A finite element computer code was developed for calculating the stresses and strains in, and elongations of, racetrack shaped composite straps loaded by two pins in tension. A procedure was also established for estimating the failure loads of such straps, by utilizing the results provided by the finite element method and the Tsai-Wu failure criteria. Tests were performed to validate the stress analysis and the failure model. Forty-three steps were made of either T300/976, T1000/081, IM6/081 graphite-epoxy, K49/081 kevlar-epoxy, or S-2/081 glass-epoxy. The strains and failure loads of these straps were measured, and the data were compared to the calculated strains and failure loads. The calculated values agreed well with the data. Charts were also developed for estimating the failure loads of racetrack shaped straps. Lastly, the design of composite straps loaded by two or more pins is discussed.