I know! It's counter-intuitave at first, but after you think about it makes sense. Like you, I want the protection of a full helmet but surely the SCCA knows more than me. I guess I'll go open faced...or break down and get the harness. I hate to put one in my street car. I need the back seat for my daughter, so would have to figure out how to mount one without having a harness bar.

 

I think the closed face can help noobs keep from watching 10 feet in front of them. Open helmets are so freaking ugly it drives me nuts.

 

 

Is this SCCA recommendation online somewhere? If you can direct me, I would greatly appreciate it. Be nice to see all the reasoning behind that recommendation, if they provide it.

 

Found this, from November 2004:

http://www.mohud-scca.org/Info/downl...20Advisory.pdf

and this:

http://www.c2motorsport.net/helmets.html

 

Good job Doc, and thanks for the informative read. The upwards force of the lower section of the helment into the mandible certainly begs for a fracture, or at least, compression of the retro-discal tissue and/or TMD.

Perhaps those of us running Gt3 seats, 6-point harnesses, and HANS devices should talk to our tuners about a selective disconnect for the steering wheel airbag for race days. Certainly there can be some clever way to fool the ECU part of the time.

Thanks,

Al

 

Glad to be of help. I appreciate everybody's input to this thread.

Perhaps if the harness is tight enough, you will not need to disconnect or remove the airbag at all. Also consider how forward you have your seat.
Otherwise, just remove the airbag on track days and replace it after the event. It's a simple procedure. You can disconnect the battery for a few minutes to reset the airbag light on the dash if you do not have an OBDII reset tool or scanner.

 

Not to threadjack, but any recommendations on where to purchase a helmet? I've only done a few events, but think I'm ready for my own.

 

my 2 cents

 

Hey Tom,
You should get a nice car to go with that helmet!

 

Aren't you supposed to wear a HANS device when wearing a helmet anyway (since the added weight can break your neck in a hard impact)? With a HANS on, I can't see how the airbag would cause your neck to move beyond its limits.

 

Supposed to? No. HANS is not required, but a great idea. You are right, it would solve the issue (even better than a properly tightened harness). I've seen only one person at a driving event with a HANS. There are plenty of professional race series out there that do not require it yet (if ever), and it is rare for the type of driving we are talking about.

 

This is the one I've been using at the SCCA events here in Arkansas.

 

My vote goes to open face. Yeah, it looks stupid but i feel it's more comfortable and vision is much better.

 

Anyone have experience with the Pyrotect Helmets? They are made by BELL and SA2005 certified..


IMO a pretty good price at $250. Anyone have experience with 'em?

E