Head And Neck Restraints
 

Does anyone have any info on NHRA making head and necks restraints mandatory, effective immediately??.. inquiring minds wanna know..

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Check 2023 rule book go look under each category ---YES some classes they are mandatory not sure where the speed or ET break is kind looks like about 750-800ET not sure on MPH ---BETTER check each category as they are listed ---also check for driving suits AND SHOE restriction too ---lotsa changes--FED 387

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

7.49 or quicker ---200 MPH or quicker ----OR unless class requirements require one---2023 NHRA rule book section 10.8 explains it fully--FED 387

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Personally ,I was considering getting a neck restraint for a few years.
After seeing Will's crash at Cecil County I made my decision ,NHRA didn't need to mandate it for me.
After talking with some Dirt Modified friends who have much more experience in crashes than we do ,I went with a Necks Gen restraint this year and am not bothered wearing it at all .
It does take a little extra time to strap in and I opted to wear a balaclava in lieu of a neck collar but it's worth the extra safety.
It really has not interfered with watching the other car either.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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?

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Been wearing one for over 10 years now, I watched Tom Giordano crash at Atco at the LODRS race and eventually pass away weeks later from his injuries. That Christmas I went to my Parents and had them both buy me a JEGS GC so I could buy one, when I realized you need to be fitted with the Safety Solutions one, I asked Jeff Kundratic if he would be willing to honor my gift cards and I'd pay the difference which he did. Jeff came down and spent 2 hours fitting me in the car, making sure everything was where I wanted it to be. Our car with the Funny Car Cage is a little bit of a PITA to be able to hook the clips once your strapped in. I still have the same one, been upgraded and re-certified twice now but, wouldn't get into a car without one.

My only complaint with the whole thing is if we're going to make it for the Super Classes, you need to make it for all the bracket / index classes also. I say this because I deal with it on a regular basis, you have racers who run 10.00 index at the local Index Series events, they are not enforced to run a 3 pants / suit, diaper / belly pan...so when they come and run a local series like mine I get the pushback of I run 10.00 index here on a regular basis and it's not required, why at 10.90 it is...and yes I know some rules are based on speed. Just like the gray area with TD / TS and Advance ET Lic that I get. You need a TD / TS license to run that class which requires the 15 suit, fire ext, etc but, you can get an advanced ET License for 7.50 and slower and don't have to have that stuff. I get it, a lot of racers are sticks in the mud when it comes to safety, I've been racing for 40 years and nothing has happened, why do I need it now.....I got one that lives downstairs but, like Tom said after seeing Will's crash at Cecil, I think we all need to re-think our safety.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Well, whatever they decide they need to do it soon! like many others. I am starting off with another car. I need to buy another helmet and neck collar, was going to get my wife to get me that for Christmas but seeing this I’m going to hold off to find out what happens,
it’s like waiting for the Contingency list to come out, I still have a lot of stuff to buy, but want to make sure I buy from companies that pay!

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

The z tech hans device by zamp racing pays. Its adjustable and reasonable.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

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!

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

[QUOTE=63corvette;672260]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.

According to NHRA. Yes it must be kept current.
They won't disqualify you, you just have to go back to the neck collar until you get it current.
Dan Foley]

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Any word on if this will be mandatory yet?

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Nothing that I’ve heard. I think by 2024. But that’s just me.
Dan

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Please don't use the word mandatory. Make it a choice.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Mandatory is a choice :D

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Ok, I am in, but only for cars over 150, just like parachutes, those guys are always looking straight ahead, any way.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Sure we are.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

I went to Necksgen/Impacts website and printed the re-certify sheet.
I filled it out and sent the package in right after the first of the year.
In less than two weeks it came back re-certified with a new tether.
Excellent and quick service.
I guess I am good to go again.
There are a good number of S/G racers I know that is under the impression as I was that if it is not required for the class things like the head and neck restraint is not required to be re-certified.
This is just another issue for me to put in the rear view mirror.
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Looks like the rules have changed in the last week. Neck restraints required for cars over 150. Some people got there wish..

