Sparco USA is an online retailer for action sports enthusiasts, offering high-end performance apparel and accessories for vehicles, racing, and karts.
SPARCO RACING SEATS & STEERING WHEELS
FIA-Certified · Carbon Fiber · QRT Technology — Since 1977 · 300+ F1, WRC & NASCAR Teams
About Sparco — Italian Motorsport Heritage Since 1977
Sparco — Società Produzione Articoli Competizione — was founded in 1977 in Volpiano, Turin, Italy by three young rally drivers who wanted to raise the bar for racing safety and performance equipment. What started with fireproof racing suits quickly expanded into racing seats, harnesses, steering wheels, helmets, and every piece of safety gear a driver needs to compete at the highest level.
Nearly five decades later, Sparco equips over 300 professional teams across Formula 1, WRC, NASCAR, IndyCar, WEC, and Rally Raid. In 1983, a Sparco seat was fitted inside both the Brabham-BMW BT52 that won the F1 World Championship with Nelson Piquet and the Lancia 037 that won the WRC title. That same engineering now goes into every Sparco product you can buy — from carbon fiber racing seats to competition steering wheels.
At Function Factory Performance, we carry Sparco's most popular racing seats, steering wheels, and Mustang-specific seat mounting hardware. Every product we sell comes with full manufacturer warranty, guaranteed fitment, and our expert installation service in Thousand Oaks, CA.
Sparco Racing Technology
QRT Composite Construction
Sparco's patented QRT (Quick Release Technology) composite construction delivers the highest mechanical strength-to-weight ratio in racing seats. The QRT-R fiberglass shell weighs just 9.9 lbs, while the QRT-C carbon fiber version drops to 9.5 lbs — making them among the lightest FIA-certified seats available. Less weight means faster lap times and better vehicle dynamics, which is why QRT seats are the go-to choice for serious track enthusiasts and professional racers alike.
Pre-Preg Aerospace Carbon Fiber
Sparco's top-tier seats like the SPX and QRT-C use pre-impregnated aerospace-grade carbon fiber — the same “dry carbon” layup process used in aerospace and Formula 1 chassis construction. This process produces a shell that is both lighter and stiffer than traditional wet-layup carbon, with an immaculate visual finish. The SPX Carbon in particular is designed as a direct replacement for OEM sport seats in high-performance vehicles.
FIA Safety Certifications
Sparco racing seats carry FIA 8855-1999 homologation — the international standard that certifies a seat has passed rigorous impact, load, and deformation tests. Select models also meet FIA 8862-2009, the advanced standard that tests seats at 70G of impact force, required for professional-level wheel-to-wheel racing series. For track days, HPDE events, and club racing, FIA 8855-1999 certification ensures your seat exceeds every safety requirement.
Sparco Products at Function Factory Performance
| Category | Products | Price Range | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| FIA Racing Seats | QRT-K Carbon Kevlar, Circuit II QRT, EVO XL QRT, Sprint | $899 – $1,699 | Track days, HPDE, club racing |
| Carbon Fiber Seats | SPX Carbon Fiber, SPR Sport | $2,400 – $6,600 | Pro racing, weight reduction builds |
| Steering Wheels | R 330 Suede, R350B Suede | $285 – $325 | Track, drift, competition use |
| Mustang Seat Bases | 600 Series Driver & Passenger (2015-2023 S550) | $185 each | Sparco seat install in Mustang |
| Seat Accessories | Track/Slider, Side Mount Brackets | $75 – $85 | Universal seat mounting |
Sparco Racing Seat Comparison Guide
Choosing the right Sparco seat depends on your use case, budget, and weight goals. Here’s how the key models compare:
| Model | Shell Material | Shell Weight | FIA Rating | Ideal Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EVO XL QRT | Fiberglass | ~12 lbs | FIA 8855-1999 | Larger drivers, track days & HPDE |
| Circuit II QRT | Fiberglass | ~11 lbs | FIA 8855-1999 | Club racing, endurance events |
| QRT-K Carbon Kevlar | Carbon & Kevlar | ~10 lbs | FIA 8855-1999 | Serious track, weight-focused builds |
| SPR Sport | Carbon Fiber | ~9.5 lbs | FIA 8855-1999 | Pro racing, carbon aesthetic |
| SPX Carbon Fiber | Pre-Preg Carbon | ~9.5 lbs | FIA 8855-1999 | OEM replacement, supercars, pro builds |
Sparco Seats for Ford Mustang S550 (2015-2023)
FFP specializes in Ford Mustang performance, and we carry the Sparco 600 Series seat bases designed specifically for the 2015-2023 Mustang S550 platform. These bolt-on bases provide a direct mounting solution for any Sparco racing seat — no custom fabrication required. Available for both driver and passenger sides, the 600 Series bases maintain proper seat height and airbag compatibility while delivering a secure, rattle-free mount.
