Thread: Track Day for Newbies...general track day questions here

How about someone with a blue flag at the start of the passing zone so it can be waived as a reminder to "point by"?

I left a message with Kaye this morning regarding helmets. I'm hoping to hear back from her in the next day or two. Once I get an answer, I'll be sure to post up.

thinking ahead, if people DO need to get a helmet ( like me ), where do they go for that? any suggestions?

Will there be helmets to rent at the track? (I heard some mention of this.)

i saw that mentioned as well ben. lol what i MEANT to ask was, if you CAN'T rent a helmet @ the track, what are some other places you can get a helmet from online?

Most clubs (like SCCA, NASA, etc) will have helmets to rent, but I don't know about the tracks. I wouldn't expect many helmets to rent, IF they are available.

You can buy $50 motorcycle helmets (M rated), but those don't usually fit well and they are heavy (comfort comes into play more on a 20 minute track session than a 1 minute auto-x run). A decent SA rated helmet will run you around $250 or so. I have a G Force, and I am very happy with it (it is probably the lowest that I would go). If you think you will only do 1 event or just 1 event per year, then you could probably get away with a cheap M helmet. But before buying a cheapy, I would ask around and see if you have anyone local who could let you try or borrow a helmet.

Helmets fit everyone differently, and if you get one that doesn't fit your head it sucks to wear. I stumbled on this link while Googling helmets: Click. It is reasonably interesting. I believe SafeRacer sells helmets also. Attempt to try it one local before buying (if possible).

I borrowed my 1st helmet, and I would try that before spending tons of money if you don't plan on using it.

Josh

We haven't yet heard if M is ok or SA is required.

my old bike helmet is DOT approved, I guess its time for a new helmet...

Definitely. Almost anything can get DOT approval. Just look at the local motorcycle riders.

Agreed, that is a good point.

Once again, I expect that the tracks don't actually care. They make you sign their waiver that if something happens, they aren't responsible. Example: Autobahn CC had everyone (not just drivers) sign the waiver at the little house, and then you drove in. They didn't inspect helmets (that I recall). It will be up to SERCA (what is the new name anyway?) to decide. With the lack of "true" tech performed on our cars, I don't see an issue with running a M2000 as a minimum.

I'm not trying to say that our club isn't responsible; just that we aren't as anal about stuff as BMWCCA and PCA - I've seen more damage with those clubs than the 4 Conventions I've attended.

I may be proved incorrect in this case, as I'm only reporting my experiences with other tracks. Ultimately, it will be up to Joe or whomever is signing on the dotted line for our group to make a decision if the track doesn't provide a definite requirement.

Josh