Hey guys, I have signed up for my first HPDE event at Firebird International in PHX az. I searched and noticed a few differences with some rules. I emailed the local person from NASA and haven't received a response. So my main questions are:

1: helmet selection.
I spoke with the national director, and read the rules per section 11.3 in the CCR. I have a cheap moto-x helmet that is only DOT approved and has a FMVSS n.218 rating. I am guessing that this isn't going to cut it. The director stated that my motorcycle helmet would work. The rules suggest otherwise. Does the track have helmet rentals or anything like auto-X? Do I just need to buy my own? Saferacer.com has some for around $150 shipped.

2: Seat and seat belts.
I have a Sparco Evo2 using the stock seatbelt. The CCR again only states that it should be mounted in the stock location. Can I use this set up and pass tech? Should I just install the stock seat for the day. Hate to pay all the money for the seat and not use it.

3: Doctors note/release
I have one from my doctor, did I really need this?

Looks to me like HPDE is a little laid back, and there are some execptions to rules. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I really don't want to pay the money, show up and not pass tech or be missing something small. So thanks again

Picture of the bucket about to be flogged

 

1. if motorcycle helmets are allowed then look for a snell of M2000 or better.
In automotive helmets look for sa2000 or better. Some tracks provide helmets just call the office before the event. Best advice is buy your own helmet though if you can afford too.

2. Yes you can. I find adding a CG lock really helps me with stock belts as well.

3. Never heard of this being needed before.

Lastly, have fun.

 

1. The question that usually follows the "which helmet" question is "How much is your head worth?". I wouldn't go out and buy a $700 helmet for a DE, but I would AT LEAST look for an SA2000 helmet. I would also recommend a full face as you will have the windows down and all kinds of goodies will be coming in the windows at you..

2. You should be fine with your setup.

3. Neither I, nor anyone I know have been asked for a Dr.'s release for DE. That's a race license thing.

 

very informative, thanks for the replies

heres were I noticed the physically fit part I read was:

3.5 Eligibility Requirements – Step Two
All drivers must be deemed physically fit by their physician to participate in a high
stress and physically demanding sport such as auto racing.

I called the raceway, no helmets will be provided. How about this one for CHEAP:
http://www.saferacer.com/g-for...=1872

 

Buy a full faced helmet...
Bugs fly in...
Dirt gets everywhere if someone or you goes off course..
Debris on the race track makes its way into your car.
Lastly and most inportantly.. GLASS!
Your car has it, other cars have it.
More times than not it will get into your face if your not equiped properly.
Save your mug, your eyes and spend the extra dough.
Best advice I can give, and swear by.

 

some nasa regions wont let the race seat in a car with out roll bar and harness.


Find out directly from your tech inspector.


M or SA helmets are required.

 

I know most of the tech guys there.
Sounds like youll be fine. I personally use a motorcylce helmet, but its full faced.
Ive given ride alongs and the director had a selection of loaners, many of which were open faced.
I would say youre good to go.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by typeR#0427 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Hey guys, I have signed up for my first HPDE event at Firebird International in PHX az. I searched and noticed a few differences with some rules. I emailed the local person from NASA and haven't received a response. So my main questions are:

1: helmet selection.
I spoke with the national director, and read the rules per section 11.3 in the CCR. I have a cheap moto-x helmet that is only DOT approved and has a FMVSS n.218 rating. I am guessing that this isn't going to cut it. The director stated that my motorcycle helmet would work. The rules suggest otherwise. Does the track have helmet rentals or anything like auto-X? Do I just need to buy my own? Saferacer.com has some for around $150 shipped.

2: Seat and seat belts.
I have a Sparco Evo2 using the stock seatbelt. The CCR again only states that it should be mounted in the stock location. Can I use this set up and pass tech? Should I just install the stock seat for the day. Hate to pay all the money for the seat and not use it.

3: Doctors note/release
I have one from my doctor, did I really need this?

Looks to me like HPDE is a little laid back, and there are some execptions to rules. Any advice is greatly appreciated. I really don't want to pay the money, show up and not pass tech or be missing something small. So thanks again

Picture of the bucket about to be flogged
</TD></TR></TABLE>

There is a local forum we use for NASA
http://www.clubracingarizona.com
As for your questions I hope I can help.
For helmets a full face helmet would be nice, open face are ok (watch out for tire turds). Motox helmets are usually not allowed BUT if you spoke with the director (jason) and he has ok'd it, then you should be fine for hpde1.

As for your sparce seat with stock belts you are fine.
4pt seat belts are NOT allowed unless its dot approved, but 5-6pts are allowed.
As long as you use your stock seat belts you should be fine. You will pass tech just fine.

As for a doctors note, no you dont need it. They just want to make sure you are not borderline heart attack material. You should be fine and they will not ask you for this.
It's like those commercials that ask you to consult a doctor before doing a workout.

