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Regardless of what the NHRA says about how only the drivers of 13-second or faster cars need helmets, the administrators of FirebirdV6.com/CamaroV6.com believe that safety is applicable at all skill levels. Anyone who races their V6 F-Body should always wear a helmet when racing. Ricer punks and street racers don't bother with helmets; serious performance fans do. We sincerely hope you consider yourself to be a part of the latter group.
Unless you are running serious competition, you do not need an expensive "SA standard" auto racing helmet that you have to buy online--any "M standard" Snell certified motorcycle helmet, available at any local motorcycle shop, will do just fine. There are plenty of nice helmets with color schemes that match your car that you can pick up for $100-$150, maybe more depending on the brand.
DOT approval just means the helmet is approved by the government to be used on public streets. DOT approval is the lowest grade of certification. The only helmets worth buying are both DOT and Snell approved. The most current Snell ratings are M2000 for motorcycle helmets and SA2000 for auto racing. When buying a helmet, make sure it is both DOT and either Snell M2000 or Snell SA2000 certified! Often it will not specify on the label "M" or "SA", but look for the number 2000. Snell certifications are upgraded every five years, so the next standard will be released in 2005.
Here is some useful information about helmets and drag racing safety.
From the NHRA website, www.nhra.org:
Do I need a helmet, and if so, what kind?
A helmet is required for the driver of any car or truck running 13.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (the administrators of FirebirdV6.com/CamaroV6.com feel this rule is false--ALL drag racers should ALWAYS wear a helmet!), and for the rider of any motorcycle. Most drivers can use a helmet meeting SNELL M85, M90, M95, SA85, SA90, SA95 or K98 specifications. Professional category and some alcohol burning vehicles require an SA rated helmet. It is important to note that the helmet rating must be designated on a tag INSIDE the helmet, or sewn to one of the helmet straps. The designation stenciled on the exterior of the helmet is insufficient for NHRA technical inspection. Also, some tracks require a helmet on ALL drivers, so check in advance.
From the Snell website, www.smf.org:
Who/What is Snell?
William "Pete" Snell was an amateur auto racer. He died needlessly in a racing event in 1956 when his then state-of-the-art helmet failed utterly to protect him. His friends, including Dr. George Snively, formed the Snell Memorial Foundation to remember Pete Snell and to encourage the development and use of truly protective helmets.
Why wear a helmet?
Auto racing, motorcycling, bicycling, skiing and any activity that incorporates speed, agility and a head, all impose risks of head injury leading to death or permanent disability. Helmets are the single most effective means of preventing these injuries.
Why wear Snell-certified helmets?
The protective capability of a particular helmet is difficult to measure. One can quickly judge a helmet for style and price, and, with only a little effort, for fit and comfort as well. But who knows what that helmet can do when someone's skill, experience and every other precaution have failed, when his helmet's the only thing between his head and a violent collision. The Snell Foundation knows. We destroy thousands of helmets every year to find out. Snell Certification is our assurance that a helmet has measured up to the highest standards for protective performance time and again.
Why Snell certification and not some other assurance?
Snell Standards are the most demanding. They are set to levels of protective performance that only the best, most protective headgear will meet. But Snell Certification is more than high standards, it is testing. Helmets must first pass Snell Certification testing by Snell technicians in Snell labs to qualify for our programs. Then samples of these helmets acquired directly from retailers and distributors must continue to pass in order to remain in our programs.
Snell Certification is your best assurance that your helmet will perform its most important function: save your life when all your judgment, skill and luck have failed to keep you from harm.
Why do Snell-certified helmets cost more?
Snell Certified helmets are available in almost every price range. Other features such as style and comfort are much more important in determining helmet price. However, building protective performance into a helmet does cost money. The costs are in the design and development, the materials and, most of all, in quality control. Snell Certification is your best assurance that the manufacturer has made, and continues to make, this investment in your safety.
What are the differences between the SA and M standards?
SA Standard was designed for auto racing while M Standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. There are three major differences between them:
SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not
SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets may not be street legal)
SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not
Why does Snell make my racing association upgrade to the newest Snell Standards?
In short, we don't. Snell always makes itself available to explain our standards and programs. We may even offer recommendations on some issues. Each association has the responsibility for the safety of its members or participants, which generally creates a unique set of issues that must be dealt with, and rules to be set accordingly.
How do helmets work?
Your helmet is normally comprised of four elements: rigid outer shell, crushable liner, chin strap and fit or comfort padding. The rigid outer shell, when present, may add load-spreading capacity and prevent objects from penetrating the helmet. The liner, usually made of EPS (expanded polystyrene), or similar types of materials, absorbs the energy of an impact by crushing. The chin strap, when properly buckled and adjusted, along with the fit padding helps the helmet remain in position during a crash.
