S.C.O.R.E. Helmet Rules

[pwcfan]

I know alot of you guys/gals race in S.C.O.R.E. The rule change having to do with "M" rated helmets is quite a problem in the M.O.R.E. series. Alot of us run Shoei helmets, that we purchased through P.C.I. A bunch of us purchased our helmets in the last 12 months. In M.O.R.E. we are "grass-roots" racing. We run on very tight budgets. To purchase new helmets is a large expense.

P.C.I. said they have been fighting S.C.O.R.E. on this issue. It just seems odd that the rules were not "flowed down" to the rest of us, and that they kept selling the helmets, even though they we fighting the ruling to get it extended. I would be nice if S.C.O.R.E. would give us at least another year on "M" (Shoei) helmets.

My opinion only.
Regards, John Sullivan

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[LIL TUCKA]

I had that same problem with my helmet to. The helmet i switched to was the IMPACT helmet it is light. I think it has a big enough visor to see out and all that good stuff well hope you get your problem solved.
LIL TUCKA

[Desert_Roller]

Last time I talked to Scott the only thing not clear about M rated helmets was would they be allowed after 2010, M rated helmets are SCORE legal until 2010.

M rated helmets are certified after taking a flat impact test. SA rated helmets take a point impact test ie: roll bar or tubing. SA rated helmets also have a Nomex lining. M rated helmets have a larger visor opening with a better field of view.

The debate always seems to be which one is best or offers more protection? Each rating has their own pros and cons. If flame resistance is a issue wear a balaclava (Nomex head sock) with a M rated helmet.

PCI stocks both M and SA rated helmets. Try each one on and decide for yourself which helmet offers the fit and protection you need.

Here is the rule directly from the SCORE 2006 - 2010 rule book, page 23. Or look at the SCORE website under Tech Notes.

CR1 HELMETS
Helmets used in four-wheel vehicles must meet the following requirements; Snell memorial foundation, SA2000, SA2005, M2000 or M2005 with a legible Snell sticker attached, FIA Standard 8860-2004, with a legible FIA sticker attached.

SCORE recommends each helmet be labeled (painted) with the driver/riders name, blood type, allergies, or any other medical information.

[GlamisGurlie]

Hi Tom... Just wanted to clarify something if I may on the helmet issue... On the SCORE Tech Notes page, it does state what you posted above, but above that, it also states:

2006-2010 SCORE INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL RULE BOOK

The following are some, but not all of the new rules in the 2006-2010 SCORE International Rule & Regulations book. The new and complete 2006-2010 will be available soon. These rules will take effect on April 1, 2006.

Once the SCORE 2006-2010 Rule Book was published, the following is the ammended version and SCORE legal version of the helmet rule:

SCORE Rule Book, page 23, CR1 Helmets: Helmets used in four-wheel vehicles must meet the following requirements: Snell memorial foundation, SA2000, Sa2005, M2000 and M2005 with a legible Snell sticker attached. FIA Standard 8860-2004, with a legible FIA sticker attached. The "M" helmets will be dropped from the four-wheel classes as of January 1, 2008. Motorcycle and ATV's must meet the following requirements: Snell memorial foundation, M2000 or M2005, with a legible Snell sticker attached, FIA Standard 8860-2004, with a legibile FIA sticker attached. FIA BSI 6658 Type A. See page 149. SCORE recomends each helmet be labeled (painted) with the driver/riders name, blood type, allergies, or any other special medical information. Straps must have "D" rings, no snaps.

It's not just the fire and impact rating that sets the "M" and "SA" series helmets apart... It's also the snap-on shield and shield thickness. The snap-on shields are known to pop off during a rollover or when impacted by something, so if your car rolls over, your shield pops off and there is a fire or debris (tools or what not) flying around, there is nothing to protect your eyes and face... The issue is actually much more complex than just wearing a Nomex sock under your helmet... I spoke at great length with PCI yesterday for about a half hour on this and in no way, shape or form are the "M" series helmets going to be legal as of January 1, 2008 in SCORE, which is the sanctioning body we all follow regarding safety and class rules and regs... There are so many cross-over racers from one series to the next that it only makes sense (especially where safety is involved) for all race series' to adapt the same codes and rules... My Tech Director at BITD spoke with me about this when it first came up and asked my opinion (as this is one of my areas with BITD)... we agreed to follow SCORE's guidelines and started telling teams about this when they came through in mid 2006 so they could prepare ...

When all is said and done, it comes down to this - what is your head worth?

[9rocky]

Last time I talked to Scott the only thing not clear about M rated helmets was would they be allowed after 2010, M rated helmets are SCORE legal until 2010.

M rated helmets are certified after taking a flat impact test. SA rated helmets take a point impact test ie: roll bar or tubing. SA rated helmets also have a Nomex lining. M rated helmets have a larger visor opening with a better field of view.

The debate always seems to be which one is best or offers more protection? Each rating has their own pros and cons. If flame resistance is a issue wear a balaclava (Nomex head sock) with a M rated helmet.

