Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

Our local racetrack has posted this new NHRA rule regarding helmets. I'm not sure what this means or if I need to get a new helmet or not.
Could someone shed some light on this for me?
------------------------------------------------------------------


Beginning Jan. 1, 2006, where a Snell-rated helmet is required in NHRA competition, the Snell 90-tagged helmets will no longer be allowed. NHRA is making this announcement more than five months prior to the expiration tom allow the racing community the chance to update their safety equipment.

For the 2006 NHRA Rulebook, in the General Regulations under Helmet and Goggles, the section will list expiration dates for all Snell- and SFI-tagged helmets in an effort to notify the racing community of these expiration dates.

At the end of the year, Snell plans to release the 2005 tag for inclusion on helmets constructed after that point.

Re: Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

Looks to me like the NHRA is kicking back a little subsidy to helmet manufacturers.

Snell-90 is a very outdated snell standard. The "90" stands for 1990, and there have been numerous new standards adopted since then. Quite frankly, helmets do not retain 100% quality in absorption forever, and a 10-15 year old helmet, while better than nothing by a long ways, is overdue for replacement.

Re: Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

My helmet says " Snell M-95" so am I good?

Re: Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

For round one, (Jan 1, 2006) yes, you're fine.

The 2006 NHRA Rulebook, which costs $10.00, is apparently going to list information regarding the phase out of newer helmets as well.

i.e. Snell 95 might be phased out in 2007 or something like that.

Re: Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

That's exactly why I waited until this year to but a new helmet. Helmets built in '06 carry a Snell-05 rating. Traditionally, NHRA let's you use a helmet with a rating of "15 years" old. Thus, the reason the Snell-90 (manufactured in 1991-1996) are no longer accepted.

Just for the record there buddy, the "M" is another standard that pertains to motorcyles. Usually a full face helmet that passes Snell will also carry the M with it. :D

Re: Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

At Houston Raceway Park, I think they only look to see if you are wearing any helmet at all, at least for the slower class cars (13's). My helmet is one that I bummed off a motorcycle friend. It doesn't show any rating at all as far as I can see. I guess they may pay closer attention to the faster car drivers. I may have to buy a real helmet at some point, who knows, LOL?

Rev

Re: Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

The way to look at it is, how much do you value your head? I've seen a 13-second car spin in its own radiator fluid and get t-boned by the guy in the other lane. They were only at half track, so probably going less than 70 mph at that point, but I'm damn sure he's thanking his lucky stars he had a good helmet on.

M-rated aren't legal by NHRA or IHRA regs in a car. Think it has something to do with potential contact with a roll-bar that puts a more concentrated force on the helmet shell.

Re: Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

at my track we have to have a snell 90 or newer or you can not race. all they ever check on my car is if i made any changes then i am on my way.

i would rather be a live then be dead any day.

Re: Can somone explain this new NHRA rule?
 

Hey, check out what I found:

http://www.soloracer.com/helmettech.html

Pretty much explains the ratings and stuff.

And for the record, in my book, bouncing your head off the roll bar hurts just as bad at 100 MPH as it does at 150! :D