NHRA helmet requirements

[83scamp]

OK, this may be a dumb question to those of you who have been racing, but I'm going to ask anyway. The Hoosier SDAC chapter is doing a test and tune drag night Aug. 8th at Muncie Dragway. I've been told NHRA safety rules will apply. I'm a little confused by that. If I'm reading the rules correctly, as long as I'm slower than a 13.99, I don't need a helmet. Am I correct? I'm pretty sure the Scamp isn't that quick(since it's not a turbo), but I don't want to get down there and be told I can't run because I don't have a helmet. I've never drag raced before, but always wanted to, so I'm a complete noobie at this... Who knows, maybe I'll get hooked and have to get a little more serious about it...

Thanks in advance for the info.

[contraption22]

Call the track and verify. It can vary. For example, New Jersey law mandates that all participants use a helmet, regardless of NHRA rules or the vehicle's speed.

[cordes]

Call the track and verify. It can vary. For example, New Jersey law mandates that all participants use a helmet, regardless of NHRA rules or the vehicle's speed.

You can't pump your gas there either right? What a bunch of ninnies.

[contraption22]

You can't pump your gas there either right? What a bunch of ninnies.

You are correct. There's a reason why all the toll bridges to New Jersey from Pennsylvania are arranged so that it is free to enter NJ, but you must pay to get out.

[tryingbe]

If you're using street tires, you probably won't break 13.99. Never mind on the 2.2 n/a you have.

My Daytona ran a 14.3 @ 98mph
My Omni ran a 14.2 @ 102mph
My CSX ran a 14.3 @ 99.7mph

All on street tires with 2.3-2.5 60 ft.
Daytona and omni have a 2.5 turbo and ran 20psi +
CSX had a 2.2 and ran 12psi.

[xfiresrt]

I have run at Muncie dragway on numerous occasions. My SRT6 convertible was a mid 12second car plus a convertible which both would require a helmet. I never wore a helmet and they never kicked me out. That isn't to say that they won't kick you out, but I don't think your vehicle will be anywhere close to a 13 second pass.

[83scamp]

I have run at Muncie dragway on numerous occasions. My SRT6 convertible was a mid 12second car plus a convertible which both would require a helmet. I never wore a helmet and they never kicked me out. That isn't to say that they won't kick you out, but I don't think your vehicle will be anywhere close to a 13 second pass.

I'm sure I'm nowhere near 13.99. I looked it up, and a stock 83-84 Shelby Charger was supposedly good for a 15 second quarter. My 2.2 is healthier than a stock Shelby set-up, but nowhere near what is posted above. I'm hoping I'm OK. I just hate to put money in a helmet I'll only use once a year...

Thanks for the info...

[cordes]

I have run at Muncie dragway on numerous occasions. My SRT6 convertible was a mid 12second car plus a convertible which both would require a helmet. I never wore a helmet and they never kicked me out. That isn't to say that they won't kick you out, but I don't think your vehicle will be anywhere close to a 13 second pass.

I believe anything faster than a 14.0 and you're technically supposed to have at least a roll bar in a vert.

For the original question, slower than a 13.99 and you definitely don't need a helmet.

[83scamp]

I believe anything faster than a 14.0 and you're technically supposed to have at least a roll bar in a vert.

For the original question, slower than a 13.99 and you definitely don't need a helmet.

Thanks,

I'm goin for the fun of it. Gives me something new to try. I've been curious for a long time what the Scamp would actually do in the 1/4, so I guess I'll find out...

I'm running street tires, so I'm guessing lots of wheel spin, and probably lousey R/T's and final times, but hey, I have to learn sometime...

[86Shelby]

At most tracks you'd be just fine borrowing a friend's helmet and using it. Heck, I always wear a helmet racing at the area 1/8 mile track even when I raced the GLHT and it was embarassingly slow for a turbo car. My helmet is just an old motorcycle-style helmet that recently expired but my local track doesn't check much beyond it appearing in good condition and being full-faced.

[Ondonti]

If you buy a new one, get a 2010.

You will feel quite foolish wearing one when you don't need it. I ran an 18 second pass at 49mph or so two weeks ago and I felt like taking it off my helmet before I crossed through the traps.

[83scamp]

Thanks for all the replies guys. After thinking about it a little, I realized I have a friend with a 10 sec, 64 Plymouth Super Stock car that runs down there regularly. So I called him. He says Muncie doesn't require a helmet unless you are faster than 11.99. So I know I'm well above that mark... I'm expecting 15-16 second passes, we'll see next week... I may be severely disappointed....