Quick challenge safety equipment question...HELMETS

I was digging out my old road racing equipment and check the Snell rating on my helmet from my road racing days. I've searched the two sanctioning bodies, Martin sports car club and NHRA. Can't find the answer to my question. What is the earliest Snell rating allowed by both sanctioning bodies? My helmet is an SA 2000.

My codriver has an SM 2005....acceptable?

Thanks in advance

I have no idea about the two specific groups you list, but rule of thumb:

Most sanctioning bodies will take helmets from the current and immediately previous spec for road course events, although the production delays on the SA2015s mean that the SA2005s have lived longer than expected (most groups are taking them through the end of this year). Most autox clubs will go one helmet spec longer than the road course ones.

It used to be that track day groups would take Snell motorcycle spec helmets, because the major difference between them and SA is the fireproof lining, and there's not a lot of point in requiring a fireproof lining for someone who's wearing shorts and a t-shirt. That seems to have changed though, and I'm seeing SA (not SM) requirements for most track day groups for no reason I can understand. AFAIK autox groups are still happy with SM helmets.

IMHO, the SA2000 helmet is only useful for your Stig Halloween costume. The SM2005 is probably OK for autox, but no good for track use. I dunno about NHRA, their prep rules seem to vary widely depending on the expected 1/4 mile time of the car. You might try checking the web site of your local drag strip, for some reason they often seem to be posted there.

In reply to codrus:

Thanks...but my question is $2016 challenge specific. Just need to know whether I need to buy a new helmet for this event.SCCA allows SA2000 for autocross

Ah, sorry, I missed that in the title.

In reply to codrus:

No problem. Thanks for the help though

After much internet turmoil I answered my own question. FYI any Snell SA or M rated helmet 2005 or later is acceptable for both the autocross and drag race. That is unless you're a Nelson and running into the nines this year. Then you have to have a 2010 or later helmet. LOL

Thanks

This is a good reminder - I need to update my lid. Thanks.

SCCA is allowing SA2000 through the rest of 2016

As for the drag portion, I think you are only required to have a helmet if you are fast or have a convertible.
I only put down 15.0 times in a sedan so someone more "experienced" than I may be able to comment.

The Hoff wrote: SCCA is allowing SA2000 through the rest of 2016

The way I read the Martin Sports Car Club rules they require SA OR M 2005 or later. But I could be wrong

SCCA is a generalization for many motorsports.
It has always been my understanding that Autox allows for M-Motorcycle helmets but "wheel-to-wheel", high speed events requires SA-Special Application helmets.

JohnRW1621 wrote: SCCA is a generalization for many motorsports. It has always been my understanding that Autox allows for M-Motorcycle helmets but "wheel-to-wheel", high speed events requires SA-Special Application helmets.

As I understand it the only difference between and sa rated helmet and an m-rated helmet is the cloth fabric has to be Nomex

Ovid_and_Flem wrote: As I understand it the only difference between and sa rated helmet and an m-rated helmet is the cloth fabric has to be Nomex

Not quite. While that is true there is also a difference in the foam liner where one type is made for single impacts and the other for multiple impacts. Unfortunately, I can't remember which is which.

Hal wrote:

Ovid_and_Flem wrote: As I understand it the only difference between and sa rated helmet and an m-rated helmet is the cloth fabric has to be Nomex

Not quite. While that is true there is also a difference in the foam liner where one type is made for single impacts and the other for multiple impacts. Unfortunately, I can't remember which is which.

The SA helmet has a roll bar impact test as well.

BTW, while most places are allowing SA2005s through the end of this year, the shortage on SA2015s hasn't ended yet. I went shopping for an SA2015 last week and they had none in my size that were the right shape for my head -- wound up ordering one (a Bell M.8) and they'll ship it to me in 2-3 months. So if you're going to need one in January, don't wait.

JohnRW1621 wrote: SCCA is a generalization for many motorsports. It has always been my understanding that Autox allows for M-Motorcycle helmets but "wheel-to-wheel", high speed events requires SA-Special Application helmets.

15 years ago, every track day group out there allowed SM95 helmets. I dunno when or why that changed.

Hmmmmm. I learn something new everyday. There are actually three Snell ratings. SA for automotive competition. M for motorcycles and K for kart racing. SA & K have multiple impact requirement. M does not. Only SA requires flame retardant material

Ovid_and_Flem wrote: Hmmmmm. I learn something new everyday. There are actually three Snell ratings. SA for automotive competition. M for motorcycles and K for kart racing. SA & K have multiple impact requirement. M does not. Only SA requires flame retardant material

Snell has a whole bunch different helmet specs for various sports. Bicycles, horses, skiing, etc.

for what it's worth, last year nobody checked my helmet. i have an m2010 rated one though.

Random add-on: I think NHRA requires a helmet if 13.99 or quicker/or 100mph or faster. I think...

IIRC Martin SCC loans out helmets for the autocross if you drive your own car and need one.