sticking with stock seats. I'm like you, would like to have the option to duck.

It just didn't click when I read it for first few times. Information overload kicked in.