Update on : 10/19/05 Helmets are a necessary safety item for on-track driving events. Here is an update on some things that may be helpful to know. Hooked On Driving highly recommends an auto racing , with a Snell rating of SA1995, SA2000, or now, SA2005. Auto racing helmets, compared to motorcycle helmets, are lighter, meant for multiple impacts, and have a fireproof lining. We had stated that this was an absolute requirement for HOD, but were recently made aware that the Thunderhill rental helmets are M or motorcycle rated helmets. Nevertheless, if you are purchasing a helmet for track use, definitely buy an SA rated one, as our intent is to enforce this in the coming years. Right now is an interesting time to purchase a helmet, as the certification of helmets is done on a five year cycle, which is coming up this month. There are two advantages with this timing. First, if you are only interested in track day use, you can find a super deal on helmets with the now not current rating of SA2000 – this rating will be good for HOD and most other track days for 10 more years. If you are interested in racing some day, it’s a good time to purchase the new SA2005 version, which will also be good for SCCA competition for 10 years. www.winecountrymotorsports.com has been our partner and provides a great selection of helmets, and a discount for HOD drivers. Our recommendation is a personal visit to try on several and assure an excellent fit. We also suggest that you consider a neck collar. Last item: SCCA national has done research and found that for use in street cars with active air bags, open faced helmets are preferred, as the airbag deployment with full face helmets can have unforeseen liabilities. This is only a stated preference. With any open cockpit car, we highly recommend a closed face helmet that provides . Bottom line: buy a quality, and it will be good to you for many years – and now is a good time to replace or upgrade an aging or wornout model.