THE ESSENTIALS…

• You will need a helmet. If you want to borrow or rent, act early since there are very limited options at the track.

• Check you event’s regulations.

• For HPDE events, It is now highly unlikely that anything but a certified fire-retardant auto helmet will be accepted, disallowing motorcycle and karting helmets. This will include Snell SA and FIA 8859 certified helmets.

• Helmets are classed as open-face or full-face. Some groups do not allow open-faced helmets.

KNOW THE BASICS….

Snell Foundation: A non-profit organization that issues safety standards for helmets. The Snell SA (Special Application) standard is specifically for auto racing. Snell SA is widely used and accepted in the USA.

FIA (Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile): Sets international safety standards for racing helmets, such as the FIA 8859-2015 standard and now the recently introduce FIA 8859-2024. FIA helmets will be accepted in the US, but only mandated if you are racing in an international FIA sanctioned racing series such as IMSA.

NOTE, new FIA helmets standards (unlike Snell) are not introduced every five years. The FIA introduces new homologations when they judge circumstances, technology & safety issues warrant an update.

FIA tagged helmets (& many helmets are dual tagged) should be acknowledged as a worthy and practical alternative to Snell rated helmets since they are not subject to the five year constraints. However, some track inspectors are only trained to look for the Snell tags - you should arrive informed.

Auto helmets and their visors are rigorously tested by the these organizations for strength, fire-retardancy, sizing, comfort, impact resistance, durability and more.

THIS MATTERS…

Snell K regulates karting helmets. Snell M regulates motorcycle helmets. These may be accepted at lower horsepower events such as autocross, but they are not fire retardant or constructed to protect you from the rigors (and consequences) associated with high performance driving.

Snell SA2020 is the current homologation for auto helmets. The standard is augmented every five years, and the manufacturers have to build their next generation of helmets to comply with the new standard. Snell SA2025 will be introduced in October 2025

THE NEW SNELL SA2025 GUIDE

Most HPDE organizations will accept helmets from the previous generation - SA2015. This will change to SA2020 once the new SA2025 helmets are released. However, the October 2025 arrival of SA2025 helmets has always come with issues. The various motorsports and track organizations will accommodate any disruptions by delaying their mandated rules - PCA groups have already done this.

FOR YOUR FIRST HPDE EVENT we recommend you prioritize…

Fit, comfort, features, your car, budget - in this order

FIT - an ill fitting helmet will be a distraction, and all distractions are a safety issue. You will suffer the lose of focus. And this will also affect your driving performance. Your helmet should have a ‘snug’ fitment. Your helmet should always move with you head.

COMFORT- comfort does increase as the price increases. Budget helmet shells are heavier. They use harder/heavier interior foams and lining fabric. A comfortable helmet will enhance your driving experience - and will not become a distraction.

FEATURES - We primarily recommend a larger than standard visor (shield.) For first-timers helmets feel claustrophobic, and the sensation is increased by the enclosed eye-port. A wider and larger eye-port helps, plus increases the drivers peripheral vision. Race drivers have their car’s set-up to reduce head movement, and keep their eyes on their markers. HPDE students need peripheral ‘situational awareness’ .

YOUR CAR - certain car models have very congested interiors - in particular low roof lines. Helmets can add 2 inches to your height, hitting (and damaging) the lining - also your helmet. There are brands, profiles and models that help - we cab advise.

BUDGET - how it works. In this industry the more you pay the more additional features and advantages you will benefit from - including the all important weight factor (less) - along with increased comfort and strength.

We recommend you maximize your ROI. This is not a fashion purchase, the more you spend the more you will receive in regards to safety, comfort & performance.

Additional features (include but not limited to) - exotic materials, aero, ventilation, built-in communication, anti-fogging visors, multiple visor tints, removable padding, softer padding, graphics, more precise sizing…

HELMET SERIES - most brands offer a pro and/or an advanced series. They will categorize their helmets into Composite or Carbon Fiber. Bell Racing has five series - Sport, Pro, Carbon, Advanced and Heritage. The pro and advance series are commonly dual FIA and Snell tagged.

OUR RECOMMENDED HPDE HELMETS FOR HPDE NOVICES - the B2 series from BELL

The B2 is Bell Racing’s introductory helmet series, and sold at a very competitive price. We recommend them because they are manufactured by Bell Racing at their facilities in Bahrain - controlling the process for consistency, quality and fit