Helmet?

[racerxmd]

What type of helmet is needed for drag racing,and any specs. needed? Hoping my Gt goes hi 10s or low 11s!Thanks all

[HeavyM]

Right now a min of snell 95 is required but I heard they will be out of date with the next year or 2, so I would look for a snell at least 2000 or 2005.

[NMRAPaul]

A Snell 95 helmet can be as much as 10 years old, and will be at a minimum 5 years old. Even if it's been sitting new in the box on a dealer's shelf, I still wouldn't completely trust it because the shock absorbing liner will lose effectiveness over time no matter what. If you're buying a new helmet, get a Snell 05.

Also, you'll notice that the helmets are "Snell 2005M", "2005SA", or possibly "2005K". "M" is for motorcycle, which is also good for drag racing in cars that don't have roll bars or cages. "SA" is "special application", intended for car racing where the helmet may come in contact with a rollcage. SA also specifies a smaller eye port, trading peripheral vision (important for a motorcycle helmet) for better protection, and a flame-resistant liner. Many manufacurers offer the same design in both "M" and "SA" ratings, with the only difference being that the SA helmet has a Nomex liner and the M doesn't. "K" is the rating for karting helmets, and is also OK for drag racing without a bar or cage.

Here's a link to the Snell Memorial Foundation's FAQ:

http://www.smf.org/faqs.html