DOT approved helmet
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
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From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
With all due respect, I emailed NHRA direct, they are acceptable at all venues until you run quicker than 9 seconds.
I also emailed the local road coarse, they said the same for track events.
For what we do, any M rated or SA rated is acceptable as long as it's 2005 or newer until you start running pro levels.
I'd have to double check, but I believe even the K rated helmets are acceptable.
I also emailed the local road coarse, they said the same for track events.
For what we do, any M rated or SA rated is acceptable as long as it's 2005 or newer until you start running pro levels.
I'd have to double check, but I believe even the K rated helmets are acceptable.
Bill
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,239
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From: Naples FL
St. Jude Donor '12
I'm just telling you what the rule books say. I suppose it's possible that there's a few tracks that do that, but be real, how many people own a full nomex race suit. No one does.
That's why I said "for what we do" meaning cars in our class. Mild street cars like his will not really ever be used where SA helmets and nomex fire suits will be required.
I bought an M helmet myself as I plan on buying a motorcycle some day and want to get dual use out of it.
That's why I said "for what we do" meaning cars in our class. Mild street cars like his will not really ever be used where SA helmets and nomex fire suits will be required.
I bought an M helmet myself as I plan on buying a motorcycle some day and want to get dual use out of it.
Last edited by Coach62; Oct 14, 2012 at 06:26 PM.
Safety Car
Joined: Aug 2011
Posts: 4,449
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From: Portland OR
The NHRA 2012 Rule Book Reads as follows for Helmets and Goggles:
As outlined under Class Requirements, drivers in all classes, including motorcycles, must wear a helmet meeting Snell or SFI Specifications.
SFI Spec 31.1A = Snell SA, open-face helmet
SFI Spec 31.2A = Snell SA, full-face helmet
SFI Spec 41.1A = Snell M, open-face helmet
SFI Spec 41.2A = Snell M , full-face helmet
NHRA Helmet Expiration Dates
SFI 41.1A 1/1/2014
SFI 41.2A 1/1/2014
Snell 2005 1/1/2017 SFI 31.1/2005 1/1/2017
Snell 2010 1/1/2022 SFI 41.1/2005 1/1/2017
SFI 31.1A 1/1/2014 SFI 24.1 (JDRL only) 1/1/2015
SFI 31.2A 1/1/2014 SFI 24.1/2005 1/1/2017
As outlined under Class Requirements, drivers in all classes, including motorcycles, must wear a helmet meeting Snell or SFI Specifications.
SFI Spec 31.1A = Snell SA, open-face helmet
SFI Spec 31.2A = Snell SA, full-face helmet
SFI Spec 41.1A = Snell M, open-face helmet
SFI Spec 41.2A = Snell M , full-face helmet
NHRA Helmet Expiration Dates
SFI 41.1A 1/1/2014
SFI 41.2A 1/1/2014
Snell 2005 1/1/2017 SFI 31.1/2005 1/1/2017
Snell 2010 1/1/2022 SFI 41.1/2005 1/1/2017
SFI 31.1A 1/1/2014 SFI 24.1 (JDRL only) 1/1/2015
SFI 31.2A 1/1/2014 SFI 24.1/2005 1/1/2017
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 2
From: Naples FL
St. Jude Donor '12
Good post.
Consider though that anytime that a fire suit or roll bar is required, an SA helmet will be required. M helmets are not rated for roll bar impact, nor are they fire rated.
Consider though that anytime that a fire suit or roll bar is required, an SA helmet will be required. M helmets are not rated for roll bar impact, nor are they fire rated.
Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
I'm just telling you what the rule books say. I suppose it's possible that there's a few tracks that do that, but be real, how many people own a full nomex race suit. No one does.
That's why I said "for what we do" meaning cars in our class. Mild street cars like his will not really ever be used where SA helmets and nomex fire suits will be required.
I bought an M helmet myself as I plan on buying a motorcycle some day and want to get dual use out of it.
That's why I said "for what we do" meaning cars in our class. Mild street cars like his will not really ever be used where SA helmets and nomex fire suits will be required.
I bought an M helmet myself as I plan on buying a motorcycle some day and want to get dual use out of it.
