Crash Helmets

[maplex]

I was wondering if there are any regulations about the type of crash helmet a driver is allowed to wear.

I noticed that Jason Hughes wears a motorcross helmet which does not seem to offer as much face protection as the other drivers helmets. I also notice that he doesn't wear a fire protective hood.

[maplex]

There is a picture of Jason at:

http://www.redshoes-racing.com/cgi-b...fo.cgi?ID=2059

I tried posting the picture, but it won't display correctly.

[Edit: link corrected, Redshoes]

[speedy king]

We have to follow one rule which is a sticker that must be on the helmet, it goes in grades. From Karting to Formula One, you can have the same helmet.

[Super Tourer]

The racesuit and helmet are part of the scrutineering process, If I remember correctly.

[Neil Adams]

surely he should have a proper helmet, bit unprofessional really.

but having said that the front of his primera two years behind the back, so its probably second nature to him.

[ATF]

Originally posted by maplex
I noticed that Jason Hughes wears a motorcross helmet which does not seem to offer as much face protection as the other drivers helmets.

Did anyone watch the Clio race on Motors TV? After the 1st lap crash, Diana interviewed a driver who had cut his face because of broken glass (can't remember who it was - Nick Adcock?)

Should this have happened?

[Craig]

Originally posted by btcc-thunder
surely he should have a proper helmet, bit unprofessional really.

Do you seriously believe he would be allowed to compete if he wasn't wearing a helmet that meets current regs? Helmets are checked at the same time as the car is scrutineered and, each time a car joins the track, the pitlane marshal will stop the car at the end of pitlane and visually check he is wearing suitable helmet, gloves and overalls as well as ensuring belts and window nets appear to be in place.

There is some debate whether this type of helmet should be permitted - it was blamed for the death of Neil Shanahan at Oulton Park - but, all the time they are permitted in the regs, he is perfectly within his rights to wear one if he chooses!

[redshoes]

A lot of drivers use fullface helmets with the visor up or even open face helmets. Surely they are no more protection that what Hughes is using.

Oddly the first race at Croft he used a normal plain red fullface lid but swapped to the blue one for the second race.

[Les]

quite a few drivers use two helmets during the weekend. Having grabbed someones after a race I can see why - it was sopping wet and would take a day at least to dry.

[kristof14]

Amotocross helmet should be fine, surely racing a motocross bike is more dangerous than a touring car?

[Rocktracer]

it was Neil Waterworth with the cut face after the impact blew the glass in and out!!

[redshoes]

The windows should be fitted with safety film which stops the glass from shattering, which in theory should stop accidents like that. Not sure of the regs in Clios but it's definately requiured in BTCC cars (assuming the team are complying with the regs of course)

[DarrellB]

The helmet should meet MSA/FIA approval and be checked as suitable by a scrutineer who will apply a sticker to indicate it as ok. A racing helmet will have nomex linings to offer some form of fire retardancy which a motorbike helmet will not. The problem with the helmet pictured is the possibility,in a front end impact, of the chin piece striking the sternum as the head moves forward so causing fractures or internal injuries as happened to John Cleland after an accident.