Head And Neck Restraints

[James Sessoms]

Since I wrecked my caviler at MIR. I have worn a head and neck restraint. I started in about 2006. I began using trevor ashlines safety solutions which has been bought by Simpson. I use the Simpson. Easy to put on on the restrain floats so there is no limit to turning your head to finish line race.

[Carl Juliano]

I've been wearing them since '08 in both S/G and TS. I've had the HANS, Simpson Hybrid and the Necks Gen. I settled on the Necks Gen. Its compact and the channels are wide enough for the 3in belts, I also found it easier to get out of the car easier because it doesnt have the "backboard" like the HANS. I have decent side to side movement also. Just my .02. They are all good, just a matter of what you are comfortable with.

[63corvette]

I have been using a Necksgen since 2013 when a friend died in a on track crash with a snapped neck.
All the head and neck restraints are much better than a neck collar which is really designed as a collar to protect from a fire.
My question is the head and neck restraint with a 5 year sfi tag required to be re-certified if the restraint is not required by the class rules you participate in?
I can not find a definite answer in the rule book.
I have been told anything with a sfi tag must be re-certified once the tag runs out by a tech person with NHRA.
I have also been told by a Division Tech Director if it is not required by the class it does not need re-certified.
Most of the racers I talk to goes with it does not like the Division Tech Director.
I just do not want be disqualified from a race due to a Head and Neck restraint sfi being expired which is not required for the class.
I run SG and for safety reasons I use a Necksgen.
Does a expired sfi need re-certified or not?
How do we get a definite answer?
Thanks
Rick Cates
Canyon TX. SG 5887

[Keith 944]

For a definite answer I would contact Lonnie Grim. Can’t go much higher than that

[schultz]

I heard a rumor that NHRA announced at PRI that HANS devices will be mandatory for all super class cars in 2024. Can anyone confirm or deny that?

[voltdr]

Just talked with Lonnie Grim. It isn't final but it's being discussed.
Dan

[Lenny5160]

I hope it isn't quite that black-and-white.

I don't currently wear one, but in the dragster I wouldn't mind it.

My S/ST car is slow enough that I don't need to wear gloves or a neck collar currently. I'm all in favor of safety, but limited movement would increase the degree of difficulty of driving by a considerable amount.

[Dave Bergfeldt]

I've been using a NECKSGEN for 8 yrs, it's light weight, compact, can be put on in the car with ease in seconds, even with a funny car cage, limits side to side a bit but not enough to be a problem, recert is fast and easy with their on line form, I did go with the longer tethers when recerted which made it easier for removal, I use a head sock which also helps with keeping the helmet dry on hot days!

[Average Joe]

Yes, they need to be recertified. Just like you can’t use an expired SFI-15 firesuit in the super classes. I just had necksgen recert mine. Super easy and fast, print the form from their website and go.

[SST159]

I purchased a Hanns 3 several years ago and have been using it on and off to get used to it. Yes I did have it re certified last year which I used a company out of NJ only because they were closer to me. The process is very similar to re certifying belts. Be sure when you have it re certified, you tell them what size tether you want. They come in different lengths. The only thing I do not like about the Hanns 3 is the belts do not fit nicely on the shoulder. It seams they are designed to fit 2" belts and not 3" belts. One thing I am not sure of and perhaps someone could clarify is the head sock vs the helmet skirt spec. I personally do not want to use the head sock therefore I am looking into using the Velcro attached helmet skirt. The way I read the spec is not clear to me in the NHRA rule book. I read it as SFI 3.3 which is confusing because what is available is 3.3/5 and 3.3/10. Can I use a 2 layer SFI 3.3/5 helmet skirt or does it have to be a 3.3/10 which I believe is 3 layer. Both are available. Next question is if anyone uses the helmet skirt is it recommended to use a standard style or is it better to get the tapered style? The tapered style has less fabric to stuff in your suite.
Appreciate any input.