I have tentive wifey approval for some track time!. I have a motocycle helmet, can that be used at a track event? What else will I need?

Jeff has I get closer, I will email for info

 

Woohoo,

Phils going to the track.

I think it depend on the helmet but I am not sure.
Off the top of my head, I am going to say NO, you need a different helmet.
I believe that motorcycle and car helmets are designed to take different types of impacts. But I may be wrong.

Hope to pass you soon Phil....

 

Motorcycle helmet is fine with most groups, but you will have to check with specific club.

I think that TracQuest is the best group out here, POC is also good but is more stringently controlled (I think you have to start with short tracks first). There are many other groups in So Cal - I assume from your post, this will be your first DE event. Many of the other clubs are OK for experienced participants but lack the instruction needed to ensure a safe event for novices.

eMail me if you want comments on any other specific group or general info on DE's.

 

Different clubs have different requirements. Here is a copy of the requirements for our club which give you some good info on helmets. I bought a motorcycle helmet a year ago and today wish I had bought a "SA" rated helmet because the race schools (Skip Barber at least ) require them.
Good luck.
"About the helmet, at a minimum it must have a SNELL 1990M rating. The M rating is a motorcycle helmet and an SA rating is for special applications such as cars. The SA rated helmet is fire retardant and is approved for Club Racing also. The M rated helmet is not allowed for Club Racing. So, if you have plans to get into Club Racing in the future select the SA rated helmet. Prices for an M rated helmet start about $150.00 and for an SA rated helmet prices start about $300.00."

 

I met Danno today, a "guru" here on rennlist. He was in the OTC challenge a few weeks ago. He made the comment that "track time was probably safer than my commute too and from work" That was pretty much the "close" for the Wife. (heehhe)
There is an event, I think he siad up in sonoma in June around the 21st?
So I guess I am gonna take the plunge, I am more scared of the "never been on a track, and will look like an Idiot" factor than the track itself, and of course....The expensive hobby factor!..

 

Phil
You'll find answers to your helmet questions, and more:

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=002194" target="_blank">Naive helmet question </a>

<a href="http://forums.rennlist.com/forums/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic&f=3&t=002180" target="_blank">Source for Helmet for Driver's ED </a>

BTW, better prepare "wifey" for the inevitable - I began DEs last year, bought a spare set of wheels by season's end & just ordered Gert's RoW M030 w/HD Bilsteins ...

 

Definately you have to check with the club that organizes these events. Some accept it some don't. Another point to thing is the inevitable sweat you are going to break and how comfortable you feel wearing the helmet. A good helmet will make a difference keeping you cool and focused especially in hot conditions.

Have fun and enjoy!!

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

Dan,
I am trying to figure out, how too tell her about all the "new" and "wonderful" expenses!, and why I need certain things...Knowing my self for the past 38 years, and having that wonderfully "addictive personalty"...heck, I have not even been the track, and I am thinking..."turn my car into a track car"

 

DJF,
sweat....what I can't run around with the A/C on?....good point, one I had not even considered..since My car is black.....I should get a white, or silver car for the track?.....

 

Phil

I've got a a few in the garage....You could use my army helmet, circa 1971 or my football helmet, circa 1965 or the newest one, little Annie's bike hemet......it is red...look great with the Porsche

Berkley <img src="graemlins/xyxwave.gif" border="0" alt="[bigbye]" />

 

Posted by Phil:

[quote]So I guess I am gonna take the plunge, I am more scared of the "never been on a track, and will look like an Idiot" factor than the track itself, and of course....The expensive hobby factor!.. <hr></blockquote>

I do not think you should worry about it. I felt very comfortable on my first event because the instructors are always very nice and they know how to make you feel relaxed. I must say that on the first time my instructor drove my car I nearly fainted , I could not believe the speed he was doing!!! As for the expensive part oh well...it is soooo addictive that some things may change priorities...Not sure if your wife will understand...mine says she does but i think its a good excuse for her shopping adventures
She keeps on telling me that she needs to find an expensive hobby herself and I do not dare to ask! <img src="graemlins/icon107.gif" border="0" alt="[icon107]" />

