Now that I'm boosted I need a helmet for the track (drag track). I've looked around and they seem to cost way more then I thought. Do I need a special kind of helmet or can I use something like a motorcycle helmet? Also, where's a good place to get a cheap helmet?

 

I'm going to stop you right there (while this might sound harsh it is meant to be a little bit and little sarcastic). This is your head you are talking about. It contains your brain. You need your brain. All the time. So, why buy a cheap piece of equipment to protect your most valuable asset? If you meant inexpensive then that is another story, I have no qualms with being thrift, but not at the expense of my life. OK, rant over, on with the advise:

Check with your tracks requirements. Some may require an auto sports helmet, which will have a Snell rating of "SA", which will be followed by a year (2005 are the most current, though there are still some 2000 clearance models available that will be good for a few more years).There are several major differences between the way an SA and an M helmet are constructed and what they are made to withstand.

For my money, I'm buying an SA helmet, no matter what motor sport I'm participating in (especially since I have no desire to ever ride a motorcycle). The biggest difference in an SA and an M helmet is that the M is only designed to with stand ONE impact (your head hitting the ground and sliding). An SA is going to protect your brainpan for multiple impacts (your head bouncing off two roll bars and a dash board). The SA2005 helmets also require a fire retardant coating on th exterior to help keep your head from melting.

I own a Pyrotect which is a subsidiary of Bell Helmets. They are economical and well made. You can pick them up direct (I bought a clearance unit direct and got a good deal). You can also shop at www.saferacer.com (which I have no affiliation or allegiance to). Another brand worth noting would be Impact! Race Products, founded by Bill Simpson after a some internal weirdness with the company that still bares his name.

 

I meant inexpensive. I figured since I'll probably be going only about .2 seconds faster then the fastest speed allowed without a helmet (14sec), it wouldn't be a big deal if it wasn't the "best". Thanks for the help.

 

14 seconds and you need a helment?
that sucks
its 13 seconds here in Texas
anyways if you want inexpensive and funtional i would just try ebay

off topic-whats your time and trap?

 

It's anything under 14 and you need a helmet. I figure I'll run about 13.8 so that's under 14 and need a helmet. I've been looking at ebay and found a few but it's gonna have to wait, with Christmas, my vacation I just took, the ticket I just got, and other parts I'm buying my car found is running low now.


Before turbo it was 15.8 and like 87mph.

 

oh so you haven't ran with your turbo setup yet?
if not
good luck
i would just get a helmet handy just in case when you go to the track
i plan to get one myself sometime soon

 

You can pick up a "cheap" brain bucket at a local motorcyle shop. I've seen HJC branded helmets for $60-100.

It's your brain, do what you want.

 

^^ oooo i like that shot in your avy
red cars FTW