No bike helmets?

[RossP]

Just spotted this in the PHSS email for this weekend. Is this a new development? Never heard of it before!

"Please note that signing on begins approximately 90 minutes prior to your start time; those that miss the compulsory briefing which follows sign-on will not be allowed on the track. Furthermore, racing helmets (please no bike lids) are mandatory for both drivers and passengers. If you don’t have your own, they will be available for hire at a cost of £10 if you don't have your own."

[Chr1sch]

I've never seen that before - i've always used a standard road bike helmet - the only ones i've seen them have issues with are the scrambler type ones?

[88racing]

Next we'll have "full face only".

[227bhp]

What is the difference between bike helmet and car helmet?

[E-bmw]

The difference between a bike helmet & RACING helmet is fire retardent lining.

[Paul_M3]

88racing said:

Next we'll have "full face only".

It already is for convertibles, even with the roof up. (At Snetterton with MSV a couple of weeks ago)

[QBee]

MSV Brought in the full face in convertibles rule after a freak accident where the driver of a screenless kit car got a face full of hot oil, as I understand it from an engine blow up on the car in front.

So it applies to Brands, Snetterton, Cadwell, Oulton and Bedford, regardless of TDO.

To be fair, they are trying to look after your/our safety.

[McSam]

E-bmw said:

The difference between a bike helmet & RACING helmet is fire retardent lining.

Indeed, the brief doesn't say "car helmet", but "racing helmet". Somehow I doubt they really mean only FIA/SNELL-approved lids, though, as many typical track day helmets would be excluded.

[QBee]

McSam said:

E-bmw said:

The difference between a bike helmet & RACING helmet is fire retardent lining.

Indeed, the brief doesn't say "car helmet", but "racing helmet". Somehow I doubt they really mean only FIA/SNELL-approved lids, though, as many typical track day helmets would be excluded.

/nanny mode on

So how much is your head worth, I wonder?

link to helmet

That one is the full face, Snell approved, with a fire retardant lining, £149, black or white. They also do an open face version for tin top drivers (the cars are tin top, not the drivers ) which is £129.
You are happy to pay an average of £149, plus travel, plus fuel, plus bits for the car per track day, why not pay £149 to protect your head as safely as you can?


And I say the same thing to any convertible car driver doing track days without a roll over hoop - how much is your head worth?

/nanny mode off

[McSam]

Don't bloody tell me, I wear a proper helmet. And I'd recommend V2 to anyone who thinks they can't afford a good one, they're a great company.

I'm not in the majority on some days, though..

[QBee]

McSam said:

Don't bloody tell me, I wear a proper helmet. And I'd recommend V2 to anyone who thinks they can't afford a good one, they're a great company.

I'm not in the majority on some days, though..

And I apologise, McSam.
I should have said "one's head", not "your head".
And not included your comment in the quote.

It's just that, like you, when I see threads complaining about more safety measures in motor sport events, I wonder if the contributors have given the consequences of inadequate safety a thought?
When you have seen a convertible upside down, windscreen folded flat, it makes you think about it......

[RossP]

I agree relevant safety is a good thing. I have a good bike lid and a Snell rated helmet. I know a lot of people take bike helmets on trackdays and this was the first time I've read anywhere that it isn't allowed.

[QBee]

The next subject to discuss, and one I think I ought to address myself, is fire retardant clothing.
Not that I have ever seen a car on fire at a track day.
Not that I want to either, especially my own car, which is fibreglass and has high pressure fuel hoses running about 12 inches above my legs.



Just persuaded myself that it's time I invested in proper race wear before the next track day season.
My legs are worth more than that.........even though it will make me look like a total cock walking around the pits.
Just have to make sure I drive fast enough.....

But yes, my inner teenager will keep me doing track days, despite the risks.
Life is one big risk, and I do love my track days.....

[McSam]

No worries QBee, I figured that's what you meant, just wanted to clarify

[TiM3]

QBee said:

The next subject to discuss, and one I think I ought to address myself, is fire retardant clothing.
Not that I have ever seen a car on fire at a track day.

This happened at my last track day last week, thankfully nobody was hurt, but it has got me thinking about fire safety eg extinguishers, clothing etc.

I must also add that seeing someone's pride and joy in this state was grim, I felt very sorry for the chap.

[QBee]

Cannot even recognize what that is/was? Though it must be quite light to be on a single axle trailer.....

[MrOrange]

QBee said:

Cannot even recognize what that is/was? Though it must be quite light to be on a single axle trailer.....

Lotus Elise?

[TiM3]

It was a supercharged Exige, with lots of aero. I was surprised that a fire could take hold so quickly before the marshals could get to it.

[Paul_M3]

If it's the car I'm thinking of, it was a home built car produced by somebody with lots of enthusiasm but unfortunately limited technical knowledge.

I wouldn't base your worries of cars catching fire on that particular incident.....

[Robshaw92]

I went round silverstone last year at fordfair in a motorcycle helmet. They didnt even check to be honest. I think as long as you aren't using a motorcross helmet you will be fine...