Question about helmets
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 200
Likes: 0
From: Pennsylvania
Question about helmets The last time I was at the track was about 10 years ago. I have a Snell 95 helmet from that time that I've only used a handful of times. Is it still legal to use at the track? I know NHRA has updated their standards but I was hoping to avoid having to buy a new helmet when I've got essentially a brand new one at home. Would a track inspection even be able to catch that my helmet didn't meet current standards? It doesn't have any stickers or tags on it saying what standards it conforms to.
100% dependent on the guy doing tech. One track I go to having a helmet that looks decent is fine, the other track the tech guy once split open a helmet and needed 100+ stitches in the back of his heads. He is a stickler.
By letter of the rulebook I don't think it will fly anywhere if expecting to run 13.49 or quicker.
By letter of the rulebook I don't think it will fly anywhere if expecting to run 13.49 or quicker.
12 Second Club
Joined: Feb 2012
Posts: 419
Likes: 4
From: Long Beach, MS
Depends on the track and tech
I haven't been to the strip for about 25 years. I remember that they thoroughly checked my car last time, battery secured and all that, and checked my helmet. I went just recently and pulled into tech, the guy asked if I had a car number and I told him no. He wrote a number on my car and I was good to go. He looked at nothing.
I haven't been to the strip for about 25 years. I remember that they thoroughly checked my car last time, battery secured and all that, and checked my helmet. I went just recently and pulled into tech, the guy asked if I had a car number and I told him no. He wrote a number on my car and I was good to go. He looked at nothing.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 200
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From: Pennsylvania
It'll be a test and tune night, but it's at Maple Grove, a pretty big track. Again, would the tech even be able to tell one helmet from another if there are no stickers or markings on it? Do the current helmets have a sticker that I would be missing? I guess I could buy a helmet and return it if they end up not questioning my current helmet.
Helmets are sold with a sticker on the inside, sometimes covered partially by the padding. In the absence of a sticker, a responsible tech person should assign the helmet the same status as a baseball cap. As has been noted, not all tech persons are equally equipped with knowledge and/or sense of responsibility.
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TECH Veteran
Joined: Apr 2008
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Every track here in SoCal, Vegas or AZ, I have been to during Tech inspection...the SNELL sticker inside my helmet was verified with the exception of Carlsbad Raceway when it was open....YMMV
yeah I have seen guys do the "helmet shuffle" in Tech inspection lines and then just wear whatever one they had after tech inspection
yeah I have seen guys do the "helmet shuffle" in Tech inspection lines and then just wear whatever one they had after tech inspection
Every track here in SoCal, Vegas or AZ, I have been to during Tech inspection...the SNELL sticker inside my helmet was verified with the exception of Carlsbad Raceway when it was open....YMMV
yeah I have seen guys do the "helmet shuffle" in Tech inspection lines and then just wear whatever one they had after tech inspection
yeah I have seen guys do the "helmet shuffle" in Tech inspection lines and then just wear whatever one they had after tech inspection
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 200
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From: Pennsylvania
Thanks for the info guys. I've found what looks to be a decent Snell 2010 helmet for $89 with free shipping so I think I'll just go ahead a get that one. I'm scheduled to get my motorcycle license soon so I'll be able to use it for that too, if I ever get a bike. My current helmet is open-faced and wouldn't really be good for bike use.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 200
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From: Pennsylvania
The description of the helmet said it met or exceeded Snell and DOT ratings.
TECH Resident
iTrader: (5)
Joined: Sep 2005
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From: Crappy Stupid Liberal Washington state
The Snell Motorcycle rating is the "M" rating (M2005, M2010), which is legal to use in anything without a power adder. Even though it's not required I wouldn't want to run a car with a roll without an SA rated helmet.
Thread Starter
Launching!
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 200
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From: Pennsylvania
Thanks for the tip. I don't have a roll bar or a power adder, so I should be fine for now.
Banned
Joined: Jan 2013
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From: Las Vegas
Man this is bad news. I dont believe "test and tune" is an NHRA event. U should call the track and find out what they require Dave.
So now i find out my brand new, never used Snell SFI SPEC 41.1A helmet is no longer NHRA track legal. It has sat in its soft case since i bought it. What can i do with a brand new helmet but not legal for race use? Maybe sell it on Craigs list? Can they be returned to the mfr? Is this kind of a racket or what?
Well thx for posting everyone as its better to find this out now,
cardo
So now i find out my brand new, never used Snell SFI SPEC 41.1A helmet is no longer NHRA track legal. It has sat in its soft case since i bought it. What can i do with a brand new helmet but not legal for race use? Maybe sell it on Craigs list? Can they be returned to the mfr? Is this kind of a racket or what?
Well thx for posting everyone as its better to find this out now,
cardo
Tracks that are sanctioned will go by those rules during test/tune events, however, as stated there are those who are lenient regarding helmets and ET's. Just depends on the track and the day.