Why replace a helmet every five years?
The five year replacement recommendation is a consensus position from both the helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials, and general liner deterioration as a function of hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, and normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, design and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from prudent safety philosophy.
How do you test a helmet, do you stand around hitting people on the head?
This question is probably the winner of the most Frequently Asked Questions award, and all I can answer is "Not Anymore". Actually, The testing of helmets is a fairly straightforward process. While most helmet testing is denoted "performance testing" (How well a device or piece of equipment performs under defined conditions that are analogous to real life situations), rather than "materials testing" (The testing of materials that will be used in the construction of an item, to a defined set of conditions in controlled settings), it is really a combination of both. This is because it would be virtually impossible to perform a true performance test on a helmet that would be at all repeatable, and that you could readily ascertain a helmets capabilities in a variety of scenarios. What has been decided is that testing needs to replicate possible stresses the helmet might see in a wide variety of incidents rather than to try to duplicate a real life incident. True to this philosophy a helmet is tested for a variety of criteria: retention strength, stability (how well the helmet will stay on), penetration resistance, chin guard strength (if applicable), face shield integrity (if applicable), and most importantly impact energy management. Most helmet standards also have requirements for coverage and visual clearances. Helmet testing is a destructive process, meaning that all tested helmets are destroyed during the process. All of the requirements of the Snell standards are described in each individual standard.
So, why aren't all helmets certified by Snell?
Some helmet manufacturers do not believe that they need Snell to demonstrate that their product is among the best protective headgear. Others believe that they need only to produce helmets that meet Government or consensus helmet standards, and some try and just can't make the grade. A very few helmet makers are truly inconsiderate of the consequences of making an inferior safety product (they are not usually around very long).
Where's the Snell label located?
There are two forms of the Snell serialized label. The most common is the adhesive label, but there is also a cloth type for the M, SA and RS standards. The adhesive label, or decal is usually affixed on the inside of the helmet. If it is not readily visible, check underneath the flaps of the comfort padding. The cloth type labels a generally sewn onto the chin strap and folded over. If a thorough search fails to turn up a decal then your helmet is not part of the Snell certification program and does not have the confidence of the Foundation.
[ May 11, 2004, 09:22 PM: Message edited by: Stefan ]
Unless you are running serious competition, you do not need an expensive "SA standard" auto racing helmet that you have to buy online--any "M standard" Snell certified motorcycle helmet, available at any local motorcycle shop, will do just fine. There are plenty of nice helmets with color schemes that match your car that you can pick up for $100-$150, maybe more depending on the brand.
DOT approval just means the helmet is approved by the government to be used on public streets. DOT approval is the lowest grade of certification. The only helmets worth buying are both DOT and Snell approved. The most current Snell ratings are M2000 for motorcycle helmets and SA2000 for auto racing. When buying a helmet, make sure it is both DOT and either Snell M2000 or Snell SA2000 certified! Often it will not specify on the label "M" or "SA", but look for the number 2000. Snell certifications are upgraded every five years, so the next standard will be released in 2005.
Here is some useful information about helmets and drag racing safety.
From the NHRA website, www.nhra.org:
Do I need a helmet, and if so, what kind?
A helmet is required for the driver of any car or truck running 13.99 seconds or quicker in the quarter mile (the administrators of FirebirdV6.com/CamaroV6.com feel this rule is false--ALL drag racers should ALWAYS wear a helmet!), and for the rider of any motorcycle. Most drivers can use a helmet meeting SNELL M85, M90, M95, SA85, SA90, SA95 or K98 specifications. Professional category and some alcohol burning vehicles require an SA rated helmet. It is important to note that the helmet rating must be designated on a tag INSIDE the helmet, or sewn to one of the helmet straps. The designation stenciled on the exterior of the helmet is insufficient for NHRA technical inspection. Also, some tracks require a helmet on ALL drivers, so check in advance.
From the Snell website, www.smf.org:
Who/What is Snell?
William "Pete" Snell was an amateur auto racer. He died needlessly in a racing event in 1956 when his then state-of-the-art helmet failed utterly to protect him. His friends, including Dr. George Snively, formed the Snell Memorial Foundation to remember Pete Snell and to encourage the development and use of truly protective helmets.
Why wear a helmet?
Auto racing, motorcycling, bicycling, skiing and any activity that incorporates speed, agility and a head, all impose risks of head injury leading to death or permanent disability. Helmets are the single most effective means of preventing these injuries.
Why wear Snell-certified helmets?
