Helmet Recommendation

[Randy Rosenberg]

By my second track weekend (years ago), I was in a suit. I already had purchased a helmet, gloves, shoes and neck collar for my first track weekend. I was running with the Nor Cal Shelby Club, and most of the cars in the "yellow" beginner group were in street cars with minimal safety equipment, where I was in an open Cobra, feeling a tad bit exposed. As I progressed to the faster groups, it was not uncommon for drivers to have a full compliment of safety equipment. I even purchased arm restraints, however only used them once.

You are correct to consider a Cobra like a motorcycle; there is not a whole lot more protection. Sh*t happens on a track, be it driver or mechanical failure, yours or someone else's. The faster you go, the less time you have to react (you know this already). Trust your gut with regards to the level of protection you want.

Have fun,
Randy R...

[Supersf]

Thanks, Randy. I actually plan on tracking with the same club along with some driving schools as they pass through out local tracks. Maybe I'll see you around...I'll be the one wearing a suit of armor.
Cheers

[Tom Wells]

Supersf,

A little vignette to illustrate the point:

I was suiting up one morning for a track day when the guy in the next pit came over to introduce himself. His opening line was "You can always tell the guys who have had a crash."

He was right of course, but I asked "What made it obvious?"

"You have all the gear - a suit, helmet, neck restraint, gloves etc."

'nuf said...

Tom

PS: I'm still a wrist restraint evangelist!

[Bernica]

Originally Posted by Tom Wells

Supersf,

A little vignette to illustrate the point:

I was suiting up one morning for a track day when the guy in the next pit came over to introduce himself. His opening line was "You can always tell the guys who have had a crash."

He was right of course, but I asked "What made it obvious?"

"You have all the gear - a suit, helmet, neck restraint, gloves etc."

'nuf said...

Tom

PS: I'm still a wrist restraint evangelist!

Yup. "Stupid hurts". Many of us have learned that. I actually had a sticker made that says that for all my guy's hardhats. The other one from years ago and still prominent is YFNY..."Your Family Needs You". Get that one and put it on your dash and you just might get to go home at night. Belt and suspenders...

[Supersf]

Thanks for all the responses guys. This is all good to hear. I worried that the thing I might miss the most from moto racing (and track days) is the camaraderie that led to genuine concern with each other's safety and well-being. Countless times we'd counsel newer racers on equipment, wrench on each other's bikes to make sure everything was safe, and help with body position and race lines. The spirit of community always trumped the need for an edge over the competition. Looks like I won't be missing that at all...

[Supersf]

Ordered a bunch of stuff from the good folks at Wine Country Motorsports. Very helpful guys in the shop, lucky to have them as a local shop. Hoping to be able to squeeze into the HOD session on the 29th @ Sonoma.