The rule books mandates the helmet specs to be used, but they don’t explain the difference between ECE 22.05, SNELL SA or SNELL M helmets. All of these helmets are allowed in Drag racing, there are even more standards that are ok to use, but the above are the most popular ones. The difference between them is that the M and the ECE helmets are Motorcycle helmets that are built to withstand the nature of a motorcycle crash, the SA helmet is built for auto-racing. The nature of a Motorcycle crash compared to a race-car crash is way different. The impacts against the helmet are totally different and the motorcycle helmet has an inner liner of nylon that burns and melt.

Make sure you have a helmet that is built to handle the force of multiple impact against the roll cage and open fire inside your car. Look inside your helmet under the inner liner at your neck, if it says SNELL SA you are fine.

The picture shows a ECE 22.05 helmet.

It took 2 seconds for the helmet to start burning. That compared to a SFI 5/FIA Racing suit that is built to protect you against burn for a minimum of 10 seconds.

The above information is intended to give the racer a better understanding on how to get the most out of his or her personal safety equipment.