As for cheap full face helmets you can check out any motorcycle shop, you can get full face HJC helmets for around 100 dollars if you want.

If you have any more questions feel free to pm me or check out that website.
I'll be there at FIR as well in a white rsx. I'm at EVERY event, so if you have any questions just come find me. Names Armando.

 

Some organizations holding track events allow motorcycle helmets, while others don't. You can avoid any problems in this area by just getting an auto-rated (SA2005) helmet.

Don't get a Snell 2000 helmet, because those will no longer be allowed in another 2-3 years. Get a Snell 2005 helmet (i.e. SA2005).

You won't know which helmets are comfortable until you try them on. So go to an auto racing specialty store in your area where you can try some on. Then buy one there.

If you are only looking for the cheapest SA2005 helmet you can find, this open-faced helmet is $130, and this closed-faced helmet is $180.

 

nice, once again very informative. I appreciate it very much

Mr.OB*GYN_Rhett, are you coming out for this one?

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by typeR#0427 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">nice, once again very informative. I appreciate it very much

Mr.OB*GYN_Rhett, are you coming out for this one? </TD></TR></TABLE>
yeah youll be fine, just go as is.
Unfortunately, the car is ready to be on track. I have a bunch of ABS issues to address and my fenders rolled, im already rubbing as is.
Have fun out there and try sticking with Nolan, Phil, Simon and those azht guys, theyll take care of you.

 

if you do a little searching, i found an open faced helmet for 105$ shipped, but im moving to a closed face helmet for 2 reasons, had some rubber hit my face(not bad, but scared me enough to want a full face) and i hate the way my face looks all scrunched up in all my pictures

 

where in arizona are you located?

im assuming youre driving with NASA?

1) yes a M rated helmet is fine. if youre going to BUY a helmet i HIGHLY recommend just getting a new SA rated one. Trust me, once you start this ridiculous addiction nothing will stop it. My first HPDE was 5 years ago now i have 2 full race cars. its awful.

2) a bucket and stock seatbelt is fine. in fact thats probably the best setup youre going to get thats a compromise of safety/holding ability till you get a rollbar/harness.

3) hahaha dont worry about the doctors stuff. at HPDE its not necessary

You going to be at firebird this weekend? if so come say hi, Im the drift director for NASA AZ, Ill be in my very loud obnoxious red car, cant miss it, i promise.


Modified by Kamin at 12:19 AM 8/13/2008

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by dirty19 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Buy a full faced helmet...
Bugs fly in...
Dirt gets everywhere if someone or you goes off course..
Debris on the race track makes its way into your car.
Lastly and most inportantly.. GLASS!
Your car has it, other cars have it.
More times than not it will get into your face if your not equiped properly.
Save your mug, your eyes and spend the extra dough.
Best advice I can give, and swear by.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

You're nuts. I wear a full face helmet but without the face shield. I tried it once in the Florida heat but I just about passed out from no air circulation.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 96 SOHC VTEC &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

You're nuts. I wear a full face helmet but without the face shield. I tried it once in the Florida heat but I just about passed out from no air circulation. </TD></TR></TABLE>

I had a rock hit me in the dead center of my face shield during a practice session, for this I'm VERY happy that I'm using a full helmet with the shield down.

If you're having that much of a problem with your helmet, I'd seriously look into purchasing a new helmet, I spent ~3 weeks looking at different helmets, going to stores to try them on, ask others their opinions on the helmets...I ended up with the HJC Si-12 helmet, and I love it.

 

X2. I've had big beetles splat on my faceshield, rocks big enough to make a significant scratch, rubber worms, etc. You can open the bottom of the visor just a crack if ventilation is an issue.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Stinkycheezmonky &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">X2. I've had big beetles splat on my faceshield, rocks big enough to make a significant scratch, rubber worms, etc. You can open the bottom of the visor just a crack if ventilation is an issue.</TD></TR></TABLE>
x3

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Lo-Buck EF &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
x3</TD></TR></TABLE>

I never notice the heat when im out on track, the only time i notice it is in red flag, or full course yellow situations. But man after the checkered drops i feel like the furnaces of hell opened up and get hot as hell.


It's a mental thing...

 

IM nuts.. but the majority of the racers here have seen or experienced the same thing... but hey.. IM nuts...
Id take a little warmth over glass, rubber worms or any debris using a full face helmet with no shield.

But thats not what we are discussing. We want to give this guy good sound advice..

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Kamin &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">where in arizona are you located?

You going to be at firebird this weekend? if so come say hi, Im the drift director for NASA AZ, Ill be in my very loud obnoxious red car, cant miss it, i promise.
</TD></TR></TABLE>

Im in flagstaff but driving down to PHX for the day. I'll keep my eyes open for you, Ill be the short nervous guy with tattoos and the smoking yellow R with volks and JDM front with Primer bumper.

I'm going alone, so any new people to meet up with would be awesome