Topic: Does your helmet ever hit the window or sunroof? Or do you just race top-down?

[NavyKnight]

Hello,

On my first time lapping, I had the windows up but top down.  I was a track virgin, so after some abrupt turning and loss of control, I would occassionally hit my helmet on the window, so thinking that it was a design flaw of the kappa I just rolled the windows down for safety.  This was all before I took "racing lessons".  Now, after smoothing out my lines and learning proper braking techniques, my head doesn't bobble all over the place, but I still think there is potential to hit your helmet on the window if it is up, so does anyone just race with the window down for safety or for visibility purposes?  I don't find the wind distracting because my helmet has a face shield.  What's your opinion on this?

Here was the funny moment of the day from my lapping session last Monday:

Instructor:  Why are your windows down?
Me:  Because I keep hitting my helmet against the window.
Instructor:  5 minutes of uninterupted laughter.

[Kelu]

Hahahahha, nice one, I bet it was so funny done naturally.
How big is your head?  

What kind of helmet are you using? Open face or full face like sport bikes?
Work on your neck muscle and practice to keep your head straight :p
I think those rally type open face helmets are the thinnest. Also I'm thinking those helmet-neck systems can help you from not hitting with your head but those might be expensive. Other than that I don't have other idea.

[Uranium-238]

I autocross top down. However, I have sat in the car with a helmet on and the top/windows up. No issues hitting anything, though it's close.

Also, I think most tracks make you leave the windows down for safety reasons...

[DeepBlueGXP]

The few times I'v drag raced, I've never hit the sunroof

[NavyKnight]

I don't drag racing should cause any head movement, it's from autocross and track lapping that does the violent head jerking.  I also think it was my crappy driving the first time on the lapping track, as well as me not using the "anchoring" technique with the dead pedal that caused me to bobblehead.  I just wanted to hear if any beginners had the same types of issues. 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vG0sKT-7jjA

[Critterman]

Looks like you had your hands full a couple of different times    They do take some seat time, and I guess we will find out about the helmet and the top this weekend, since it is supposed to rain all weekend and the track will be wet

[Kelu]

Do you have a picture with mounted camera? I don't know how to mount mine for this weekend race.

[kennysabarese]

My helmet can hit the cloth top. And one group I ran with required top to be closed. The other said it could be open.

But with serious groups, they require arm restraints if you have an open top car, to keep your arms inside when you flip.

[NavyKnight]

Do you have a picture with mounted camera? I don't know how to mount mine for this weekend race.

Sorry for the late reply Kelu.  You can use this tip on your next event.  I simply just got an old fashioned camera tripod, and squeezed it against the back seat and rear, then pushed my chari all the way back to lock it in.  Look at my video again, and you can see the goofy looking tripod adjust arm sticking out.  If your seat needs to go forward, then simply use the passenger seat to do this.

[Kelu]

No problem for late replay, NK.
I understand, thank you, now I will be in the quest to find an old tripod

[NormSky]

Yeah, don't go on the track again without an instructor.  It's you so much as it should be required by any club.  Most clubs would have sent you home after two times off track. 

Norm

[Critterman]

I don't know of many places that let you out on a track without an instructor.

[DrJones]

I run with the top down. even in the rain. and never have the windows up.
ofcourse i only do Auto-x so i'll have the top shut until i get close to the line to make my run.

[NavyKnight]

Without an instructor?  All the road lapping tracks here in Toronto allow you to go lapping without an instructor.  When lapping on a busy day, it's bumper to bumper at 170KM per hour!

Like an egotistical tard, my first time on the track was without an instructor, which was a good lesson to learn in itself wiping out 4 times.  Yes the rule is after 2 times with all 4 wheels off the track you are kicked out, but because I had the whole track to myself, they were OK with watching me make a fool of myself.

Anyway, after my first racing lesson that same day look how much I improved 1 hour later:

The instructor showed me some theory for 30mins, then went with me on the track for 5-6 laps.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ha3SsCrc2pI

[1LILNDN]

Will that was with the Top down But does your Helmet hit the top or sun roof?

The few times I'v drag raced, I've never hit the sunroof

oops Our car don't have sun roofs

[Graywolf]

I run hi speed auto cross/time attack events They require windows down,top down Rollbar,6pt harness,arm restrains,helmut long sleeve cotton shirt and pants face shield or goggles.  I sometimes hit the windshield wiper control arm and have had on star call me asking if I was ok as I was approaching a turn going over 100mph on the track.  must have hit the botton on steering wheel.  Gray wolf

[kennysabarese]

do you think it's quieter top down or top up?