Re HANS devices

Dear drivers

There was a fair amount of confusion at Castle Combe with regard to helmets, Hans Devices and rulings for 2016. I will try to explain the situation.

It is mandatory in all categories of circuit racing in 2016 for drivers to have an FHR (Frontal Head Restraint), otherwise known as the Hans Device or the Simpson System that attaches to the driver and the helmet. Snell 2005 approved helmets would have been fitted at the time of sale with Hans posts, or the posts could have been fitted later. These Hans posts will be marked 8858-2002 and are only compatible with a Hans Device also 8858-2002 dated and FIA approved. Snell 2005 Helmets that are fitted with 2002 dated Hans posts should carry an FIA sticker on the inside of the helmet, indicating that they are eligible for Hans Devices. Scrutineer’s will be looking for this on Snell approved 2005 helmets. If the helmet does not carry the FIA sticker it is not eligible for use with helmet posts and will be confiscated by the scrutineer’s until the end of the meeting. Snell 2005 helmets will not be eligible for Motorsport after 31.12.2018.

Snell approved 8858-2010 or 8859-2015 helmets must have FHR posts, marked as 8858-2010. Hans Devices that are fitted to these helmets should also be marked as 8858-2010 FIA approved. You cannot fit a 2010 Hans Device to a helmet which has 2002 Hans posts. It should also be noted that some Snell 8859-2015 helmets are not FIA approved, so ensure the one you buy is FIA approved. Snell 8858-2010 and Snell 8859-2015 will NOT be recognised for motorsport after 31.12.2023. An FIA 8859-2015 is the most up to date helmet with no expiry date set.

The HSCC website carries some period defined exemptions for certain pre-1977 cars where Hans Devices are not required. Section G and H refers to cars that are not being used in circuit racing, but which can test on an MSA approved circuit without an FHR device. For all cars competing in circuit racing in 2016, an FHR Device is required. There are “recommendations” as to how the seat belts should be attached to the car for Hans Devices, and whilst this is not currently mandatory, it will almost certainly be in the future, so you are therefore recommended to ensure that your belts attach correctly for the Hans Device you are using.

These rules are applied by the MSA for National Circuit racing only and non FIA sanctioned events overseas. If the meeting such as “Nurburgring Old Timer” is an FIA sanctioned meeting the minimum requirement for a helmet is Snell 8858-2010.

If you are still not clear and I can fully understand if that is the case, please come back to me with any questions that you may have.