Isn't there a possibility that some are over reacting to this?
I'm seeing criticism from guys saying 'it will never be a race car'...whom are simultaneously saying 'it'll kill you'...Is there any evidence that this setup may not be ideal for racing applications, but is still 'better' than just a factory lap belt and seat?...
NOTHING is perfect for any type of accident...he HAS avoided arguably the biggest problem with aftermarket harnesses, which is spinal compression because of the wrong geometry with the harness...side to side movement along that rear bar may be present...but all documentation provided seems to be related to purpose built one off race cars...of which are much more capable than a 3rd gen protege at the local auto cross event...
You can follow those FIA sanctions to the limit...and have a perfect setup for the arm chair criticism thats going to come on a message board online...but all that means is that the car's restraint system is far more capable than the car its bolted in to...does it mean the soft steel unibody is not going to come completely unhinged in a high speed accident?...that the steering column isn't in perfect position to impale you in a specific front end collision...that a car won't rip right through the side of it in a side impact...those regulations are misleading because we're not taking into account all of them...When those regulations are written, they don't just review the set up and say if its ok or not...the construction of the entire car is factored in...issues such as 'submaring' are being thrown around, which is a common issue in racing set ups where the driver is nearly laying down...in most automotive cases, its literally impossible to slide out underneath a harness with a raised back rest...and this is commonly why, mostly through rally sanctions, full up right back rests and heavy restrictions on seating position have been imposed...and with those seats, he is clearly sitting...not even slightly laying...
I'm just saying, seems like this guy is getting ripped apart for a possibly less than ideal restraint set up...that might not be the best for all out racing...but i'm guessing strongly that its still safer than the normal factory lap belts...for 90% of the common types of road accidents...As i mentioned, NOTHING is perfectly safe...and yeah, some changes may bring that percentage a little higher...but considering some of you said it yourself...its not a race car...automotive safety is always about compromise, not one single setup will protect you from everything...
Again, i'm no expert...but I do feel that the only real argument going around all leads back to 'don't make your car faster, don't change anything on it'...