Autocross Helmet Standard

[Alberto411]

Hello,

I was wondering what most, if not all, local autocrosses have set in terms of a helmet standard or if even it was perhaps sanctioned by other governing bodies ie - SCCA, NASA, etc.

I've only been to one autocross to date and if IIRC, it was conducted by the PCA and held at the Zephyrhills local airport. I think they were looking for SA2000 and when I went it was right at the transition between SA2000 and SA95. But I had an overseas HJC helmet that was DOT at the most I believe.

Another main reason why I ask this question is because I've seen some rather reasonable helmets sold at, yep, you guessed it, Wal-Mart. They really DO sell everything and it's getting annoying :-D

The main ones that sparked my interest were:

The Bell Zephyr
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/84/31/42/00/0084314200024_215X215.jpg
Bell Zephyr with Graphics
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/84/31/42/00/0084314200034_215X215.jpg
And the Bell Apollo
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/84/31/42/00/0084314200020_215X215.jpg


...priced at $77.73, $84.41 and $43.23 respectively

*HERE* (http://www.walmart.com/catalog/search-ng.gsp?search_constraint=0&search_query=motorcycle+helmet&Continue.x=0&Continue.y=0&Continue=Find&ics=20&ico=0) is a link to a few more also.

Any response would be appreciated...

-AL-

[Leonard]

All that time looking up helmets and pricing and none to follow through and read the rulebooks... :sigh: (And people wonder why I got sick of it and deleted my sticky thread....)

[begin spoon feeding]

From the Solo II handbook (which can be found at "http://www.scca.org/_filelibrary/File/2005SoloRules.pdf")


4.3 Driver's Safety Equipment

4.3.1 Helmets

Helmets meeting the following standards must be worn while on course: All helmets meething the current or two immediately preceeding Snell Foundation standards (SA, K, or M), or SFI standards 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A are acceptable. FIA approved helmets which are acceptable for use in Rally events are acceptable for Solo II events.

For maximum protection, helmets must fit securely and should provide adequate peripheral vision. The chin strap must be securely fastened. Loaner helmets should be available to vehicle occupants not having their own.

[Loren]

SCCA's helmet rules are the most restrictive. Are the Snell 2005's out yet? If so, then you must have at least a Snell 2000 to run an SCCA autocross. Most other clubs either default to the SCCA standard, or have no standard. The SunRiders insurance, for instance, merely states that a helmet must be worn. No specifications on what kind of helmet.

All that being said... if you think you might EVER want to do a track event, it would be wise to get an SA rated helmet that fits well. Your head is worth it.

[Alberto411]

Thanks Leonard and Loren for all the information and help.

Definately all food-for-thought...

-AL-

[Lola56]

Loren

The Snell 2005 helmets are to be released in October.

More info here.

http://www.smf.org/

[Alan]

Walmart now sells Bell helmets over in the auto/motorcycle area. Didn't get a chance to check out their specs, but I think they were priced starting around $70.

[fastforward]

SCCA's helmet rules are the most restrictive. Are the Snell 2005's out yet? If so, then you must have at least a Snell 2000 to run an SCCA autocross. Most other clubs either default to the SCCA standard, or have no standard. The SunRiders insurance, for instance, merely states that a helmet must be worn. No specifications on what kind of helmet.

All that being said... if you think you might EVER want to do a track event, it would be wise to get an SA rated helmet that fits well. Your head is worth it.

What is a SA rated helmet?
I have a Snell 2000 helmet, I used to autox and used it at a track day once already. Its an open faced HCI helmet. When the 2005 helmets come out does that generally mean the 2000s wil no longer be approved?

[Lola56]

The SOLO II Rule Book states that:

"All helmets meeting the current or two immediately preceding Snell Foundation standards (SA, K, or M), or SFI standards 31.1A, 31.2A, 41.1A, or 41.2A are acceptable. FIA approved helmets which are acceptable for use in Rally events are acceptable for Solo II events."

Which means that currently Snell 1990, 1995 and 2000 ratings are acceptable.

When the Snell 2005 helmets are available in October the Snell 1990 helmets are no longer acceptable.

If convention holds, your Snell 2000 helmet should be good for SOLO II events through 2015.

[kickslop]

FWIW Alberto411, I've run 7 events to date with a DOT-approved (only) HJC motorcycle helmet. Zero questions, including the PCA event at Zephyrhills a few months ago.

SCCA Solo 2 = Autocrossing

Autocrossing != SCCA Solo 2

[Leonard]

What is a SA rated helmet?
I have a Snell 2000 helmet, I used to autox and used it at a track day once already. Its an open faced HCI helmet. When the 2005 helmets come out does that generally mean the 2000s wil no longer be approved?


The Snell Memorial Foundation rates helmets in multiple categories. (everything from horses to skiing to motorcycles to race cars to bicycles).

Helmets meeting either of those three are acceptable for SCCA Solo 2 use.

M -- Motorcycle
K -- Karting
SA -- Competative Automotive Sports



More information can be found here: http://www.smf.org/


Isn't google amazing?

[Loren]

What is a SA rated helmet?
I have a Snell 2000 helmet, I used to autox and used it at a track day once already. Its an open faced HCI helmet. When the 2005 helmets come out does that generally mean the 2000s wil no longer be approved?

I bet if you look a little closer at the Snell sticker on your helmet, you'll see an "SA" or "M" designation on it. M would be a Motorcycle helmet. SA would be an auto racing helmet. I believe the difference is/was that motorcycle helmets are designed for a single hard impact (rider's head hitting tree/car/pavement), car racing helmets are designed for multiple impacts (driver's head hitting steering wheel, roll bar, roof, pavement, etc). SA helmets also have fire resistant linings. From what I've heard, the actual specs for SA & M have been getting closer and closer to the same with each new standard.

Leonard posted the link: http://www.smf.org/

Go read!

[fastforward]

great information. Thanks ya'll.

[Leonard]

great information. Thanks ya'll.


You should do one of your TV spots on automotive safety equipment used in racing. Everything from helmets to driving suits to nomex underwear to the hans device to fire suppression systems to wheel tethers. Maybe you could get one of the nascar or IRL teams to give you some camera time in the pits with one of their engineers.....