One last thing. Everyone is making the comment of how safe the track is etc. Although I will agree with Danno that this is true about the streets because of the random idiots that drive our streets, we must never forget that these are high speed events. things happen very fast at speed with little margin for correction. You overcook it most likely you are off. You have a lapse in concentration you will be off. Safe s a relative word I think. It would be more appropriate to say that this is a 'controlled" high speed event so it is as safe it can be at 120+ an hour. Unfortunately and as your instructors will tell you really have to be carefull out there and if you do not feel you are fit especially towards the end of the session better to pack and go as they will tell you that most accidents usually happen towards the end of the day as people get more tired,more confident and concentrating less.
Also a last thing is to drive at your OWN pace. Do not get pushed by your instructor or by peer pressure to go faster if you are not comfortable with this. There is nothing wrong with going at your own pace and I'm sure the club will tell all many times that this is not a race event.
I happened to witness an example like that when a brand new guy in a brand new RSX was pushed beyond his comfort zone and he had a pretty big shunt. Thank God both him and the instructor were ok but his front suspension and wheel were ripped off and God knows what other damage underneath the car.

With that said, i do not want to scare you, I'm sure you are going to have a blast like all of us who have done it. Just enjoy and dont worry about timed laps and if that old 944 is running rings around you...In time you will be faster

<img src="graemlins/beerchug.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

 

Posted by Phil:

[quote] DJF,
sweat....what I can't run around with the A/C on?....good point, one I had not even considered..since My car is black.....I should get a white, or silver car for the track?..... <hr></blockquote>

A/C? <img src="graemlins/roflmao.gif" border="0" alt="[hiha]" /> Good one Phil!!! I think you need that good excuse to get your track car dont ya???
Maybe this year because of all these terrible things that happen in business the company will not give you a good bonus due to restricted budgets, certainly you will not be making the same as last year
My bonus was cut last year by 5K all of a sudden
. I got the stuff from a guy who was in need and I paid almost nothing

Anyway have fun and enjoy!!!

 

I was just over on the 996 board. Do you have to have a "flame proof suit" to do de's?, what about Gloves?, shoes?......neck brace? and is 550.00 for all of the above a good price, with a helmet?

 

Suit? Yeah I bought one But it is not needed!

At first I went to a racing shop and bought a simple cotton bottom that mechanics use for less than 35 bucks, a pair of sparco gloves for 90 a pair of simpson boots for 75 and my favorite long sleeve all soft cotton T/Shirt for 35. As for the helmet...well ahem I splurged to a BELL Vortex at some 650 big ones...

What is needed? If you are shoe size 12 like me you need the shoes. Some say you dont I like them very much as they are very comfortable and the key it to be comfortable while driving so its a personaly thing. The Gloves? I do not take chances and I like the way they feel. Some dont absolutely need them but sweaty palms are not good!! The cotton pants were a great surprise and although a lot of jeans are worn around these were the best 35 bucks I have spent! Nice comfortable all day long with elastic on the bottom so there is no change your pants getting caught in anything down there.

All and all a personal choice. You may need nothing but you may need everything! It's up to you. I would go to a racing shop and try them out.

 

Phil,

Just a few more thoughts on getting a helmet.

Get an SA rated helmet - DO NOT BUY A MOTORCYCLE HELMET AND EXPECT TO USE IT FOR THE TRACK (lots of good reasons...)

Buy SA2000 - it will be good for longer.

For example, I just did an event yesterday at Laguna Seca - they checked both my helmet and my passenger's helmet for SA90 rating. They also said that next year they will only accept SA 95 and newer.

Go try helmets on if you can. This will at least give you an idea what fits & what doesn't. I've logged a couple of thousand hours in a helmet for my other job and poorly fitting helmet makes life...painful.

I prefer a full face helmet and many recommend it for more protection. Somewhat debatable.

I actually found a G-Force helmet fit me the best and was relatively inexpensive (less than $300 as I recall).

Hope you have a great (and SAFE) time at the track. I saw an NSX and a ZR-1 Corvette w/ MAJOR damage this weekend. Not pretty...but it helped remind me of the consequences of bad decision making, and helped keep the ego in check. The only "winners" at a DE are the guys with no new scratches on the bodywork at the end of the day