PCI stocks both M and SA rated helmets. Try each one on and decide for yourself which helmet offers the fit and protection you need.

Here is the rule directly from the SCORE 2006 - 2010 rule book, page 23. Or look at the SCORE website under Tech Notes.

CR1 HELMETS
Helmets used in four-wheel vehicles must meet the following requirements; Snell memorial foundation, SA2000, SA2005, M2000 or M2005 with a legible Snell sticker attached, FIA Standard 8860-2004, with a legible FIA sticker attached.

SCORE recommends each helmet be labeled (painted) with the driver/riders name, blood type, allergies, or any other medical information.

ARTS tech people are ADAMENTLY telling everyone that the M helmets can NOT be used after the 2007 season. Since they do tech for MORE, SNORE, and MDR, it seems pretty clear that for these people, they are screwed.

[9rocky]

Hi Tom... Just wanted to clarify something if I may on the helmet issue... On the SCORE Tech Notes page, it does state what you posted above, but above that, it also states:

2006-2010 SCORE INTERNATIONAL TECHNICAL RULE BOOK

The following are some, but not all of the new rules in the 2006-2010 SCORE International Rule & Regulations book. The new and complete 2006-2010 will be available soon. These rules will take effect on April 1, 2006.

Once the SCORE 2006-2010 Rule Book was published, the following is the ammended version and SCORE legal version of the helmet rule:

SCORE Rule Book, page 23, CR1 Helmets: Helmets used in four-wheel vehicles must meet the following requirements: Snell memorial foundation, SA2000, Sa2005, M2000 and M2005 with a legible Snell sticker attached. FIA Standard 8860-2004, with a legible FIA sticker attached. The "M" helmets will be dropped from the four-wheel classes as of January 1, 2008. Motorcycle and ATV's must meet the following requirements: Snell memorial foundation, M2000 or M2005, with a legible Snell sticker attached, FIA Standard 8860-2004, with a legibile FIA sticker attached. FIA BSI 6658 Type A. See page 149. SCORE recomends each helmet be labeled (painted) with the driver/riders name, blood type, allergies, or any other special medical information. Straps must have "D" rings, no snaps.

It's not just the fire and impact rating that sets the "M" and "SA" series helmets apart... It's also the snap-on shield and shield thickness. The snap-on shields are known to pop off during a rollover or when impacted by something, so if your car rolls over, your shield pops off and there is a fire or debris (tools or what not) flying around, there is nothing to protect your eyes and face... The issue is actually much more complex than just wearing a Nomex sock under your helmet... I spoke at great length with PCI yesterday for about a half hour on this and in no way, shape or form are the "M" series helmets going to be legal as of January 1, 2008 in SCORE, which is the sanctioning body we all follow regarding safety and class rules and regs... There are so many cross-over racers from one series to the next that it only makes sense (especially where safety is involved) for all race series' to adapt the same codes and rules... My Tech Director at BITD spoke with me about this when it first came up and asked my opinion (as this is one of my areas with BITD)... we agreed to follow SCORE's guidelines and started telling teams about this when they came through in mid 2006 so they could prepare ...

When all is said and done, it comes down to this - what is your head worth?

Jamie,

I do not think it comes down to "what do people think their head is worth". I think it comes down to the fact that companies are selling helmets to people that think they are doing the right thing, and that they think can be used for 10 years without being told that they will be no good after this year. One of our co-riders just bought a helmet the week before the More race, was not told that it would be no good after 2007. At tech he was told that it was "no good in 08". How does this kid feel, thinking he was doing the right thing, to be told that the $500 he just spent was basically useless. I think he is thinking, what is my head worth because I am stupid, and I just got duped by a company that is supposed to be reputable in the off road world.

[PLS]

While I feel bad for the people with M rated helmets, I am one of them, this came up over a year ago. There was a temporary extension on their use, but it seemed pretty clear this change was going to happen. I'm surprised that so many people weren't aware of this. It was widely discussed here on RDC. If I had been buying a helmet in the last year, it would only have been SA for this very reason.

[cvc motorsports]

While I feel bad for the people with M rated helmets, I am one of them, this came up over a year ago. There was a temporary extension on their use, but it seemed pretty clear this change was going to happen. I'm surprised that so many people weren't aware of this. It was widely discussed here on RDC. If I had been buying a helmet in the last year, it would only have been SA for this very reason.

I completely agree with this statement. I also have to buy a new helmet next year. I feel it would have been good business for these companies to take these helmets off the market and not sell them as they know they are worthless in a year!

[Desert_Roller]

Jamie you are on top of it once again. My post was from a discussion at least 3-4 months ago, I had no knowledge that the rules had been changed again.

[pwcfan]

Just for giggles I am worth more dead than alive.......my "complaint" is that these "reputable" companies contiued to sell us all helmets with no discalimer or otherwise.........I just do what I am advised to do by fellow racers and the M.O.R.E. tech info, which, to this day does not mention this issue !

It is not about "how much is my head worth"......it is about good business practices and ethical responsibilities.

Again, it will not hamper my racing..........it may others at my level of competition.

Regards, John Sullivan