2008 NASA *PRO* Rules are out - Head and Neck Restraint req'd
 

http://www.nasaproracing.com/rules/ccr.pdf

H&N restraint with SFI 38.1 cert required as of June 2, 2008

Specification 38.1 - Head and Neck Restraint Systems

Hubbard-Downing HANS Device
Leatt Brace Moto-R Sport Device
LFT Technologies R3 Device
Safety Solutions Hutch-II Device
Safety Solutions Hutchens Hybrid Device
Safety Solutions Hybrid X Device

Not looking to start a debate on which ones better or why some devices aren't included - just being the messenger.

As an FYI (no affiliations, etc) - HANS apparently has a new model that just came out in the last week or so that is around $700 vs. the $900 regular models. Main difference is that the new model is a pound or so heavier and carries an SFI, but not FIA certification. So, to save $200, you're giving up your opportunity to use it in an F1 car. [scratch]

WTF?! WHY WOULD I WANT A HANS DEVICE I CAN'T USE IN MY F1 CAR?! Gosh, guess I'll just have to keep it parked in the front yard for a few more years, along with my rusted out lawn mower and the '57 ford with bullet holes in the door!

ok, you had me scared there since i just spoke with a regional director 2 days ago.
when you post something like this, make sure you state in the title which racing level its for.
pro requires alot more than entry level.

The Leatt brace made it? Awesome. Should only be like $600.

This is applies to all racers as I read it - but I'm not sure of the distinction between club and pro. I'm certainly not seeing any cash out of it ;-)

It does not, as I understand it, apply to HPDE.

Does not apply to HPDE events or time trial events (for street classes).

The latter makes no sense to me, but that's what the guys at OG Racing told me....

I re-re-read the rules - and the section (15.17.8) is under the competition portion of the rule book. So, I think that means no HPDE, but does make me wonder about NASA autocross. If in doubt, a post on NASA forums would probably clear it up.

I'm going with a HANS model 30. Tried the R3 today and though I like the technology idea, it was like sitting with a 2x4 between my back and the seat.

I would take it as you leave your car fully stock OR you do the seat/harness/cage/h&n restraint. Too many grey areas for anything in between.

It should NOT be required for AX...

Just to give you guys a quick note on the NASA “Pro” meaning. It doesn’t mean you get a check for racing at NASA (which we already know that). What it means NASA has Pro Style racing; which means NASA mainly uses Pro courses or Pro Configurations at the Tracks. Take Mid-Ohio, NASA uses the Pro-Course not the club course (of course it took a full year to get permission to do that). NASA will also do Standing Starts on some Series, which is more of a Pro-Style start.

There’s exceptions to this, but that’s the image NASA wants to set.

I don’t know if the H&N restraint requirement has anything to do with what course config NASA normally runs in has anything to do with it… but, maybe it does.