Track day crash helmets
Discussion
Hoping to do a few track days next year and wonder what standard is required.
I'm also doing some karting so was looking to get a full face helmet that would do for both.
I've found some bike helmets that are ACU Gold and know they're ok for some tracks, but unsure whether other tracks have different standards?
I'm also doing some karting so was looking to get a full face helmet that would do for both.
I've found some bike helmets that are ACU Gold and know they're ok for some tracks, but unsure whether other tracks have different standards?
Bike helmets are not OK for track days (if you are driving a car) - not enough fire protection. Some tracks check this carefully others don't bother but its not worth the risk.
There are two sets of standards, I think the UK one is BS6658-85A FR. You need full face if you are going to drive an open car.
All this from research done buying my helmet a couple of years ago so might have changed but if you onto one of the sites like Grand Prix Racewear they have got plenty of info. http://www.gprdirect.com.
I'd definitely recommend going to a decent shop and try half a dozen on until you find one that fits really well, even if you want to keep the cost down.
gooner
There are two sets of standards, I think the UK one is BS6658-85A FR. You need full face if you are going to drive an open car.
All this from research done buying my helmet a couple of years ago so might have changed but if you onto one of the sites like Grand Prix Racewear they have got plenty of info. http://www.gprdirect.com.
I'd definitely recommend going to a decent shop and try half a dozen on until you find one that fits really well, even if you want to keep the cost down.
gooner
Gooner said:
Bike helmets are not OK for track days (if you are driving a car) - not enough fire protection. Some tracks check this carefully others don't bother but its not worth the risk.
Not correct, you might be correct about the fire protection issue but a gold stamp ACU badge motorcycle helmet will be accepted. I know, that's what I have and it's been accepted when I've done passenger rides.Edited by V8 GRF on Thursday 13th September 11:48
We've just had a big discussion on this here:
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=432...
There's nothing wrong with a bike helmet for track day use - you're not in a race situation in which a crash and a fire are likely. If you were then you would have to wear a full Nomex race suit, fireproof gloves, boots, etc. as well.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=432...
There's nothing wrong with a bike helmet for track day use - you're not in a race situation in which a crash and a fire are likely. If you were then you would have to wear a full Nomex race suit, fireproof gloves, boots, etc. as well.
I'm no expert, just relying on what I read about before, which you summed up quite well JonRB in your other post: "A bike helmet should be ok, but you should check with the track day organiser as some insist that helmets conform to an FIA standard that a bike helmet does not. But most won't care so long as what you're wearing looks ok."
I think that is pretty consistent with what I said?
So you can probably get away with a bike helmet but you might not because they aren't the same standard - depends on the track. At Snetterton and Bedford they looked at the stickers on my helmet, at Brands nobody did. The main difference is fire protection apparently - bike helmets don't need it because the risk of being trapped on a burning bike is so low. Obviously if your car isn't going to catch fire you don't need to worry about that, but then again if it isn't going to crash you won't need the helmet either.
I think that is pretty consistent with what I said?
So you can probably get away with a bike helmet but you might not because they aren't the same standard - depends on the track. At Snetterton and Bedford they looked at the stickers on my helmet, at Brands nobody did. The main difference is fire protection apparently - bike helmets don't need it because the risk of being trapped on a burning bike is so low. Obviously if your car isn't going to catch fire you don't need to worry about that, but then again if it isn't going to crash you won't need the helmet either.
Gooner said:
I'm no expert, just relying on what I read about before, which you summed up quite well JonRB in your other post: "A bike helmet should be ok, but you should check with the track day organiser as some insist that helmets conform to an FIA standard that a bike helmet does not. But most won't care so long as what you're wearing looks ok."
I think that is pretty consistent with what I said?
Yes, you're quite right. As you were. I think that is pretty consistent with what I said?
I realised after Brands that the most important reason for having a helmet is so you look like a real racing driver when you show your kids/mates the pictures of the track day. 
Despite being overtaken by various Wedges, Elises and even some bugger in an Escort - in the photos I just tell people I was about to catch them.
gooner
Despite being overtaken by various Wedges, Elises and even some bugger in an Escort - in the photos I just tell people I was about to catch them.
gooner
When I was looking for a TD helmet a couple of years back, I was told that most events are run by members of ATDO (Ass. of Trackday Organisers) which under there Guidlines the helmet must be to motorsport approved std.
Doesn't need FIA sticker but must have BS kite mark as at that time a CE sticker was not accepted as motorsport approved. Most bike helmets had dropped the kite mark in favour of just having the CE approval so I ended up paying a lot more just for a BS Kite mark.
Doesn't need FIA sticker but must have BS kite mark as at that time a CE sticker was not accepted as motorsport approved. Most bike helmets had dropped the kite mark in favour of just having the CE approval so I ended up paying a lot more just for a BS Kite mark.
LordGrover said:
Surely the CE mark just tells you it's made in the EU according to European Directives? It appears on everything from electricals to tools to safety footwear etc.
ETA - just like the kite mark I s'pose - silly t
t I am! 
Not entirely mate...the EU approval is sticker is EC05. I was using the CE reference in a general sense as I couldn't remember what it was ETA - just like the kite mark I s'pose - silly t
t I am! Edited by LordGrover on Thursday 13th September 18:19
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