Warnings Before First Drive

The RUSH SR race car is a high-performance vehicle designed for track use only. Its proper maintenance and operation are critical for your safety. Improper maintenance, use, high performance events or competitive racing in general, can result in major injury or even death. Never drive the RUSH SR beyond your ability, and beware of other vehicles on track at all times.

During the winter, the SR may be shipped to you without any coolant. We do not use Glycol-based coolants, as they present a major safety issue if spilled on track. Only use water with water wetter. Fluids should be checked before each startup of the car. Never remove the radiator cap while the system is hot!

It is NOT recommended to ever engage gear on the car with the body work removed as there are unprotected moving components such as the chain and driveline that could cause severe harm or injury.

Never operate the RUSH SR without the seatbelts securely fastened and with the driver wearing appropriate safety gear. Full FIA / SFI fire rated safety gear is recommended at all times, together with a full-face race-approved helmet.

Safety System Requirements

Fire Suppression System

Inspect the fire suppression system before every event, and check the pin and the system every time rather than one or the other. On a gauge-equipped system the gauge must be in the GREEN zone before going on track. On a Lifeline electronic system, run its built-in test and read the manufacturer’s readiness indicators rather than guessing at readiness. Either way, make sure all nozzles are aimed properly and the fire pin is installed, and have the system professionally certified every 2 years.

If the safety pin has gone missing and you need to test the pull handle, a cotter pin will stand in temporarily; use the largest diameter that fits the hole.

Lifeline is the system we approve for the car. Events set their own requirements, so check the rules for what you are entering. See Lifeline Fire Suppression System.

Head Restraints

Set the pad distance deliberately. The helmet should contact the pad at the moment your shoulder reaches the side of the cockpit, or as close to that as the seat and belts allow the body to move. A gentle head tilt should reach it. This was raised after a T7 accident at Road Atlanta and again after a hard shunt, and it is the kind of setting an owner makes once and never revisits.

The head restraint set screws vibrate loose. Include them in your nut and bolt check, paint-mark them so a movement shows, and use blue Loctite. An owner found a loose set screw rolling around by the pedals and could not work out where it came from; it was a head restraint.

Hearing Protection

The car is loud enough to damage your hearing on your first run, and owners have found ordinary foam plugs insufficient. Orange foam plugs are universal and work very well. For fitted plugs, Soundgear is our preferred vendor.

Driver Harness

The driver harness must be replaced every 5 years regardless of apparent condition. Inspect before every session for frays, cuts, or damage. Never use a harness with broken or missing buckle pins.

Fuel Cell

The fuel cell must be replaced every 5 years. Inspect foam baffling regularly for deterioration. Dual fuel tank cars must have only ONE check valve installed — never both.