Racing is an exhilarating, and under most circumstances, extremely safe sport to participate in. Still though, racing sanctioning bodies all around the world, including PBOC, require the use to helmets when doing high-performance driving. No matter how careful you are, the possibility of equipment failure or driver error is always present, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. There’s a seemingly endless number of different helmet options available on the market, but picking one that’s right for you doesn’t have to be a daunting task.

Snell Ratings

For a helmet to be truly good, it should be Snell rated. Snell is a nonprofit organization that conducts safety testing on helmets and has always maintained a strong commitment to safety. New Snell ratings are released every five years, and SA2015 is the most current. SA2015 includes additional impact testing and mandates attachment points on all helmets for HANS devices – a means of protecting the neck in a crash.

Don’t be fooled into purchasing a helmet designed for motorcycle use, these have not been tested to the same Snell standards as those meant for automobile racing, and have not been impact tested for use inside of a vehicle, especially one with a roll cage.

Fit

Even the best helmet won’t protect you in a crash if it doesn’t fit properly. With the helmet on, you should be able to see a small portion of the top of the eye port as you look out. With the helmet strapped on appropriately, try to lift the helmet off your head without loosening the strap. If the helmet moves and obscures your vision while doing that, it is too loose.

Wear the helmet around for a few minutes before purchasing to ensure that there are no uncomfortable pressure points.

You don’t have to spend a ton on a helmet to get good protection, either. There are helmets at nearly every price point that carry the most current Snell ratings, so no need to break the bank.

PBOC requires a Snell 2010 or Snell 2015 helmet.  While we recommend the SA helmets, made for road racing, we will accept Snell M rated helmets.

If you’re looking to improve your driving skills, or put your skills to the test, join us for a track day or one of our driver’s education classes! Call us today at (407) 804-0892 with any questions.