NHRA Helmet Requirements
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12 Second Club
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 407
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From: Rockwall, TX
NHRA Helmet Requirements Since NHRA rules have changed and a Snell rated helmet is required I thought I would post up what I just recently found when shopping for a new helmet.
The Snell 2010 rated helmets are on thier way so many dealerships and online stores are clearancing their Snell 2005 helmets and size options are dwindeling. If your old bucket is worn out now's a great time to upgrade, or wait for the new models in a few months.
Also I saw a lot of confusion on this site when I did a search. NHRA requires a SNELL 2000 or newer certification sticker INSIDE the helmet or sewn onto the retention strap. Your track may not check, but it is the rule. Also only certian classes and E.T.s or trap speeds require SA rated helmets. For most people an M rated helmet will work and will save you $$.
It may also be helpful to know which SFI Spec numbers (past and present) and Snell Specs are comparable in testing and certification requirements. SFI Specs 31.1, 31.2, 31.1A, 31.2A and 31.1/2005 are comparable to Snell SA. SFI Specs 41.1, 41.2, 41.1A, 41.2A and 41.1/2005 can be compared to Snell M.
Also on a side note: I found this interesting:
ALL POWER ADDER RACERS WITH N0N-OEM/FACTORY POWER ADDERS IE:SUPERCHARGERS,TURBOCHARGERS,OR THE USE OF NITROUS. SECTION 1A,PAGE 65 OF THE 2009 NHRA RULEBOOK READS AS FOLLOWS. "10.00(*6.40 1/8 MILE) AND SLOWER; ALL E.T.NON-OEM SUPERCHARGER,NON-OEM TURBOCHARGED, OR NITROUS-EQUIPPED CARS WITH AN OEM OR .024-INCH STEEL FIREWALL: JACKET MEETING SFI SPEC 3.2A/1 MANDATORY. "
From NHRA's website: 2009 Safety requirements
Read up on Snell ratings here to see if you are comfortable with an M rated helmet or if you need an SA rated flame retardent helmet.
Info on Snell ratings: www.smf.org
The Snell 2010 rated helmets are on thier way so many dealerships and online stores are clearancing their Snell 2005 helmets and size options are dwindeling. If your old bucket is worn out now's a great time to upgrade, or wait for the new models in a few months.
Also I saw a lot of confusion on this site when I did a search. NHRA requires a SNELL 2000 or newer certification sticker INSIDE the helmet or sewn onto the retention strap. Your track may not check, but it is the rule. Also only certian classes and E.T.s or trap speeds require SA rated helmets. For most people an M rated helmet will work and will save you $$.
It may also be helpful to know which SFI Spec numbers (past and present) and Snell Specs are comparable in testing and certification requirements. SFI Specs 31.1, 31.2, 31.1A, 31.2A and 31.1/2005 are comparable to Snell SA. SFI Specs 41.1, 41.2, 41.1A, 41.2A and 41.1/2005 can be compared to Snell M.
Also on a side note: I found this interesting:
ALL POWER ADDER RACERS WITH N0N-OEM/FACTORY POWER ADDERS IE:SUPERCHARGERS,TURBOCHARGERS,OR THE USE OF NITROUS. SECTION 1A,PAGE 65 OF THE 2009 NHRA RULEBOOK READS AS FOLLOWS. "10.00(*6.40 1/8 MILE) AND SLOWER; ALL E.T.NON-OEM SUPERCHARGER,NON-OEM TURBOCHARGED, OR NITROUS-EQUIPPED CARS WITH AN OEM OR .024-INCH STEEL FIREWALL: JACKET MEETING SFI SPEC 3.2A/1 MANDATORY. "
From NHRA's website: 2009 Safety requirements
Read up on Snell ratings here to see if you are comfortable with an M rated helmet or if you need an SA rated flame retardent helmet.
Info on Snell ratings: www.smf.org
Last edited by 91RS383; Jun 16, 2009 at 08:40 AM.
