A Helmet Is Necessary To Prevent Racetrack Injuries

Car racing has become an increasingly popular sport over the last decade or so. With more and more people expressing interest in both the role of a spectator and as a participant, car racing seems to be growing exponentially. 

For some, the speed and adrenaline rush associated with revving a car's engine and slamming on the gas as you motor through a standard racetrack or a more complicated terrain is what draws them to the sport. For others, the engineering that goes into preparing each and every car, and the in-race upkeep that goes down in the pit is what creates a mystique and an interest in car racing. However, regardless of why somebody is passionate about the sport, there is no denying the attractiveness of it. 

When it comes to being a driver (rather than simply a fan or member of a team's crew) there a few items and accessories that you simply must have. While a car and a suit are undoubtedly important pieces to the overall car racing puzzle, one item that many people seem to overlook or forget when listing what a driver needs come competition time is his or her helmet. 

The number one fear of a driver is that he or she might get into some sort of accident during the race. These accidents can range from simple fender benders to major, extremely dangerous and life threatening crashes. As a result, drivers must prepare for the worst at all times. 

A helmet is a driver's largest safety net, maybe only second to his or her seatbelt (and that is debatable). Driving at such breakneck speeds, even the most careful and cautious racers are prone to an accident from time to time. As a result, being properly protected and safeguarded against serious bodily harm in the event of a crash is a huge part of the preparation every driver goes through before stepping foot on a racetrack. 

There are a few different types of helmets out on the market today, each of which serve a specialized purposed. 

The most common type of helmet used in races these days is known as a full face model. The full face model helmet comes fully equipped with a face guard attached to the front of the helmet. As a result, drivers have their entire head encapsulated inside the helmet, offering complete protection against anything that might cause harm to ones face or head. These helmets can get very hot, which is why most are designed with some sort of vent (often positioned down by the neck) that allows air to escape. This design also minimizes the amount of fog that can build up inside the mask, rendering a driver blind. These helmets also come with fans or some sort of exhaust system built in so as to help keep a driver cool and comfortable during the entire ride. 

Open face helmets are more affordable as compared to their full face counterparts, but they offer a very solid level of protection as well. They are the more practical choice for anybody who races in a junior or amateur circuit, and who does not need to worry about accidents to the same degree as professional stock car racers. 

No matter what level of racing your participate in, having the proper safety gear is a huge part of being a smart and safe driver. Settling on the right helmet for you is a great start toward setting yourself up for a long and injury-free racing career.