[3002 tii]

Need something for track day events. I see these on eBay going for $30-70, but then I see some vendors like Turner sell ones for $140?

I really believe in you get what you pay for, but in the context of tow hooks, is there really a difference in quality or functionally?

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/9-6MM...ht_1775wt_1026

http://www.turnermotorsport.com/html...ID=TOW/E36/E46

[Joonsup]

Just stay on the track and pass safely and you wont need one. haha. I have one similar to the ebay one you posted that I got for free from a friend and I've had that on my e30 at the track and so far I haven't used it yet "knock on wood"

[mike-y]

why couldn't you just use your factory tow hook instead? if it's just for track days, why wouldn't that work?

[IN54NITY]

Originally Posted by mike-y

why couldn't you just use your factory tow hook instead? if it's just for track days, why wouldn't that work?

What the h3ll is wrong with you? Listen, when you spin off the track in a monster cloud of dirt, bend a tie rod, and make your driver's side wheels look like a couple of sunflowers with all the weeds stickin' out between rim and rubber, ~nothing~ will give you more pride than watchin' your ride get towed by that shiny red anodized tow hook. Ok, got that? Geesh.

[Express]

Originally Posted by aleckzandr

What the h3ll is wrong with you? Listen, when you spin off the track in a monster cloud of dirt, bend a tie rod, and make your driver's side wheels look like a couple of sunflowers with all the weeds stickin' out between rim and rubber, ~nothing~ will give you more pride than watchin' your ride get towed by that shiny red anondized tow hook. Ok, got that? Geesh.

what???/

OP- i say use OEM or get the ebay one. i see no problem either.

[IN54NITY]

Originally Posted by express705

what???/

OP- i say use OEM or get the ebay one. i see no problem either.

Tongue in cheek my friend, tongue in cheek.

[3002 tii]

Just to clarify, the OEM one is fine for street but folding hooks are better for track where making contact with cars is possible. Plus, even if I were to use the OEM hook, I'd still need a 2nd one since you need both front and rear hooks.

[IN54NITY]

Originally Posted by Dubbedown

Just to clarify, the OEM one is fine for street but folding hooks are better for track where making contact with cars is possible. Plus, even if I were to use the OEM hook, I'd still need a 2nd one since you need both front and rear hooks.

You got it all wrong. When you have the OEM clubs out there on the track, absolutely no one is going to want to bump you or give you a brake check.

[orionredwing]

haha, somehow that mental image made me laugh

But yeah, +1 on using the OEM factory hook.

Hmm, I know it's obvious, but people have asked before (got asked a few times at the track hehe)....the factory tow hook is located in your trunk on the right where the battery cover / tray is, and where your tools are More specifically, lift up the felt backing in the tray to expose the tools underneath. You do not need to remove the actual tray (don't twist the release knob). I'm sure some silent readers / lurkers are thanking me now, for not making them ask this noobish question

Originally Posted by aleckzandr

You got it all wrong. When you have the OEM clubs out there on the track, absolutely no one is going to want to bump you or give you a brake check.

[3002 tii]

^^

Thanks, I knew I had the tool but my question but reason I asked about aftermarket is because I think NASA rules require both front and rear tow hooks in place but I suppose I could just buy another oem one...

[IN54NITY]

From: http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf (2011 Club Codes & Regulations)

Tow hooks:

11.4.20 Tow Eyes
It is STRONGLY recommended that all vehicles have at least two (2) easily accessible
(and usable) tow eyes; one (1) in front and one (1) in back. They must not protrude
dangerously from the car, and they must be accessible without manipulation of the
bodywork and/or panels. They should be strong enough to support the weight of the car.
If no tow eyes are available, the towing crew will hook onto other things that may
cause damage to the driver’s car. The towing crew will not be held liable for that
damage. Again, tow eyes are STRONGLY recommended.
The tow crew will attempt to avoid damaging the participant’s vehicle. However,
should damage occur in the course of towing, or preparing to tow, NASA and/ or
the tow crew will not be held responsible for any damages.

Bumping (or the lack thereof):

27.4.1 Body Contact
Body Contact is defined as any part of any car making physical contact with another car
significant enough to cause one (1) car to sustain body damage or to be significantly
knocked off of the racing line.

6.9 Body Contact
Body contact cannot and WILL NOT be tolerated. Anyone involved in body contact must
report immediately to the head of pit lane. Harsh penalties will be imposed, including but
not limited to, permanent ejection from NASA.

Which is different from punting:

25.4.2 Punting.
The term “punting” is defined as nose to tail (or side-of-the-nose to side-of-the-tail)
contact, where the leading car is significantly knocked off of the racing line. Once the
trailing car has its front wheel next to the driver of the other vehicle, it is considered that
the trailing car has a right to be there. And, that the leading driver must leave the trailing
driver enough “racing room.” In most cases, “racing room” is defined as “at least three
quarters of one car width.” If adequate racing room is left for the trailing car, and there is
incidental contact made between the cars, the contact will be considered “side-to-side.”
In most cases, incidental side-to-side contact is considered to be “just a racing incident.”
If, in the case of side-to-side contact, one of the two cars leaves the racing surface
(involuntarily) then it may still be considered “a racing incident.”
Note: See specific class rules for variations in this rule.

[ianbiz]

i have 2 extra OEM ones laying around. I'll send them to you for a couple bucks.

[3002 tii]

Originally Posted by aleckzandr

From: http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf (2011 Club Codes & Regulations)

Tow hooks:


Bumping (or the lack thereof):


Which is different from punting:

Thanks for posting this. This confirms my thought of getting a (non-oem) folding tow hook. I found a nice one from Rennline which is made of SS as opposed to aluminum, more expensive than eBay but cheaper than Turner.