Sparco Sprint 5 Race Seat | Review - Armstrong Family Blog

Sparco Sprint 5 Race Seat | Review

3/7/2018

Armstrong Racing

The Sparco Sprint 5 was my very first racing seat, and until my first track day back in 2015 I had no idea just how good they are. Before going to Thunderhill Raceway for the first time, the only racing I had done was autocross. Back then my car wasn't exactly fast either, I was running the car in STF class with the original engine and auto transmission. The main thing I took away from driving the 5, 15 minute sessions on the track was; "my arms hurt!".

#1 - FIA Approved

FIA Approved Sparco Sprint 5

When you purchase a racing seat, the idea is that you are installing it into a vehicle used for racing. (I know, crazy huh? ). There are safety testing standards a seat must meet to be approved for competition referred to as FIA . Many racing organizations require you to have your seat, restraints, suit, and other equipment meet standards similar to this. TheSprint 5 is FIA approved with fire retardant fabric and has holes for the 5th and 6th harness points.

#2 - Affordable

Most FIA approved seats are not cheap, but you can get the Sprint 5 for half the cost of any other Sparco seat. There are only a couple other FIA approved seats in this price range; The OMP FIRST and the MOMO START. Even so, the Sprint 5 is still the most affordable FIA approved seat I've found.

#3 - Easy Install

Sparco 600W Black Aluminum Side Mount

Sparcousa.com

The sprint 5 has a tubular frame with 8 mounting holes for either side or bottom mounting. This means you can mount the seat directly to the base for that lowest possible seating position or attach the Sparco side mounts to dial in your perfect height or recline. If you purchase the Sparco base for your vehicle, the sliders, side mounts, and seat will all work together and result in a seamless install. You may want to contact Sparco to check availability on your specific base, mine had to be made and took 4 weeks to arrive.

Things to consider...

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There are 2 size options for the Sprint, medium and large. My seat is a medium and it fits my 32inch waist perfectly, but if you have a 36inch or larger waist you may need the large. The Sprint obviously does not have a halo, so this seat may not be suitable for all types of racing. You will also need to purchase a harness to go with this seat, the factory seat belt in your car will not hold you properly while racing due to the raised bolstering at the hips and shoulders. The fabric has held up really well in the 2 years I've had it, no tears at all and it is comfortable enough for a race seat.

Overall it's a great piece and it really holds you snug in the hips and shoulders. It does not interfere with shifting, my helmet, or neck support but it is quite difficult to reach around the cabin. I recommend this seat to everyone but be sure to test fit a seat before buying it.

AR