NHRA New 150 mph Head & Restraint Rules For 2024

[DavidKFla]

https://www.dragzine.com/news/nhra-announces-new-150-mph-head-neck-restraint-requirement-for-24/

 

[vortecd]

My thought is dont crash and you won't need it Odd part is the 1/4 time going with it. How do you run 7.49 at 149 without letting out? Should be 8.99 or 8.49

 

[DavidKFla]

My thought is dont crash and you won't need it Odd part is the 1/4 time going with it. How do you run 7.49 at 149 without letting out? Should be 8.99 or 8.49

I've experienced a broken neck. Not something I want to revisit. Either should you.

 

[Marc W]

Kinda weird that they even bothered with the et part of that. 150 mph pretty much covers the concern and a car running 150 isn’t even close to a 7.49. The chute requirement doesn’t have any et attached so…. 🫤. I use one of the Simpson Hybrids and it does a excellent job of controlling helmet movement without banging into the helmet like the Hans. Another factor in protecting you neck is the weight of the helmet. Get the lightest one you can afford.

 

[RGPIII]

This should open up the discussion into the Hans device. Who has experience with them. Kind of along the lines if what Marc said, are they all created equal? what should we be looking for when purchasing them?

 

[BULL]

Subscribed

 

[Marc W]

This should open up the discussion into the Hans device. Who has experience with them. Kind of along the lines if what Marc said, are they all created equal? what should we be looking for when purchasing them?

I’ve used the Hans for some time. I switched to the Simpson for a couple reasons. If you look at the Hans, it sticks up behind the helmet with tethers that are higher than the Simpson. My helmet was always banging up against the device and it was annoying. I was always aware that it was there. Also some reports that the top part of the Hans can get hung up on anything overhead when trying to get out in the event of a crash/fire. The Simpson does a better job of limiting the movement of the helmet in all directions than the Hans and the strap on design is more comfortable when on.

 

[drag racer]

I've used only HANS, starting with the original design, and currently have a newer, lighter version. Took a little getting used to at first, especially competing in a "finish line driving" class. The original version definitely limited the ability to turn your head, the newer versions greatly improved that with the ability to slide a little. I personally would never race a fast car without it or a similar device. In the interest of fair reporting, the NHRA often yields a heavy hand in rulemaking, with some things challenging logic and sound reasoning, but this is one area I will never complain about, even though it adds more cost to racing. These things have saved numerous lives from basal skull fracture.

 

[45-70govt]

 

[RGPIII]

View attachment 101898

don't worry guys, its a Ford. it probably doesn't run. As long as the owner doesn't fall out after drinking his beer making truck noises he will be ok.

 

[Marc W]

Another thing to be aware of…. If you are running in the 8’s or above 150 mph and have to get thru the NHRA tech inspection that is required at that level…. you will also need to have either a SFI hood or Donut in addition to the helmet restraint. Currently a donut doesn’t require a hood but a device does. The reason is fire. The device doesn’t keep it from getting at your neck and face. The SFI donut is considered fire protection as it closes off the bottom of the helmet. This is one of the things I have had them check every time. When the check my device they always ask to see my hood or donut.

 

[jonx96]

Another thing to be aware of…. If you are running in the 8’s or above 150 mph and have to get thru the NHRA tech inspection that is required at that level…. you will also need to have either a SFI hood or Donut in addition to the helmet restraint. Currently a donut doesn’t require a hood but a device does. The reason is fire. The device doesn’t keep it from getting at your neck and face. The SFI donut is considered fire protection as it closes off the bottom of the helmet. This is one of the things I have had them check every time. When the check my device they always ask to see my hood or donut.

I think most people forget the rubber valve stem rule

 

[DavidKFla]

I think most people forget the rubber valve stem rule

People always try and tell me that steel valve stems aren't needed. I've always run them. The cost for your personal safety is minimal.

 

[BULL]

Properly torqued steel stems as well!!!

The weight of a steel stem/tpms unit at speed will deflect under momentum and cause a leak at speed (but not static while you're looking for the leak).


Ask me how I know!


That took forever and a day to discover, even had Michelin engineering come to my house and troubleshoot because of it!!!


FYI: use the high end of the torque spec!

 

[Hatermkr]

This should open up the discussion into the Hans device. Who has experience with them. Kind of along the lines if what Marc said, are they all created equal? what should we be looking for when purchasing them?

I have a HANS device. Use with my super late model I hate it but it works

 

[DavidKFla]

Properly torqued steel stems as well!!!

The weight of a steel stem/tpms unit at speed will deflect under momentum and cause a leak at speed (but not static while you're looking for the leak).


Ask me how I know!


That took forever and a day to discover, even had Michelin engineering come to my house and troubleshoot because of it!!!


FYI: use the high end of the torque spec!

I don't use the tpms on race wheels. They look like trouble to me.

 

[Hatermkr]

People also need to read the cage rule jon brought this up.
8.99 and/or 150mph a cage is needed

add taking out seats you are removing air bags need cage

light weight brakes are not factory need cage
15 inch rears need cage

 

[Magnified]

But is it as effective at controlling movement at impact speeds? Not saying its not, just asking.

I’ve used the Hans for some time. I switched to the Simpson for a couple reasons. If you look at the Hans, it sticks up behind the helmet with tethers that are higher than the Simpson. My helmet was always banging up against the device and it was annoying. I was always aware that it was there. Also some reports that the top part of the Hans can get hung up on anything overhead when trying to get out in the event of a crash/fire. The Simpson does a better job of limiting the movement of the helmet in all directions than the Hans and the strap on design is more comfortable when on.

 

[Magnified]

People also need to read the cage rule jon brought this up.
8.99 and/or 150mph a cage is needed

add taking out seats you are removing air bags need cage

light weight brakes are not factory need cage
15 inch rears need cage

To be honest I've always thought this is one reason to remain slow comparatively.

 

[Magnified]

Or have separate full race car.