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

[MattMarks]

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.

[stoopidsteve87]

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!

[GreenEnvy]

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.

[BadIdea]

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

[MattMarks]

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.

[WeeAsp]

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....

[MattMarks]

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.

[BadIdea]

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.

[WeeAsp]

It should NOT be required for AX...

[ted7rns]

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.