Contour Enthusiasts Group Archives Forums General Autocross and Open Track Help please??

I've looked around and even called the SCCA and can't get an answer. Is there a required SNELL rating for the helmet's you have to have for auto-xing? I'm sure that someone here would know. Thank's in advance for your help.
Mike

Yes, there is a Snell requirement for SCCA. iirc, it is 2 steps below the current release. Snell updates their requirements every 5 years. The last was 2000. This means that helmets with Snell 90, 95, or 2000 are valid for SCCA. Some local clubs are a bit more stringent, and have asked for SN95 or better, but I think SCCA says SN90 or better.

Good Luck

TheMark is correct. The SCCA rule book says Snell 1990 or newer, either motorcycle (M) or special applications (SA). The rating will read M90 or
SA90. The 2000 rating is the probably the rating you can find now which means your helmet is good for approximatly 15 years. Have fun at the auto-x.
Andy Hohl

Helmets have a shelf life, and most people say you should replace them every 5 years, or so, although I'm sure many people use them longer.

I think we're up to M95, but I can't remember. If you only plan to autocross, or if you're just getting started, just go with the M rating, since the SA ratings will run as much as 3 times more. In fact, your local club may have loaners, so you don't really have to show up on day one with your shiny new $600 Simpson.

If you don't know how to contact your local club, go to the Autocross.com club list to find a chapter near you. Call them and ask what they will accept, and whether they have the loaners.

You can get all kinds of helmets, my personal preference was for the SA2000 rating. My helmet only cost about $250 and I got one with mouth protection.

"White, large, Integral GT helmet

With a lightweight Compo-Tech fiber shell and a flow through aerodynamic visor with sun strip, Bieffe's Integral GT helmet is a popular choice among World Touring and Rally Championship drivers. The Integral GT features a removable, washable Snell 2000 Nomex comfort liner for safety and a comfortable fit, plus an attractive white outer shell with superior styling."


While it's not the most expensive helmet available it's decent, practical.. doesn't look like a motorcycle helmet. I picked mine up from Summit Racing.

you can go here to check on certified helmets
http://www.smf.org/cert.html

Remember SCCA uses the SA rating they may accept other ones such as the M, but the SA is the standard for auto-racing.

Good luck, I did about 3 months research last summer before I picked mine up. For autocrossing and the occasional track foray, I don't think you need to worry about purchasing a 600 to 2000 dollar helmet. They are safer somewhat, but I can't see the justification.

As a motorcyclist, these are some points to consider about helmets.

The rule of thumb the Motorcycle Saftey Foundation tells its members is that a helmet should be replaced every 3 years or so. The reasons are only obvious after someone points them out. If you happen to look inside the cover of a helmet, you'd see all the materials in there to absorb impact. These materials are only designed to absorb impact once. After that, they're compressed and not able to provide adequate impact energy dissipation in the event of another impact. This means that if you're ever in an accident where your head bangs into something, you should replace the helmet, even if the outer covering looks okay. This also means that you should be diligent when handling your helmet. For instance, dropping it from waist height onto a hard surface (like concrete) will cause some compression of the energy absorbing materials at the point of impact. Every time you drop your helmet or have it roll off the kitchen counter, it'll be slighty less effective at protecting your melon should you ever need it.

Remember, the cost of a helmet is insignificant to the cost of your head.

-Matt

Some good info guy's, thanks. I feel much smarter and at ease at getting a new helmet. Thanks again,
Mike