NASCAR Harnesses With HANS Devices: Everything You Need to Know
Harness guide
We are often asked whether a TRS Nascar harness can be used with a HANS device, and which strap width to choose if you do. The short answer is yes, but the details matter: the width of the shoulder straps, the version of the harness and the kind of event you enter all make a difference.
This guide explains what the TRS Nascar range is, how a harness and a HANS device work together, the difference between 50mm and 75mm straps, and where a Nascar harness is and is not the right choice.
- TRS Nascar harnesses use a lever latch buckle and come in 4, 5 and 6 point
- Offered with 50mm (2 inch) or 75mm (3 inch) webbing, with Superlite and Ultralite versions
- The Nascar range is road and track approved, not FIA homologated
- Standard Nascar harnesses are listed as HANS friendly
- FHR Only versions are set up specifically for use with a head restraint
- For events that require FIA 8853-2016, choose an FIA harness such as the TRS Magnum
What is on this page
What a Nascar harness is
In our range, Nascar is the name of TRS’s harness line with a lever latch buckle. The buckle releases by pulling a lever on its front, not by turning a central disc as on a cam lock buckle. Some drivers prefer the positive action of a lever, and TRS point out that it suits applications with a lot of sustained vibration, where a rotary mechanism could gradually loosen.
The range comes in 4, 5 and 6 point layouts, in 50mm (2 inch) or 75mm (3 inch) webbing, with standard steel adjusters or lighter Superlite and Ultralite versions, and in a wide choice of colours. There are also FHR Only versions, which are covered below.
The key point is approval. The Nascar range is road and track approved and does not carry FIA homologation. It suits track days, autocross, drifting, off-road competition and events run under regulations that do not require an FIA harness. Where FIA 8853-2016 approval is required, TRS’s Magnum and Pro ranges are the ones to look at.
How a harness and a HANS device work together
A HANS device sits on the shoulders under the harness, with tethers connecting it to the helmet. In a frontal impact the harness holds the body in the seat, and because the shoulder straps hold the HANS down, the tethers stop the head moving too far forward relative to the body. That limits the strain on the neck.
So the harness is doing two jobs at once: restraining the driver and holding the HANS device in place. That is why the way the shoulder straps sit on the device matters, and why the harness has to be set up correctly, with the shoulder straps at the right angle and properly tightened. Our guide to fitting a motorsport harness covers the angles and mounting points.
50mm or 75mm shoulder straps
HANS say their device works with both 2 inch and 3 inch shoulder belts. Narrower 2 inch straps sit neatly on the device’s yoke and are less likely to bunch against the collar, which is why many drivers who always wear a HANS choose them. A 3 inch strap works with or without a head restraint, so it is the more flexible choice if you sometimes drive without one.
For FIA homologated harnesses there is a firm rule: a harness with 2 inch (44mm) shoulder straps is homologated for use with a frontal head restraint only, and cannot be used without one. Our 3 inch vs 2 inch harness guide explains this in more detail.
There is also a practical check: the seat. Some seats, particularly older buckets and narrow shells, have harness slots cut for 2 inch webbing. A 75mm strap forced through a 50mm slot wears the strap and the slot and can bind under load, so if your slots are narrow, the 50mm Nascar is the one to choose.
Standard Nascar harnesses. The standard 50mm and 75mm Nascar harnesses are listed as HANS friendly, so they can be used with or without a head restraint.
FHR Only harnesses. These are set up specifically for a head restraint device. The shoulder geometry assumes a HANS or similar device is worn, and without one the harness cannot work as intended. If you do not always wear a head restraint, choose a standard HANS friendly version.
Who a Nascar harness suits
A Nascar harness with a HANS device is a sensible setup for track days and for events that do not require FIA approval, such as autocross, drifting, non-FIA hillclimbs and off-road competition. The lever latch buckle is easy to use and the range comes in plenty of colours to suit the car.
It is not the right choice for circuit racing, rallying or any other event that requires an FIA 8853-2016 harness. For those, choose an FIA homologated harness, and if you wear a HANS, one of the HANS versions. Garreth’s advice is to check your championship’s regulations before you buy, because the harness has to suit the event as well as the driver.
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Before you buy
Work through four things. First, the event: does it require an FIA harness? Second, the head restraint: do you always wear one, sometimes, or never? Third, the seat: are its harness slots cut for 2 inch or 3 inch webbing? Fourth, the car: are there suitable mounting points for the lap, shoulder and sub straps?
With those answers, the choice between a standard Nascar, an FHR Only Nascar and an FIA harness usually makes itself. If it does not, send us the details and we will help.
Can I use a TRS Nascar harness with a HANS device?
Yes. The standard Nascar harnesses are listed as HANS friendly, and the FHR Only versions are made specifically for use with a head restraint.
Is the TRS Nascar harness FIA approved?
No. It is road and track approved; for events that need FIA 8853-2016, choose an FIA harness such as the TRS Magnum.
Do I need 2 inch straps to use a HANS?
No. HANS say their device works with 2 inch and 3 inch shoulder belts, though 2 inch straps sit more neatly on the device.
Can I use a 2 inch FIA harness without a HANS?
No. An FIA harness with 2 inch shoulder straps is homologated for use with a frontal head restraint only.
What does FHR Only mean?
The harness is set up for use with a head restraint device and should not be used without one.
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A Nascar harness for track days and non-FIA events; an FIA harness where the rules require it.
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