Racing Helmet

Racing Helmet

RACING HELMET: Racing helmet will only be a full face helmet with a properly fitted visor snapped shut and must be worn at all times when operating a kart. The helmet must be properly fitted and securely fastened. Helmets which can have any structural part detached or lifted (other than the visor) are not permitted. Helmets with built in rear view capability are not permitted. Only approved helmets are permitted and these must be maintained in A1 order.

It is not permissible to use a helmet which is older than 10 years.

An approved helmet must bear one of the listed approved standards published in the KartSport Manual. At the start of each calendar year racing helmets which comply with the standards as laid out in the manual and which are in good condition will receive a tamper proof year dated KartSport New Zealand sticker. This sticker will be placed on the outside back of the helmet by a KartSport New Zealand Race Official. If the racing helmet is involved in an incident or its condition deteriorates, a KartSport New Zealand Race Official will remove the sticker.

Competitors must wear a helmet at all times when within the racing confines including while waiting for a race, time trial or practice to be concluded and while riding on a recovery vehicle/trailer. The only exceptions are when the helmet needs to be removed under the supervision of medical personal or the competitor is standing in a designated safe area, eg Flag Point.

It is the competitor’s responsibility to prove the quality of the helmet. It is not necessary for a Machine Examiner or the Chief Steward to prove the standard or quality of an unidentified helmet.

All helmets manufactured, as evidenced by the manufacturer’s date of manufacture labeling, more than 10 years old prior to the date of an event may be impounded. Where no date of manufacture is visible on the helmet the onus is on the competitor to prove the helmet is less than 10 years old. Date of purchase is not evidence of the age of the helmet.

The Chief Steward is empowered to impound any helmet considered of insufficient standard or, if of approved design, in a damaged or unsound condition.

Only helmets with a strap retaining system are permitted.

Helmets are not to be modified, except as specifically permitted by the helmet manufacturer, in particular;

ABS and Polycarbonate helmets must not be painted.

It is not permissible to put any stickers on ABS or Polycarbonate helmets other than those supplied by the helmet manufacturer.

Composite shell helmets may only be painted with a paint approved by the manufacturer.

Helmet Fit Test: The helmet with strap correctly fastened must not be able to be removed by lifting the back of the helmet. See drawing below.

The use of helmet restraints securing a driver’s helmet to the kart are not permitted.

Helmet Visors.

These must be properly fitted to give complete eye protection at all times. Visors must be correctly fitted. Any foreign attachment to the visor to hold it in place is not acceptable. Visors which change colours (ie Blue Blockers) are not acceptable. Only clear visors can be used when competing at events under lights. When using a wet weather whirly a properly fitted visor must be used as well. All visors must be clean and free of scratches and marks. Any attachment to the visor must not be lower than eye level when worn.

The Chief Steward is empowered to impound any helmet visor considered of insufficient standard or clarity, damaged or unsound condition.

Care of your helmet:

Make sure your helmet is not subject to solvents or fuel while in transport or storage to and from and during meetings.

Solvents of any kind must not be used to clean your helmet - use soap and water.

Do not place your helmet where it can be subject to continuous sunlight, eg, parcel trays, rear car windows. Store your helmet in a dark and dry location.

Use a helmet bag to protect your helmet.

Don’t loan or share your helmet.

KartSport New Zealand strongly recommends, on advice from manufacturers, that you do not use a helmet for more than three years.

Make sure your helmet is not dropped or subjected to abuse in any way. If this happens, have it re-examined by a qualified person or replace it.
In the case of severe impact the helmet should be destroyed so it cannot be reused.