Trackdays with the MX5 - helmets and roof

General Discussion Forums MX-5 Chat
2

I would love to do a track day with the MX5; if the weather permits would the likes of Bookatrack / Javelin / etc. allow you to run with the roof down?

And what about an open face ‘rally’ style helmet? (as opposed to an enclosed type)?

3

Hiya Horrgakx,

The Club has just purchased new Helmets and chose open face style helmets as they tend to allow for better communication in the car.

I spoke to a number of Track Day operators before spending the Club’s money and all said they accepted open face helmets (indeed most ARDS instructors tend to use them for the same reason), unless you are driving an open-top (or open wheel car). This should not be confused with an MX-5 which (even though it has a wobbly-roof) is still classed as a tin-top. ‘Open top’ means F1 style cars and the like.

I’ve sen guys in Caterhams with open face helmets (albeit with Goggles) but the bug-splats on the face would still sting!!!

4

Is there any specific regulations / endorsements you need to look for on the helmets?

5

A British kite mark will do for a trackday, even a motorbike helmet is fine.

Look for a Snell SA 2010 or FIA 8860 if you’re thinking of going further (and watch the price jump from hundreds to thousands for the more exotic lids!)

Then of course there’s HANS posts, duckbills, eductor vents…sorry, now I’m just being silly Big Smile

 

6

So, would these be fine?

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/helmets/omp-star-helmet

http://www.demon-tweeks.co.uk/motorsport/helmets/sparco-club-j1-helmet

7

Yes, the Demon Tweeks ones would be ok, but no good if you wanted to go a bit further and do sprint.

I’ve got one of these Hedtec helmets (http://www.hedtec.co.uk/hedtec_helmet_open_face.htm) which is good for all UK events and is probably the cheapest (along with the V2 http://www.v2sport.com/Tour/V2tour-black-SNELL-2005-open-face-racing-helmet.html) but still has the very latest MSA and FIA required specs.

I don’t have any connection with either company - just a satisfied customer.

8

 

Yup, we’ve just purchased 10 OMP Star helmets from DT as part of a group buy for Club Members. But if I were to be soending a bit more the V2 that Andy mentions is also a very good buy for the money.