Here's an important note from last night's RR Board meeting - important because it's not in the supps for the April school/race:

Short version
NHIS is requiring people in hot areas of the track to wear helmets this year. This will primarily affect volunteer workers and emergency responders, but may affect crew as well, though that is not etched in stone.

Longer version
First, bear in mind that this is a track rule that has nothing to do with SCCA or NER. It is in the 2006 contract. Ergo, if you disagree with it there is no sense griping here, to Brian, to Kathy, etc.

How does this affect crew? That is the big question for us, and the answer is up in the air, because Kathy Barnes is still working with NHIS to define "hot," and she is seeking what I will call El Loophole Grande: it is possible that pit boxes will not be deemed hot areas. With the possible exception of El Loophole Grande, anything over pit wall is hot. That means if your crew likes to go way over to the outer pit wall to flash you messages or time you, they will need helmets.

What constitutes a helmet? Any "helmet designed to protect the head in a fall" is acceptable. Bike helmets, ski helmets, hockey helmets: all OK. Hard hats: not OK. Pith helmets: dashing but not OK.

NHIS and NER are aware that there'll be confusion the first weekend. Expect friendly reminders (the first time) and available loaner helmets.

Best advice: If you have crew who take your tire temps or otherwise go over the wall, throw a couple of cycling helmets in your truck.

Key point to remember: Love &#39;em or hate &#39;em, helmet laws are what the future holds, according to those in the know. (The notion of taking responsibility for your own actions and not suing somebody every time you get a boo-boo is apparently quaint. <_< ) So we should all get used to this.

Steve U
05 ITS
Flatout Motorsports