The protective capability of a particular helmet is difficult to measure. One can quickly judge a helmet for style and price, and, with only a little effort, for fit and comfort as well. But who knows what that helmet can do when someone's skill, experience and every other precaution have failed, when his helmet's the only thing between his head and a violent collision. The Snell Foundation knows. We destroy thousands of helmets every year to find out. Snell Certification is our assurance that a helmet has measured up to the highest standards for protective performance time and again.
Why Snell certification and not some other assurance?
Snell Standards are the most demanding. They are set to levels of protective performance that only the best, most protective headgear will meet. But Snell Certification is more than high standards, it is testing. Helmets must first pass Snell Certification testing by Snell technicians in Snell labs to qualify for our programs. Then samples of these helmets acquired directly from retailers and distributors must continue to pass in order to remain in our programs.
Snell Certification is your best assurance that your helmet will perform its most important function: save your life when all your judgment, skill and luck have failed to keep you from harm.
Why do Snell-certified helmets cost more?
Snell Certified helmets are available in almost every price range. Other features such as style and comfort are much more important in determining helmet price. However, building protective performance into a helmet does cost money. The costs are in the design and development, the materials and, most of all, in quality control. Snell Certification is your best assurance that the manufacturer has made, and continues to make, this investment in your safety.
What are the differences between the SA and M standards?
SA Standard was designed for auto racing while M Standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. There are three major differences between them:
SA standard requires flammability test while the M standard does not
SA standard allows narrower visual field than M standard (Some SA helmets may not be street legal)
SA standard has rollbar impact test while M standard does not
Why does Snell make my racing association upgrade to the newest Snell Standards?
In short, we don't. Snell always makes itself available to explain our standards and programs. We may even offer recommendations on some issues. Each association has the responsibility for the safety of its members or participants, which generally creates a unique set of issues that must be dealt with, and rules to be set accordingly.
How do helmets work?
Your helmet is normally comprised of four elements: rigid outer shell, crushable liner, chin strap and fit or comfort padding. The rigid outer shell, when present, may add load-spreading capacity and prevent objects from penetrating the helmet. The liner, usually made of EPS (expanded polystyrene), or similar types of materials, absorbs the energy of an impact by crushing. The chin strap, when properly buckled and adjusted, along with the fit padding helps the helmet remain in position during a crash.
Why replace a helmet every five years?
The five year replacement recommendation is a consensus position from both the helmet manufacturers and the Snell Foundation. Glues, resins and other materials used in helmet production can affect liner materials, and general liner deterioration as a function of hair oils, body fluids and cosmetics, and normal "wear and tear" all contribute to helmet degradation. Additionally, experience indicates there will be a noticeable improvement in the protective characteristic of helmets over a five year period due to advances in materials, design and the standards. Thus, the recommendation for five year helmet replacement is a judgment call stemming from prudent safety philosophy.
How do you test a helmet, do you stand around hitting people on the head?
This question is probably the winner of the most Frequently Asked Questions award, and all I can answer is "Not Anymore". Actually, The testing of helmets is a fairly straightforward process. While most helmet testing is denoted "performance testing" (How well a device or piece of equipment performs under defined conditions that are analogous to real life situations), rather than "materials testing" (The testing of materials that will be used in the construction of an item, to a defined set of conditions in controlled settings), it is really a combination of both. This is because it would be virtually impossible to perform a true performance test on a helmet that would be at all repeatable, and that you could readily ascertain a helmets capabilities in a variety of scenarios. What has been decided is that testing needs to replicate possible stresses the helmet might see in a wide variety of incidents rather than to try to duplicate a real life incident. True to this philosophy a helmet is tested for a variety of criteria: retention strength, stability (how well the helmet will stay on), penetration resistance, chin guard strength (if applicable), face shield integrity (if applicable), and most importantly impact energy management. Most helmet standards also have requirements for coverage and visual clearances. Helmet testing is a destructive process, meaning that all tested helmets are destroyed during the process. All of the requirements of the Snell standards are described in each individual standard.
So, why aren't all helmets certified by Snell?
Some helmet manufacturers do not believe that they need Snell to demonstrate that their product is among the best protective headgear. Others believe that they need only to produce helmets that meet Government or consensus helmet standards, and some try and just can't make the grade. A very few helmet makers are truly inconsiderate of the consequences of making an inferior safety product (they are not usually around very long).
Where's the Snell label located?
There are two forms of the Snell serialized label. The most common is the adhesive label, but there is also a cloth type for the M, SA and RS standards. The adhesive label, or decal is usually affixed on the inside of the helmet. If it is not readily visible, check underneath the flaps of the comfort padding. The cloth type labels a generally sewn onto the chin strap and folded over. If a thorough search fails to turn up a decal then your helmet is not part of the Snell certification program and does not have the confidence of the Foundation.
[ May 11, 2004, 09:22 PM: Message edited by: Stefan ]
