YES, you are required to wear a helmet if you are participating in either the autocross or one of the track groups, as is your passenger in the groups which allow riders. What kind of helmet depends on which group you are in.

If you are participating in the autocross or in one of the speed-regulated track groups (A, B, C, H, R, or X), you are required to wear a DOT-Approved or Snell-rated helmet (either Motorcycle or SA). If you are in one of the full-competition race car groups (E and V), then you are required to have a Snell SA2015 or newer (see below).

Click here to learn more about Snell ratings. Because they offer the highest level of protection and are designed for auto racing, we strongly recommend the Snell SA-rated versions. We do not accept ECE-rated helmets.

Helmets can be full-faced, modular, or open-faced, but must extend down to your neck and have a chin strap. Half-helmets (aka ‘brain buckets’) are NOT permitted. The only exception to these rules is for a period-correct, vintage style helmets which are only allowed in Group H if you want to look the part. All helmets must be in good condition with no damage to the shell, face shields, or straps. 

GROUP H

Drivers and Passengers in this group are required to wear a helmet. We prefer that you wear a DOT-Approved approved helmet, but if you want to look the part, here are some examples of acceptable helmets. Remember, they must have a chin strap and the straps have to be in good shape – at the very least it needs to be strong enough that the tech inspector can pull on it as hard as he can with his hands and it not break.

GROUP A and R

Remember, both you and your passenger are required to wear a DOT-Approved helmet.

Autocross, GROUP B, C, and X

Below are some examples of DOT-Approved helmets

GROUP E or V

If you are participating in one of the race-car exhibition groups (E or V), then you are required to wear a Snell-SA2015 rated helmet. It can be full- or open-faced, although we always suggest full. Head and neck restraint systems are encouraged but not required.

Better quality and higher rated helmets will provide a higher degree of protection for your head – which as you know houses your brain. If you do not have a helmet there are many choices and at various cost points. While the corporation cannot make any recommendations about the suitability of a particular brand of helmet, SNELL 2015 helmets can be purchased from around $150 and up, and DOT helmets can be purchased for less. We would like to reiterate firmly that we recommend that all participants be responsible for their own safety and use the appropriate safety equipment

NO BRAIN BUCKETS

These are some examples of Brain Buckets. These are not acceptable safety gear.