davew
Second Gear
Posts: 99
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Post by davew on Jan 14, 2010 20:45:59 GMT -7
I'm thinking about registering for the autocross at RMMR this year (if I'm not already too late). This would be my first time to do autocross. Any suggestions on what type of helmet I should get (open-faced or fully enclosed)? Are there any stores in the area where I can try them on?
Aside from the helmet does anyone have any other tips, suggestions, precautions, car tips. etc.? I have a 2008 Mustang GT.
Dave
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Post by Kevin on Jan 15, 2010 9:09:33 GMT -7
I have read that SCCA recomends open face for cars equiped with air bags.
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Post by deraldrice on Jan 15, 2010 9:12:50 GMT -7
DO NOT buy a helment, espically since this is your first autocross event. You may not like the suto-cross, and then you would have an expensive doorstop. They usually have "loaner" helmets available, and if not, I will have two helmets, and I am sure that others will have helmets that you could use. If you do buy a helmet, Morton Motorsports in denver has a selection available. You can also check www.racingjunk.com for used discounted helmets. The new SA2010 rated helmets will be out late this year, and the current SA2005 rated helmets will be discounted. Make sure to buy a helmet with a SA rating, no older than 2005, since most sanctioning bodies will recognize the most recent generation.
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Post by deraldrice on Jan 15, 2010 9:21:12 GMT -7
Open face or closed face is up to the driver. Certain classes of SCCA will require a closed face, but in the RMMR case either one will be OK. I prefer open face when auto-crossing, so that I can get a better preipherial view.
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Post by Mr. Snake on Jan 15, 2010 13:16:32 GMT -7
I got mine new in box on eBay at a good price. Using a loaner your first year may be a good way to go.
I prefer the open face, I think better visibility, cooler and lighter. I also use a neck "donut" (typically used in go-kart racing) which supports the neck and helmet and keeps your head from flopping. Nothing worse than a bad case of head flop.......
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Post by Kevin on Jan 15, 2010 13:40:48 GMT -7
Nothing worse than a bad case of head flop....... I hate that head flop, though it isn't something I typically need to worry about, as my head is normally jammed into the ceiling of the car when I wear a helmet. Damned lack of head room.
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Post by deraldrice on Jan 15, 2010 15:01:39 GMT -7
Kevin, I will bring my sawzall and we'll cut a "gurney bubble" in your roof to solve that clearance problem
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Post by Kevin on Jan 15, 2010 16:08:03 GMT -7
I would love to put a gurney bubble in the SHO. That would be pretty cool. Not sure how that would work with the sun roof though.
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davew
Second Gear
Posts: 99
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Post by davew on Jan 23, 2010 19:08:50 GMT -7
Thanks for the feedback and advice on the helmet. I submited my registration for RMMR today and signed up for the auto-cross. Will have to see if I got in in time. I'll probably do one of the local auto-cross sessions for practice if they have one like last year.
Dave
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Post by 4ZZS on Jan 26, 2010 23:46:42 GMT -7
Dave, we will start monitoring the Pikes Peak Sports Car Club information to see if they are planning an early one. They have had a Mustang Round up "Warm up" event the last few years a few weeks before RMMR.
Ken
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davew
Second Gear
Posts: 99
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Post by davew on Mar 22, 2010 19:09:14 GMT -7
If you do buy a helmet, Morton Motorsports in denver has a selection available. Derald, you mentioned Morton Motorsports in Denver as having a selection of helmets but I can't find this company on the internet. I think I'm going to go ahead and buy a helmet for myself but I'll probably still need a loaner for my son to ride along. I just need to zero on on the right size for me. I tried on a G-Force open face that a guy from work has. It was a Medium but it was REALY tight. Does anyone have a large I can try for a fit check? Dave
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Post by deraldrice on Mar 22, 2010 22:02:56 GMT -7
Bill Mortens motorsport supply also goes by:
Peterson Fluid Systems Inc.
(303) 287-1731 9801 Havana St, Henderson, CO 80640
They carry the impact line of helmets. (Bill Simpson's new company after he sold simpson safety). I don't know how old your son is, but I think he will have to be over 15 to do a ride-a-long.
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davew
Second Gear
Posts: 99
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Post by davew on Mar 24, 2010 17:56:50 GMT -7
No problem. He'll be 27.
Thanks, Dave
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davew
Second Gear
Posts: 99
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Post by davew on Apr 2, 2010 8:36:50 GMT -7
Is there anyone in the club that would be willing to bring their racing helmet to the meeting on Saturday for me to try on for a fit and comfort check. I'm planning to buy a helmet (inexpensive open face style, e.g. Bell Sport Mag, G-Force Pro Phenom or Pyrotect) but I hate buying something without trying it on.
Dave
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davew
Second Gear
Posts: 99
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Post by davew on May 4, 2010 20:00:14 GMT -7
Well I think I've finally resolved my helmet purchase dilemma. Neither the G-Force large or medium that I ordered fit very well. That was disappointing after I had tried both sizes on from friends that have this helmet. So I returned those and purchased a BELL Sport Mag open face. It arrived today and fits very well.
Thanks to everyone for your input. Now I'm looking forward to putting it to the test on May 23 in Castle Rock.
Dave
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