UnrealFord

Next year i plan on trying out track events with the Boss, I will be new to this and i was told by a fellow member here who has a Boss and a local friend ( 06Mach1) that a Snell approved helmet is required.
I have only drag raced and use a Motorcycle helmet. I dont see any Snell markings on it.
Should or is a Snell helmet advised?
My next question is if im gonna purchase one does it need to be 2010 approved? I've looked around and they seem pretty expensive, where do you recommend purchasing one at a cheap cost?

Overboost

I've been looking around at NASA events and local open track events. Some allow you to use the M2005/M2010 (motorcycle) helmets, but others require you to use an SA2005/2010 (special application) helmet. The helmets ratings are good for ten years typically, so a 2005 helmet will work until 2015.

I've been sold on the HJC AR-10 ii helmet since I looked around. For $300, it's one of the lightest, most feature packed helmets on the market. It's SA2010 certified, so it'll last for a while, and I'll be going with one here soon for the 2012 open track events.

UnrealFord

Thanks for the info.

Overboost

No problem. Let me know what you end up with for a helmet. I've talked to several others, including some members on here, and opinions vary widely on which one is the "best".

Timeless

The last event I went to (10/22/11) only required 1990 or newer helmets.

I'm assuming you are doing HPDE which has a much less strict rating than actual NASA racing events. I don't think the guy at the tech inspection even looked at my helmet. He just asked if I had one.

For HPDE you also do not need a face shield which I find much less comfortable anyway.

So a decent helmet with open face with the latest (2010) rating is usually around $200 give or take. Bell is probably the most popular brand and they usually come in black or white with the basic helmets. Carbon fiber helmets are lighter but much costlier.

Sabre

I have bought helmets through www.saferacer.com and they offer a wide range of helmets for decent prices. I currently use the Bell BR-1 and am quite happy with it. Probably any new helmet you buy from a retailer, with a Snell rating, will come with a 2010 rating....so you should be good to go. Most organizations that put on track days, HPDE, etc. will not let you use a motorcycle helmet....at least that has been my experience.

PJRManagement

Hi there. I know this thread is a couple months old, but I'm getting set to track my car in a few months - just came back from Spring Mountain Motorsports in Nevada, working on track-day-pricing for my Mustang club here. I may have to put together a 'to-do' list, and helmets must be included. I really appreciate the input I've read in this thread so far, especially http://www.saferacer.com
So, can you folks offer some additional tips on open-face vs. full-face? Also, any additional tips are most welcome, thank you!

UnrealFord

Well I noticed a open face snell is tougher to find because of the tougher endurance it needs, but a full face is to warm for me and taking glassesmoff and on is so much tougher,
When I'm at the drag strip your not suppose to run AC because water drips on track, thus the reason I wanted open face ,it's so hot in the car already the full face makes me want to pass out.

PJRManagement

Thanks for you input. This looks like a popular open-face choice, plus I've seen the exact same model used by Randy P in driving comparos on the track:
http://www.saferacer.com/bell-sport-...productid=2211

Timeless

Full face is mostly for fire safety and will hopefully not be needed.

I will be using the open face at my next HPDE event which I suspect will be MUCH more comfortable than the closed faced I've used at the last two events.

PJRManagement

Thanks! Can you offer any suggestions on gloves?