Can a helmet be worn with the roof on?

[Walton]

Hi

I'm thinking of getting a older Caterham for some cheap sideways winter trackday fun.

Is it possible to stay dry in the rain on track i.e. wear a helmet with the roof on?
Alternatively are most leather cockpits waterproof?

Thanks

Rich

[snapper seven]

That depends on how tall you are and which version of hood you get.

How old is old that you are looking at?

Caterham introduced what is called the High Viz (visability) hoods which fit over the larger FIA roll bars after 1988 which will improved matters.
I'm only 5ft 6 and a bit and would easily wear a crash helmet with the hood on.
If you are a bit taller fitting something like a Tillet racing bucket seat will ensure you sit lower that the leather seats and if you needed even more space you could get Caterham to fit a lowered floor, which is just like a baking tray in the floorpan, that makes you sit a couple of inches lower in the car - this mod is becoming very popular as people want to sit as low as possible to reduce the centre of gravity.

Thing is...in a Seven if you go fast enough the rain sweeps straight over your head and, save for the odd drops in heavy rain that collect on the top of the screen and fall in your lap, you will remian surprisingly dry.

SS

[CanAm]

The top of your crash helmet has to be below the roll bar, so by definition it will be below the hood too.
Though just looking at a photo of my car, it's only just below the standard FIA bar and maybe an inch or two higher than the screen (and I'm under 6 ft) so it might be a close thing!

[Walton]

Thanks

By old I mean just 5yrs old or so.

I'm about 5'11.

I've done enough wet trackdays, but can't remember how the Caterhams run ie. with or without roofs.

[SimonY]

When I had a windscreen and drove on track in the rain most of my body seemed to stay pretty dry, except for my right arm which got soaked with water coming in under the door. You'd probably find the roof was more of a hazard on track anyway, a mix of poor visibility/misting up/coming un-poppered.

Edited by SimonY on Thursday 23 August 01:25