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Was told that this will go in effect 1-1-2024..

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Mutha!!!!!!!!

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

I did look at the rule book and it says effective 1-1-2024.
I guess the rumor was out at the Phoenix National earlier this week.
Some racers not to happy about it.
The restraints are expensive and NHRA is giving some the reason to pass on some of the classes.
I have used one since the racing accident death of a friend coming up 10 years ago in April which a head and neck restraint I believe would have saved his life.
I still think of him often.
I believe they are worth the cost at whatever to save your life if something bad happens.
My 10 cents since inflation.
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

I definitely understand your reasoning, and I think it’s great that you want to wear one more power to you. This, however, seems like more of a money grab ,kind of like the muffler deal
can’t they word the rule that it is recommended instead of mandatory? reminds me of the government when they passed a law that we had to wear seatbelts And helmets had to be worn on all motorcycles. Yes I know these are safety issues but when they take away your choice, it’s just another bad taste left in my mouth.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Keith I agree with you on this one. It should be a choice. Just like going racing.
This is one more thing that may keep some from going NHRA racing which is not good for the sport.
I am nearing the end of my racing career so I will wear the head and neck restraint as I have just in case something goes wrong.
Loosing a good friend and all around nice guy did change my perspective 10 years ago this April.
Rick Cates
Canyon, TX

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

I have a HANS device that was mandatory for the A/DA that I drove in Comp.. I had no issues with it, as I was always chasing.. guess it was good to keep up with the cert..

Some have said that the HANS is a little restrictive when trying to look side to side.. shouldn't be a problem for me though, cause being a STRIPE *****, I never look anyway.. ain't that right, Tom Goldman??..LMFAO!!

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

I watched Tom Giordano crash at Atco on the starting line in 2010?? and pass away weeks later in the hospital. I spoke to one of the medical personal after the event and they told me a H&N restraint would have probably saved him because it was H&N injuries with how he hit the wall. I went to Jeff shortly after and ordered one & still the one I still own, the original one definitely had restrictions on moving left to right but, giving feedback to Jeff through the years he has worked with Simpson to make them more easy to put on, snap together and make it easy to still move your head side to side. I know there is a lot of old school mentality but, when you think about it.....what does a neck collar really do besides protect your neck from fire, yes you do have to wear a sock with no collar but, my new helmet I had Jeff put the skirt in and I love it.

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

Keith, there are two words that explain why it's mandatory and not recommended. LINDA LOUIE ! Vice President and General Counsel of NHRA. She is also the reason why anyone with a Trump saying on their car a few years ago, was told to remove them, or you will not be allowed to make any passes down the track. Thanks to Bo Butner and Eric Trump for standing up to her and getting approval of at least a small area on each car to have this. I'll bet if anyone had biden on their car, no fuss would have been made about that! By the way, has anyone else noticed that NHRA has 9 Vice-Presidents, besides the Chief Executive Officer, and the President. But they can't afford to hire enough tech people at the events? Look at your latest issue of National Dragster, you'll see all these Vice-Presidents and Senior Directors of; Finance, Production, Sales, Toilet Paper, Paper Clips, etc... 90% of these administrators have never driven a car in competition at an NHRA event. And we wonder why they are losing touch with the sportsman racers. Geez, I really don't know why!

Re: Head And Neck Restraints
 

It seems like a money grab to me disguised as a safety issue.

The breaking point for me came when I gutted a perfect good transmission last summer to spend $172 in shipping to get a new $75 tag on the case. It's why I haven't raced SS/T this year.

I'm off topic. Even though in the scheme of things this restraint isn't all that expensive it should be good forever. By the looks of them only the head tether may be subject to wear. Well, sell those new separately, no re-recerts allowed. But, that's not as revenue producing as a new SFI tag.

It's not about the money. I mean, this is an expensive hobby. Having to spend copious amounts of money shouldn't come as a surprise to any of us. It's the constant nickle and diming us in the form of SFI stickers.