My point then is if there is a possibility that just 1 organization is going to ask for a SA helmet why buy a M helmet unless someone like you who plans to use it dual purpose and willing to take the chance of not being allowed at some events.
BTW - an organization in PA requires all advance drivers to wear a fire suit they dont care what type of car you are driving. Another group requires all cars to have a fire extinguisher. Every organization has different rules.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 1,239
Likes: 2
From: Naples FL
St. Jude Donor '12
Good point but I seriously doubt the rule change will be widespread as it makes no sense at all.
Why require a fire rated (SA) helmet if I can race wearing blue jeans and a Grateful Dead shirt? Why require a roll bar rated SA helmet if I'm not required to have a roll bar?
As I said, the difference between the M and SA helmet is the SA is fire rated and roll bar impact rated.
So what good is a fire rated helmet if I'm not required to wear a fire suit? Just another well intentioned rule that makes no sense.
Why require a fire rated (SA) helmet if I can race wearing blue jeans and a Grateful Dead shirt? Why require a roll bar rated SA helmet if I'm not required to have a roll bar?
As I said, the difference between the M and SA helmet is the SA is fire rated and roll bar impact rated.
So what good is a fire rated helmet if I'm not required to wear a fire suit? Just another well intentioned rule that makes no sense.
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Team Owner
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 24,652
Likes: 298
From: NJ
St. Jude Donor '05-'08
Good point but I seriously doubt the rule change will be widespread as it makes no sense at all.
Why require a fire rated (SA) helmet if I can race wearing blue jeans and a Grateful Dead shirt? Why require a roll bar rated SA helmet if I'm not required to have a roll bar?
As I said, the difference between the M and SA helmet is the SA is fire rated and roll bar impact rated.
So what good is a fire rated helmet if I'm not required to wear a fire suit? Just another well intentioned rule that makes no sense.
Why require a fire rated (SA) helmet if I can race wearing blue jeans and a Grateful Dead shirt? Why require a roll bar rated SA helmet if I'm not required to have a roll bar?
As I said, the difference between the M and SA helmet is the SA is fire rated and roll bar impact rated.
So what good is a fire rated helmet if I'm not required to wear a fire suit? Just another well intentioned rule that makes no sense.
I always questioned why long sleeve shirts on 100 degree days were a requirement but for certain groups they are. Of course you have the option not to run with that group.As far as NJ the State Police govern all the tracks and make the rules. They changed to SA helmets for all road racing. Maybe it's to make it easier when they do inspections so they don't have to verify the car your driving or maybe they have tests which prove the SA is better. Not sure but it is required in NJ.
Last edited by Wicked Weasel; Oct 15, 2012 at 03:24 PM.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2003
Posts: 43,084
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From: Raleigh / Rolesville NC
...and it won't melt and stick to your skin. 
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2004
Posts: 1,172
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From: MA
Check your track for requirements
And I want a face shield because it says you must wear goggles with an open shield... Id rather make it simple and get one thats got everything I need.
So more reading has lead my to this. The rating of 2000 was form the year, and snell 2005 and 2010 are later versions out now right? So if I am fine with a 2000, it should be cheaper right?
So more reading has lead my to this. The rating of 2000 was form the year, and snell 2005 and 2010 are later versions out now right? So if I am fine with a 2000, it should be cheaper right?
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,817
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
I'm just telling you what the rule books say. I suppose it's possible that there's a few tracks that do that, but be real, how many people own a full nomex race suit. No one does.
That's why I said "for what we do" meaning cars in our class. Mild street cars like his will not really ever be used where SA helmets and nomex fire suits will be required.
I bought an M helmet myself as I plan on buying a motorcycle some day and want to get dual use out of it.
That's why I said "for what we do" meaning cars in our class. Mild street cars like his will not really ever be used where SA helmets and nomex fire suits will be required.
I bought an M helmet myself as I plan on buying a motorcycle some day and want to get dual use out of it.
Bill
Tech Contributor
Joined: Oct 1999
Posts: 41,058
Likes: 9,817
From: Charlotte, NC (formerly Endicott, NY)
Thread Starter
Melting Slicks
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