I just completed my race tech form when I came across "head restraint". The NASA GCR states the rule as follows:

15.5.21 - Head Restraint - A head restraint must be used to prevent whiplash. The head restraint must have a minimum area of thirty-six (36) square inches and be padded with a non-resilient material such as Ethafoam or Ensolite with a minimum thickness of one (1) inch.

Does this rule refer to the racing seat or is this a seperate device? The only whiplash protection the racing seat has is the fact the the seat back extends higher than the driver's head (as do most racing seats). Do I have to buy something extra?

 

I use this:

http://www.ogracing.com/eshop/...ake=1

 

NASA considers that a neck collar support as per rule 15.16.8 and is "strongly recommended".

 

They are refering to the seat. If the seat back is tall (as is the case with all new SFI/FIA seats), then you're ok. If it's a short bucket (common on vintage cars), you need a headrest/pad installed above the seat back so your neck can't whip back.

 

I always assumed that the head restraint requirement was if your seat didn't already have one.

My really old race car has a racing seat without a headrest, so there is a padded piece of plywood connected to a brace to the rollbar. It looks to be around 36 square inches or so.

 

Sounds to me like I am good to go then. Thanks for the help.