As motorsport continues to be the proving ground for the latest innovations and developments in the auto industry, we take a look at how the latest improvements in safety, specifically in helmet safety design and standards affect you the competitor. “Motorsport is dangerous” is the phrase greeting you on the entry form you fill in for every event or meeting, and it is mentioned on the signs surrounding the competitive sections. This is something that we often lose sight of from time to time as regular competitors; such are the high levels of safety we have now become accustomed to at every level of the sport. This is largely thanks to the research conducted by the FIA and the latest advancements in safety technology, designed to protect all competitors; from the F1 driver trying to get the final tenth in the dying seconds of qualifying to the twice a year middle aged clubman in his faithful home prepared rally car out for a weekends fun. As the technology of tyres, brakes and suspension have evolved over the years in the quest for faster lap times and greater performance, the safety requirements have also had to progress at the same rate of development to protect the competitors benefiting from the ever improving levels of grip and increased cornering speed, because much as we hate to admit it, sometimes things don’t quite go according to plan. At the forefront of these safety equipment improvements is the one that matters most; the helmet. While many team members and spectators often question the presence and quality of grey matter amongst drivers (only joking), there’s no doubt that this is the most vulnerable part of the body in the event of an accident. The use of FHR devices such as the HANS and Simpson’s Hybrid is now compulsory almost worldwide in all disciplines, now including drifting; which when used in conjunction with the latest standard helmets; provide competitors with unprecedented levels protection of the head and neck. For those sceptical of their effectiveness, the difference between wearing an FHR or not is graphically illustrated here. The helmets currently on the market are designed to the latest stringent homologation standards set by the FIA and Snell. As a result of these improvements over the years, the helmet standards have evolved and with it, many helmets are now outside their homologation expiry date and are now ineligible. But you may be sitting there asking yourself, as you stare pondering into the cupboard, how does this affect me? Is my helmet eligible for the events I am doing? If your helmet has the following labels specified in the table below to denote its homologation; it is eligible for International and National Events and there is no date of expiration on this homologation as it is the latest standard approved by the governing bodies of the sport, unless stated otherwise below. To check this on your helmet look inside the lining on inside of the rear of your helmet; there you will see the label. It is also worth noting that these are the only standard accepted by events being run under the jurisdiction of Motorsport UK (formerly MSA). Helmets conforming to the FIA 8860 standards displayed below are required for upper FIA categories, such as F1, FIA GT, F3, GP3, GP2 and WTCR for example.

If your helmet has the following SA2005 label inside the lining of the helmet, it cannot be used on International events, as its homologation for international competition expired on 31/12/2018. In the Republic of Ireland, helmets with this homologation label can continue to be used on MI National events only until 31/12/2023, as the governing body have provided an extension of 5 years for national event competitors. This is Motorsport Ireland only and not applicable to Motorsport UK (MSA) events; where these are no longer eligible.

For several years, helmets were required to meet a British Standard (BSI) which was set in the mid 1980s. This standard was only replaced by SA2005 in the mid 2000s. Helmets that meet the old BSI standards can be recognised by the presence of the below label. If your helmet has this label, it is no longer valid and cannot be used in competition. The original date of expiration for this standard was 31/12/2013, but here in Ireland the governing body permitted a 5 year extension which expired at the end of 2018. To continue to compete on National or International events you will need to get a new helmet.

It is worth noting that every evolution of the safety standards has been carried out using data and information compiled from accidents at every level and category of motorsport, with the safety of the competitor being the prime focus. In a time where competitors are willing to invest thousands on gaining a couple of tenths per second or few extra BHP and striving to get the best out of themselves and their car; the price of a new helmet to protect the most vulnerable part of your body; your head, seems insignificant. The latest helmets, such as the Stilo WRC DES in rallying for example, are the safest and most comfortable helmets that have ever existed on the market with the optimised fit and protection that they provide. This gives me and other fellow competitors the confidence that we have the best equipment we can afford protecting us, to compete in safety and to enjoy the sport we all love as we look for those vital tenths of a second that separate us from victory. As much as the thrill of competing is the danger, safety must never be compromised and our advice will always be to buy the best helmet you can afford. If the latest standards are good enough for the Sebastiens; Vettel, Ogier and Loeb; they are more than good enough for you. Here is a quick video to show you where to find the homologation label to establish the standard of your helmet-

A full range of the latest helmets available to meet the latest homologation and standards can be found here and if you have any queries, do not hesitate to contact us on +3531450055 or by email at [email protected]   By Tommy Hayes