[Mister Ed]

Hi everyone, I've been interested in joining a local club that has track days every weekend at the local raceway, and one of the requirements is a helmet. I looked at the popular brands (simpson, bell, etc) but does anyone have any bias toward a certain brand/model? I don't need a 1000$ carbon fiber one, just something simple and protective for my noggin !

[RLG34750]

I have always use either a simpson or bell......

[TheKurgan]

You want to make sure it's SA2000 or SA2005 rated. Most tracks require this rating for fire safety.

[casselracing]

impact racing. very comfortable awesome helmets

[Cusp]

Originally Posted by TheKurgan

You want to make sure it's SA2000 or SA2005 rated. Most tracks require this rating for fire safety.

So the Shoei Full face I use for my motorcycle wont pass? Good to know if I choose to show up with it one day.

If they are worried about fire for the helmet, do they also require nomex racing clothes as well?

[TheKurgan]

Originally Posted by Cusp

So the Shoei Full face I use for my motorcycle wont pass? Good to know if I choose to show up with it one day.

If they are worried about fire for the helmet, do they also require nomex racing clothes as well?

Motorcycle helmets won't work according to the "rules". Having said that, I have gotten by with it many times. It really depends on who's doing the tech inspection and how slick you are. You could try to get away with it at first because they always have loaners available. Racing suits are usually not required.

[kazman]

Originally Posted by Cusp

So the Shoei Full face I use for my motorcycle wont pass? Good to know if I choose to show up with it one day.

If they are worried about fire for the helmet, do they also require nomex racing clothes as well?

Check for the label (Snell 2000, 2005, or 2007) inside the helmet. Your most likely good on the Shoei.

From Raceway Park NJ:
The NHRA 2009 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

Effective Jan. 1, 2008, full face helmet mandatory on all cars 9.99 or quicker. See Individual Class Requirements for additional requirements. Shield mandatory 7.49 & quicker.
E.T. cars (13.99 or quicker) must use a helmet meeting Snell 2000, 2005, 2007 or SFI 31.1A, 31.2A, 31.1/2005, 41.1A, 41.2A or 41.1/2005 Specs. Drivers in supercharged, front-engine, open-bodied cars and Funny Cars must wear a helmet meeting Snell SA2000, SA2005 or SFI 31.1A, 31.2A, or 31.1/2005 Specs. See Class Requirements.
NHRA Helmet Expiration Dates

LabelExpiresLabelExpiresSFI 41.1A1/1/2014Snell 20001/1/2012SFI 41.2A1/1/2014Snell 20051/1/2017SFI 31.1/20051/1/2017Snell 20071/1/2019SFI 41.1/20051/1/2017SFI 31.1A1/1/2014SFI 24.1 (JDRL only)1/1/2015SFI 31.2A1/1/2014SFI 24.1/20051/1/2017
Modifications to helmet/shield are prohibited. All helmets must have the appropriate certification sticker affixed inside the helmet.

[Mister Ed]

Awesome! Thanks for the help!