I was told by tech the next time I go to the track I'll need to bring a helmet. Apparently if your car run faster then 13.99 you need one. (If it's convertible you need one regardless of how fast it is)

I never knew this and have been going to that track for a few years.

Who else wears a helmet and what kind? He said something about Snell 90 or better...

 

yup have to wear one.
Mine is expired, think the new date has to be at least a 2000model.
I just use my old motorcycle helmet. I'll be getting a new one this off-season though.

tom

 

Do you have a roll cage? Most of the time Snell M Rated is enough but if a roll cage is mandatory for your car then SA rated is a must too...

Here's a cheap one... I have no problem using an M2005 helmet at Etown..

http://www.motodirect.com/servlet/Ca...elmets%3ASnell

 

I have pulled a best of 13.7 and never had been told that i needed a helment

 

Correct. NHRA requires a helmet for 13.99 seconds or better. Helmet above about $280.

 

Wow those are cheap

 

I remember seeing one at Wal-Mart for like $54.00 or something like that..

I was thinking about buying it b/c the last time I went to the track I was told I needed a helmet b/c I ran lower than 13.99.

 

Doesn't it have to be a SNELL 2000? I was wondering does that mean it can be Snell SA2000 or M2000?

Helmet: Required in all vehicles faster than 13.99 seconds. Helmet must meet SNELL 95 or better standards (must have label inside of helmet). NOTE: In January 2007 the requirement will be SNELL 2000 or better.

 

What track? A lot of the podunk tracks don't enforce the rules, but if you run sub 14s you need to wear a helmet and can not take a passenger. We have two nearby tracks, Sacramento Raceway and Sears Point. Sac is loose with the rules, Sears is not.

 

I guess you've never ran with a car that can run two sub 14s!?!? I say that b/c usually you'll get a warning on your first infraction, and the 2nd time they are supposed to kick you out. The faster you go the more rules that apply.

To answer your question, yes - I always wear a helmet. Always have since the 300 has always been a sub 14s car. Helmets have to be 2000 or newer now. Plus I have the added joy of having to wear a flame-retardant jacket, 5pt harness, and roll bar! Three more mph and it'll need a cage, neck collar, etc.

 

Are Snell M2000 helmets approved for these tracks? I was looking for helmets the other day i was afraid to buy one since they can not be returned. I'd hate to buy a M2000 if I need a SA2000.

 

You guys can research out of the forums, too, you know.

http://www.nhra.com/contacts/tech_faq.html

 

i have a hjc helmet, but have yet had a chance to use it at a track.

 

I posted a link were you can get a cheap Snell M rated helmet.. All they care is to see the sticker on the helmet that is Snell rated.. Like I said M rated is more than enough for our car. I have a Turbo so all I do is show the back of my helmet and show the sticker and show my jacket..

 

I just pay $10 for one at the track.

 

Get yourself a headsock though.....who knows what someone sweated into one of their helmets.

T

 

remember, the M rated helmet is for motorcycles. You probably could get away with it so long as the tech guys aren't a-holes.

 

/\ Yes it is a motorcycle but Snell M rated helmet is allowed. I verified this and called Etown and it also say it on the NHRA site.. I think the only difference between SA and M is that SA met the fire safety standard and are tested to handle cars with roll cages..

Do I need a helmet, and if so, what kind?
A helmet is required for the driver of any car or truck running 13.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile, and for the rider of any motorcycle. Most drivers can use a helmet meeting SNELL K98, M2000, SA2000, M2005, or SA2005 specifications. Professional category and some alcohol burning vehicles require an SA rated helmet. It is important to note that the helmet rating must be designated on a tag INSIDE the helmet, or sewn to one of the helmet straps. The designation stenciled on the exterior of the helmet is insufficient for NHRA technical inspection. Also, some tracks require a helmet on ALL drivers, so check in advance.



What are the differences between the SA, M and K standards?
The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:
The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi impact test while M standard does not.

 

I'm glad I can get an M rated helmet, the SA helmets are expensive.

 

Go with a SA rated helmet. Later you may want to autocross or HPDE. A SA helmet is good for all racing.