SCORE INTERNATIONAL

SCORE Journal Issue 8 - 2015

SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing

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While new SNELL standards are created to continually provide higher levels of safety, some racers may be slow to upgrade their current helmets, which isn't always a good idea. "SNELL SA2010 rated helmets will continue to be allowed, but many people will want to upgrade their helmet to a SNELL SA2015 certified version and take advantage of the latest safety technology," says Debbie Bishop, VP of Marketing at Simpson Performance Products. "Improved performance in low lateral impact crashes is just one example of the many improvements made to strengthen an SA2015 helmet." Studies on these low, lateral impacts have shown they can cause harmful long-term effects. So upgrading to helmets with the latest standards can benefit racers years after they've used them. "Previous SNELL standards required helmets to attenuate very severe impacts," says Kelli Willmore at Impact Safety. "However, the new SA2015 standard includes energy attenuation requirements for low, moderate, and side impacts. Recent research in the effects of mild to traumatic brain injury has provided alarming evidence in regards to the long-term effects of concussions. Even relatively minor concussions are now believed to have more serious long-term effects and have been the driving force for the advancements in helmet design and construction for both high and low-velocity impacts." Best Features For Desert Racers While various types of motorsports require unique features, desert racers have come to incorporate a few of their own which all have to deal with the massive amount of dirt and dust that comes with this type of racing. The first is using a helmet that incorporates a fresh air pipe. SCORE racers driving four- wheel vehicles require helmets that can be attached to an air pump to supply fresh filtered air that they can breathe. This also helps keep them cool, and helps keep the exhaustion level down during long races. "Some teams even run the fresh air system through cool boxes to cool the air being pumped into the helmets," says Russell. "This is a major advantage for the summertime races." Some helmet manufacturers like HJC, have improved designs around the fresh air and cooling capabilities that are essential for desert racers. "Our Fi-10R top forced air helmet provides racers a lightweight helmet with excellent channeled cooling capabilities," says Jason Oh, Brand Manager for HJC. "The low profile design allows for maximum head clearance while utilizing a multi-directional standard hose connection. Channels for the airflow not only keep your head cool but also reduce any potential for fogging." Four-wheel racers with full- WITHOUT A WINDSHIELD ON AN UNLIMITED TROPHY TRUCK, RACERS SUCH AS STEVEN EUGENIO AND STEVE COVEY SHOWN HERE, WEAR FULL-FACE HELMETS THAT ARE FED FRESH AIR. GETSOMEPHOTO 070 SCORE JOURNAL

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