NHRA Open Face helmet Spec

[Slantsix64]

Hey guys so my barracuda runs a 8.3 @82 mph which is roughly 13.6 in the 1/4.

The Question is can i run a snell approved open face helmet?

NHRA Requirements

 

[Demonracer]

Download the NHRA rule book it should have all the information you need or call your local NHRA track and talk to the tech inspectors.

 

[mderoy340]

You are good with an open face helmet. Open cars and cars running 9.99 or faster require full face helmets.
If your car does not have a shoulder belt I would wear a full face.
Most tracks post the local track rules on thier website. You may want to check into them for other rules before you go.

 

[SpeedThrills]

https://www.nhraracer.com/Files/Tech/2025 NHRA Rulebook.pdf
NHRA didn't use to post it online. They made you buy a membership. Even they realized how stupid that was.

 

[33IMP]

Last time I ran my 6.40s car, an open face helmet was okay, as long as the Snell is up to date.
Checking your local track rules is great advice.

 

[Slantsix64]

You are good with an open face helmet. Open cars and cars running 9.99 or faster require full face helmets.
If your car does not have a shoulder belt I would wear a full face.
Most tracks post the local track rules on thier website. You may want to check into them for other rules before you go.

okay, i figured that its just the wording on it wasn't very clear.

 

[Slantsix64]

here is the info with nhra rules
https://fuelfest.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/NHRA-Racing-Safety-Rules.pdf

this is what is posted from the link @SpeedThrills provided.

HELMET
For all 10.00 to 13.99 closed-bodied cars, either an open-faceor a full-face Snell: M2015, M2020, SA2015, SA2020, SFI:31.1/2015, 31.1/2020, FIA: 8860-2010, 8859-2015, 8859-2024or 8860-2018 helmet with or without a shield is mandatory.

 

[mderoy340]

okay, i figured that its just the wording on it wasn't very clear.

You need to be a lawyer to read some of the rules.

 

[70dart340]

Last time I ran my 6.40s car, an open face helmet was okay, as long as the Snell is up to date.
Checking you local track rules is great advice.

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Is that a Cortina?

 

[pomonamissel]

ran one at 11.8

 

[33IMP]

Is that a Cortina?

Yep. 64 series one.
I like little (light!) cars with big V8s.
The red one is my other ride.
(The flames will be disappearing soon.)

 

[pomonamissel]

building an a40 austin coupe , got a donovan 417 block and crower crank , plate rods . still working out what heads ect...... and a 8 71 4 port hilborn injector to top it with , and of course vintage american magnesium rims still in process .

 

[33IMP]

building an a40 austin coupe , got a donovan 417 block and crower crank , plate rods . still working out what heads ect...... and a 8 71 4 port hilborn injector to top it with , and of course vintage american magnesium rims still in process .

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LOVE IT! I love the old gassers, made from itty-bitty English cars!
I found a fourdoor Austin gasser style car nearby (not really a gasser, had an LS in it) that was VERY reasonably priced.
By the time I decided I needed to have it (in spite of having WAY too many cars now!), twas gone!
Just one of many that got away...
Edit: are those Magnesium mags (five spokes?) 5 on 5?
I've got a pair of Ansens that look just like em, but they're aluminum, and heavy! (for their width).

 

[pomonamissel]

what size 5 on 5 rims , i'm thinking magnesium torq thrusts . i've got three a40 austins , a 2 dr coupe a 4 dr sed a pu ( cab is behind that coupe body ). i've still got to get those two here so i can see what else i need . sorry i've got better pics in my phone just not enough training to pull them out in to my computer . lol . i've got plenty of early hemi's to fill those engine bays . but that 4dr sed could be a cool street car with a v6 or turbo'd 4 .