Pair a Sparco seat base with any of our QRT, Circuit II, EVO, or SPX seats for a complete track-ready interior upgrade. Our technicians in Thousand Oaks, CA handle Sparco seat installations regularly — from simple seat swaps to full roll cage and harness setups.
Why Buy Sparco from Function Factory Performance
- Authorized Dealer — genuine Sparco products with full manufacturer warranty
- Expert Installation — our Thousand Oaks, CA shop installs Sparco seats, steering wheels, and harnesses daily
- Vehicle-Specific Expertise — we know Mustang, Corvette, and McLaren platforms inside and out
- Free Shipping over $200 on all Sparco products
- Fitment Guarantee — every product is verified for your exact vehicle before it ships
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Sparco racing seats street legal?
Yes. Sparco racing seats are legal for street use in all 50 states. They are designed primarily for motorsport use (FIA 8855-1999 certified), but there are no federal laws prohibiting aftermarket racing seats on street vehicles. However, replacing a seat with an integrated airbag will disable that airbag — something to consider for daily-driven vehicles. For dedicated track cars and weekend builds, Sparco seats are the gold standard.
What is the difference between Sparco QRT-R and QRT-C seats?
The QRT-R uses a fiberglass composite shell weighing approximately 9.9 lbs, while the QRT-C uses pre-preg aerospace carbon fiber at approximately 9.5 lbs. Both are FIA 8855-1999 certified and share the same ergonomic design. The QRT-C offers a slight weight advantage and the distinctive carbon fiber weave aesthetic, while the QRT-R provides the same structural performance at a lower price point. For most track enthusiasts, the QRT-R offers the best value.
Do Sparco seats fit in a Ford Mustang without modifications?
With the correct mounting hardware, yes. FFP carries the Sparco 600 Series seat bases designed specifically for the 2015-2023 Ford Mustang S550. These bolt-on bases replace the factory seat rails and provide direct mounting points for any standard Sparco racing seat — no welding or custom fabrication required. We also carry universal side mount brackets and slider kits for other vehicle applications.
What does FIA 8855-1999 certification mean for a racing seat?
FIA 8855-1999 is the international safety standard for competition racing seats. It certifies that the seat has passed rigorous tests for impact resistance, load bearing, deformation limits, and mounting point strength. This certification is required for most sanctioned racing series worldwide, including NASA, SCCA, and FIA events. Every Sparco racing seat we sell carries this certification, ensuring it meets or exceeds professional safety requirements.
Can I install a Sparco steering wheel on my Mustang?
Yes, but it requires a hub adapter and quick-release hub (sold separately). Sparco competition steering wheels like the R 330 and R350B use a standard 6-bolt pattern that is compatible with most aftermarket quick-release systems. Keep in mind that replacing the factory steering wheel will disable the steering wheel airbag, so this modification is recommended primarily for track-dedicated or race vehicles.
How much do Sparco racing seats weigh?
Sparco seats are among the lightest on the market. Shell-only weights range from approximately 9.5 lbs for the SPX/QRT-C carbon fiber models to about 12 lbs for the EVO XL QRT fiberglass. Add padding and upholstery and you are typically looking at 14-18 lbs total — still dramatically lighter than factory sport seats, which often weigh 40-60 lbs with motors and heaters. The weight savings alone can noticeably improve vehicle dynamics.
Does Function Factory Performance install Sparco seats?
Absolutely. Our technicians at our Thousand Oaks, CA shop handle Sparco seat installations regularly — from straightforward seat-and-base swaps to full interior setups including roll bars, harnesses, and harness bars. We ensure proper torque specs, correct seat positioning, and clean wiring management. Walk-ins welcome during business hours, or contact us to schedule an appointment.
What is the warranty on Sparco products?
As an authorized Sparco dealer, all products purchased from FFP come with the full Sparco manufacturer warranty. Racing seats carry a structural warranty against manufacturing defects. FIA-certified products also carry a homologation validity period (typically 5 years from the date of manufacture) — after which the seat can still be used but may not be accepted in certain sanctioned racing series. We only stock current-production seats with long remaining homologation.