Helmet requirements for sprinting?

[Chris71]

Can anyone spell out in idiot proof terms what I need to look for on a helmet to see if it's approved for non-race National B sprints?

I looked at my old karting lid last night and it has a British Standard of some description and ACU motorcyle sport approval, but nothing else as far as I can see.

Actually, while we're talking 'kit', what are the suit requirements? Is it worth casting an eye on eBay for a second hand one?

[Get Karter]

Chris71 said:

Can anyone spell out in idiot proof terms what I need to look for on a helmet to see if it's approved for non-race National B sprints?

I looked at my old karting lid last night and it has a British Standard of some description and ACU motorcyle sport approval, but nothing else as far as I can see.

Actually, while we're talking 'kit', what are the suit requirements? Is it worth casting an eye on eBay for a second hand one?

You need to buy another helmet, approved to either BS or FiA standard for motorport. Basically, get on the Demon Tweeks website (or similar if any still exist).

I had the same annoying problem when I started sprinting. A nearly new ACU motorbike lid that had to be replaced by an overpriced 'motorport approved' one.

Edited by Get Karter on Thursday 7th May 13:17

[steve-V8s]

http://www.harewoodhill.co.uk/hwoodspeedhillclimb/...

or

http://www.pistonheads.com/doc.asp?c=129&i=763...

Take care however as 85A will be no good next year 85 A/FR will be. With the helmet it really is best to go and try some on and ideally sit in the car you are going to drive with it on.

[GC8]

As above, and beware that some firms dont seem to be telling people that BS6658 TypeA helmets are only good for the rest of this year; and that nomex lined BS6658 TypeA/FR will be required from next season onwards.

[Chris71]

Thanks. So I'm after a BS6658 TypeA/FR certified lid.

ETA: How does that relate to the Snell and FIA ratings? As far as I can see Demon Tweaks don't give the British Standard level for all of them.

Any recommendations on the suit?

I don't suppose there are any suppliers in the North London/Herts sort of area?

Edited by Chris71 on Thursday 7th May 15:14

[steve-V8s]

http://www.gprdirect.com/OnlineShop/Document.do?c=...

http://www.merlinmotorsport.co.uk/

Not London but not so far away, have used both of the above. Or Tweeks are in Wrexham with a very large showroom and lots of things to try on, that is however just a bit farther away from London.

Edited by steve-V8s on Thursday 7th May 15:37

[MazDave]

Snell SA2005 is the one you need if you're looking at Snell approval numbers. I got one of these - but they're out of stock now.....

On the suit front you need flame resistant. (Nomex or Proban) to the following standard:
BS6249 part 1 Index A or B (but not part C)
BSEN533
pr EN533:1995 Index 3
FIA 8856-2000
FIA 1986 Standard

The above is from the 2009 Blue Book. In essence I think this means 2 layer race suits are fine, avoid Karting suits (different standard) and also be aware that if there's a name on the suit it must be yours....

Gloves are recommended (flame resistant) but not mandatory. Wear what you want on your feet.

Good luck

Dave

[Chris71]

MazDave said:

Snell SA2005 is the one you need if you're looking at Snell approval numbers. I got one of these - but they're out of stock now.....

On the suit front you need flame resistant. (Nomex or Proban) to the following standard:
BS6249 part 1 Index A or B (but not part C)
BSEN533
pr EN533:1995 Index 3
FIA 8856-2000
FIA 1986 Standard

The above is from the 2009 Blue Book. In essence I think this means 2 layer race suits are fine, avoid Karting suits (different standard) and also be aware that if there's a name on the suit it must be yours....

Gloves are recommended (flame resistant) but not mandatory. Wear what you want on your feet.

Good luck

Dave

Thanks, BTW I saw your username and then the car - I'd be interested to pick your brains at some point on using MX5s for spriting; specifically what class they tend to fall into and how competitive a road-going example can be within it. Any thoughts gladly appreciated.

[MazDave]

Drop me a pm any time Chris.

Dave

[GC8]

EN533 is essentially a standard for fire retardant workwear. A single layer Proban EN533 suit is the minumum standard accepted, which is way, way short of a two layer Nomex suit (and WAY short of what you need too). When you can race without underwear, gloves or shoes in a cuffed welders boiler suit, it makes a mockery of their wanting Nomex lined lids next year, doesnt it?

Whilst Im anti-fireproof helmets Id advise you to buy a three layer FIA approved suit, underwear and gloves.

[Chris71]

MazDave said:

Drop me a pm any time Chris.

Dave

I tried - apparently 'this user doesn't permit emails'!

Is there any chance you could drop me one and I'll reply to your email address.

PS Applied for my National B last night, should have it in a few days. Hoping I can call in a few professional favours with the racewear manufacturers!

Edited by Chris71 on Friday 8th May 11:28

[onomatopoeia]

Chris71 said:

... using MX5s for spriting; specifically what class they tend to fall into and how competitive a road-going example can be within it.

Depending on the capacity splits in your part of the world you could end up with the Elises, where you wont be competitive. Down here in the south west there are lots of Elises, A2 looks like a Lotus showroom at some events .

[jimbobs]

The HSA have a separate class just for MX5s - it normally seems to be pretty well supported. Details are here:
http://www.hillclimbandsprint.co.uk/home.asp

Cheers

Jim

[MazDave]

That's what I do.

Chris YHM.

Dave

[lord summerisle]

look forward to seeing you on the hills. always nice to see a '5 on the track.

Generally they tend to run either in Roadgoing Class A or B - or a combined class iF there isnt enough entries. But like the other chap said - the HSA, (while the cars run in the hill classes, mixed with other cars, the points are scored as if all the cars where running in their own classes)

[Chris71]

Not wishing to digress, but how well do the MX5s do against other cars in those classes? In other words, are they still competitive outside of the HSA single make champhionship or would I be better off thinking about something like a Westfield if I was going to do local events rather than follow the championship.

Speaking of local events, is anyone here in the London/Herts area here? I guess having a particularly strong attendance of any one type of car locally is a factor, like onomatopoeia said.

Edited by Chris71 on Friday 8th May 14:23

[eastlmark]

Sprint at Debden near saffron Walden this sunday, only 1 MX5 entered though, class B3 (road going saloon and sportscars 1401-2000cc. A great entry though as numbers have been a bit thin so far this year.

[Chris71]

eastlmark said:

Sprint at Debden near saffron Walden this sunday, only 1 MX5 entered though, class B3 (road going saloon and sportscars 1401-2000cc. A great entry though as numbers have been a bit thin so far this year.

Yep, I know. Been speaking to HCAAC about becoming a member and I'm going to be coming along on Sunday (purely to spectate and pester people at this stage).

[eastlmark]

Chris71 said:

eastlmark said:

Sprint at Debden near saffron Walden this sunday, only 1 MX5 entered though, class B3 (road going saloon and sportscars 1401-2000cc. A great entry though as numbers have been a bit thin so far this year.

Yep, I know. Been speaking to HCAAC about becoming a member and I'm going to be coming along on Sunday (purely to spectate and pester people at this stage).

I am driving the Renault Spider, come and say hi.

[Chris71]

Thanks, will do.