Helmet requirements changed on January 1, 2012 to those rated "Snell 2005 or newer."

Many other car clubs have required Snell 2005 or newer helmets already in 2011. For those of you with helmets older than 2005 you will need to upgrade for 2012.

To prepare for this date and comply with the ACNA helmet regulation, ACNW is preparing to purchase additional rental helmets. You can be part of this acquisition at the same discount. This offer is open to ACNW members only, as a benefit to our members. The helmet group buy will be with Armadillo Racing Enterprises (Bremerton). Here's a link to learn something about them if you are not familiar with their products and services to the local track community: <http://www.armadilloracing.com/current/history.htm>

Here are the details on this buy of Snell 2010-rated helmets. You can choose from two styles (closed face or open face) from either of two manufacturers (Pyrotect or Zamp). The purchase will be handled through MotorsportReg <http://www.audiclubnw.motorsportreg.com>:

Pyrotect Sportsman M (white, black or flat black; full face)
<http://www.pyrotect.com/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=1&sort=&sort_direc tion=&page=2> .
Snell M2010 Approved.
Economically priced
Long lasting comfortable nylon knit interior
.080" Polycarbonate Shield.
List: $229.95, ACNW Price: $138.47 (applicable tax included; changed!)

Pyrotect Sportsman M (white, black or flat black; open face)
<http://www.pyrotect.com/manufacturers.php?manufacturerid=1&sort=&sort_direc tion=&page=3>
Snell M2010 Approved
Economically priced
Long lasting comfortable nylon knit interior
Forehead ventilation system
List: $161.95, ACNW Price: $108.55 (applicable tax included; changed!)

Zamp FSA-2 SA (white or flat black; full face)
<http://www.zamp-racing.com/fsa2.html>
Snell SA2010 Approved
Fiberglass Lightweight Shell
Plush Fire Retardant Interior
Scalp and Chin Bar Ventilation with rear Exhausts
List: $169.95, ACNW Price: $146.56 (applicable tax included; changed!)

Zamp JA-2 SA (white or flat black; open face)
<http://www.zamp-racing.com/ja2.html>
Snell SA2010 Approved
Fiberglass Lightweight Shell
Plush Fire Retardant Interior
List: $139.95, ACNW Price: $121.58 (applicable tax included; changed!)

You can use tools located on one of the following links to size your helmet:
<http://www.soloracer.com/pyrotectsizing.html> Pyrotect
<http://www.soloracer.com/zampsizing.html> Zamp

Shipping is not included in the price above, but sales tax is now included (a change from the initial advertising email). We intend to arrange delivery from Bremerton.  Pickups and dropoffs will be arranged, or extra cost shipping if required.  Orders can be placed on our website <http://www.audiclubnw.motorsportreg.com> and questions can be discussed with Bernie Strub (bernie@strubranch.com) or John Ewald (john.ewald@mac.com).

ORDERS MUST BE PLACED BY TUESDAY, JANUARY 3rd/17th/31st 2012 (Extended by Board action to permit additional participation as requested)
(The website turns off at 11:00pm, 1/31/2012.)

Note that helmets with two different ratings are offered here, SA2010 (auto racing) and M2010 (motorcycle).  We've had questions about the differences and requirements for events by other clubs and sanctioning organizations.  From the Snell Foundation website <http://www.smf.org/helmetfaq#aSAMKdiff>:  "The SA standard was designed for competitive auto racing while the M standard was for motorcycling and other motorsports. The K standard was released to accommodate helmets used in karting. There are three major differences between them:
• The SA standard requires flammability test while the M and K standards do not.
• The SA and K standards allow for a narrower visual field than the M standard (Some SA and K certified helmets may not be street legal).
• The SA and K standards include a rollbar multi-impact test while the M standard does not."

Many discussions have been had regarding the different requirements for HPDE events.  The main difference is the flammability rating of the interior cloth.  Since we are driving cars with flammable interiors, the flammability rating of the helmet liner is most likely insignificant.  In a race car with no flammable materials allowed, and an environment where fire danger is markedly higher, the flammability of the liner material is much more important.  There is a difference in impact testing, but that becomes less important when considering the interiors of most street cars do not contain roll bars, for which the SA helmets are specifically impact tested. We've found that field of vision (view port size and shape), weight and cost are significant for most car club driving.

ACNA does not require SA helmets for our HPDEs.  Neither do Alfa Romeo, BMW, Cascade, Porsche, or Team Continental, unless participating in their racing programs.

If you desire to have an SA helmet, nothing prevents their use at our events.  It is merely a slightly different standard than the minimum required.