Need helmet information.

**Mustang_Geezer** · 10-18-2009, 12:54 PM

My 6 banger is knocking on the 13.99 second door so I need a helmet. What am I looking for in a open face helmet? Can I just go to my local cycle shop and pick out somthing I like or is there a special rating I need?

I would like to get it locally vs Summit Racing so I can try it on and see if it fits my big head allright....

Thanks,

Doug

**frdnut** · 10-18-2009, 05:16 PM

Check your track rules and see what rating you need..A basic helmet is just DOT rated(department of transportation)...A better helmet will have a Snell rating as well as the year...eg Snell 2005...Good motorcycle helmets are snell rated so you shouldn't have any trouble getting one from your local dealer...i agree all brands fit differently so not a good idea to order one you haven't tried on...The rating is usually on a sticker on the very back and near the bottom of the helmet...

**mustang42782** · 10-18-2009, 09:29 PM

Most tracks will NOT accept a MA rated helmet (motorcycle) for automotive use.
But with that said I havent had my helmet inspected in the very many years I have been racing.
Also, anytime you race, and I dont care if your running 20 second ET's, you should always wear a helmet and neck brace. After all, people are killed every day driving at 55 MPH down the highway.
Your best bet is a SNELL rated brain bucket, and possibly your best choice to get one would be Performance Bodies in Cedar Falls Iowa. The sales people there not only sell the products, but most of them use them as well as they are racers. They can get you a proper fit without the worry right over the phone and a few measurements. the number is 800-RACING1

**Brett Olson** · 10-19-2009, 12:33 AM

Snell M2000 or better is required at all NHRA tracks as per the NHRA rulebook. A DOT rating s not acceptable. Don't know about IHRA. If you don't have a 5 point harness I would get a full-face helmet. Your teeth will thank you when they meet the steering wheel.

Go to a motorcycle shop and get a HJC brand Snell approved helmet and your good to go. They are a good quality helmet for a fair price.

**Kcode** · 10-19-2009, 09:06 PM

If you do any SCCA road course or open track events, they require a SA rating. SA's have a narrower field of view when compared to MA (Motor cycle) but they also are Nomex lined. More expensive.

**PSIG** · 10-20-2009, 12:05 AM

One local 1/4 mile track here requires:

Quote:

Snell or SFI helmet meeting a minimum of Snell 2000, 2005, SFI 31.1, 31.1A,31.1/2005, 31.2A, 41.1, 41.1A, 41.1/2005, 41.2 or 41.2A specs.

Check yours. My helmets have been checked for rating a few times by one Tech in particular. Might as well get a current rulebook for your track's association so you know all the picky stuff including safety equipment, clothing requirements, etc. No surprises that way. Most tracks have a Tech Day prior to season where you can ask the simple questions and get simple answers. I have gained much from those and go every year.

David

**66Racer** · 10-27-2009, 08:55 PM

Yeah they let me run with snell 2005 on 8.20s in the 1/8th, so thats i dunno high 12s low 13s

**Mustang_Geezer** · 10-28-2009, 03:39 PM

Thanks guys for the input. Its an IHRA track and November 7th is my last test & tune (weather permitting) so I'll ask one of the tech guys then.

Thanks,

Doug

**Ggrahn** · 10-28-2009, 09:31 PM

MA and SA helmets are very very different in their construction. Don't go auto racing with a bike helmet and vice versa; if you value your brain. There are a lot of places to save money on race(car). Safety equipment is not one of them. Buy the most expensive helmet you can afford. In this area, you DO get what you pay for.