helmet for convertible use
Discussion
I think it depends on the track/organiser. From my recent Javelin trackday at Bedford:
"Open Top Cars - The fitting of Roll Over Protection is strongly recommended. Full face helmets must be worn by all occupants at Bedford Autodrome. Only the front seats of cars may be occupied on circuit."
"Open Top Cars - The fitting of Roll Over Protection is strongly recommended. Full face helmets must be worn by all occupants at Bedford Autodrome. Only the front seats of cars may be occupied on circuit."
rjkoneill said:
Hi Guys
I have an open face helmet from last year when i had my civic but having just purchased an S2000 I was wondering what rules are in place for convertibles with UK track day organisers.
do you need a full face helmet?
can I use open face if I drive with my hard top on?
The general rule now is that most circuits and therefore TDO's will want you to wear a full face helmet in an open topped vehicle. If you've a hard top as you say then you can probably still wear open face providing you don't put the roof down at any point, if you had a canvas roof then it's a similar rule but some circuits might still insist on a full face helmet but hopefully some common sense would prevail in that situation.I have an open face helmet from last year when i had my civic but having just purchased an S2000 I was wondering what rules are in place for convertibles with UK track day organisers.
do you need a full face helmet?
can I use open face if I drive with my hard top on?
That doesn't make a lot of sense, given that a canvas roof is going to provide absolutely zero protection in a rollover. Personally I've never had any issue tracking a boxster or an mx5 without a roll bar (roof has always been down unless it's raining). Helmet wise I've always used a full face one.
Anyone who thinks their life/head is worth more than £500 fits a roll bar to any convertible, roof down or not. Your choice.
If you ask the TDO they say you must be wearing a full face helmet with the roof off. If you go out on track in an open face one they don't seem to stop you.
If you want you can try it. If you get stopped, hire one off them for a tenner. Full face is nicer this time of year IMHO with the roof down. I leave the visor up, and wear sunglasses, but they carry their own risk to your eyes in a crash. Any good horse riding teacher tells you not to ride in sunglasses because of the risk to your eyes if you have a fall. And then wears them themselves!
If you ask the TDO they say you must be wearing a full face helmet with the roof off. If you go out on track in an open face one they don't seem to stop you.
If you want you can try it. If you get stopped, hire one off them for a tenner. Full face is nicer this time of year IMHO with the roof down. I leave the visor up, and wear sunglasses, but they carry their own risk to your eyes in a crash. Any good horse riding teacher tells you not to ride in sunglasses because of the risk to your eyes if you have a fall. And then wears them themselves!
rjkoneill said:
andyiley said:
Rules on helmet use for trackdays:
1. You need to wear a helmet.
2. See 1.
I have a helmet, I am looking for information regarding how suitable said helmet is. 1. You need to wear a helmet.
2. See 1.
I have been on track days with several track day organisers & do not recall any specific requirements for open face or full face helmets.
Therefore my answer is you need to wear a helmet and I am not aware of any requirement that is stated as to the need for full face helmets in an open top car.
That is why I said "you need to wear a helmet" and not anything else.
andyiley said:
I do know I have been with MSV, Javelin, Book-a-track & others & I can honestly say I have seen MANY O/F helmets in open topped cars, including Javelin's most oft' used instructor at Cadwell & Blyton.
Spot on. But ask and they say full face. It's a bit like doing 75 on a motorway. Illegal, but not license threatening.In summary, go with what you are comfortable with. It's your life. But try to be realistic, not saying "I wish.....if only".
I had a triple spin at Snetterton at 80 mph in the wet last time out. I didn't hit anything, and didn't flip ove despite going onto the grassr, but was glad I was properly prepared, including decent seats and full harnesses. Half an hour later a guy in a race prepped V8 MGB did the same trick as me in the same place, but did a lot of damage on the Armco. I am thinking about a fire retardant race suit next. Mine wouldn't be the first TVR to catch fire in an accident, and the fuel hoses are about 9 inches above my legs.
andyiley said:
rjkoneill said:
andyiley said:
Rules on helmet use for trackdays:
1. You need to wear a helmet.
2. See 1.
I have a helmet, I am looking for information regarding how suitable said helmet is. 1. You need to wear a helmet.
2. See 1.
I have been on track days with several track day organisers & do not recall any specific requirements for open face or full face helmets.
Therefore my answer is you need to wear a helmet and I am not aware of any requirement that is stated as to the need for full face helmets in an open top car.
That is why I said "you need to wear a helmet" and not anything else.
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