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Castle Combe Rally Day
CASTLE COMBE RALLY DAY Race Collective spent an action-packed day at Castle Combe Circuit, soaking up the atmosphere and performance of some seriously impressive machinery
Although Motorsport is one of the most thrilling and exciting sports, it’s also one of the most dangerous. Over the years, safety has become a bigger concern for drivers, spectators and organisers. Thankfully, Motorsport is iteratively becoming safer with improvements in textile and ballistics reaching clubs racers more than ever. As a driver, you are required to wear safety equipment which adheres to specific regulations, most of them very familiar – FIA, SNELL etc. This post should give you some more info on these regulations, please bear in mind these are ever changing so this article may become out of date over time.
So, what are the regulations and what might be on the market which offers the best protection while keeping some pennies back to spend on the racing!
The FIA standards primarily govern events which run under the FIA banner. These FIA standards are often thought of as the benchmark for competitive racing.
8859-2015
FIA 8859-2015 is the current ‘Premium Helmet’ standard set by the FIA. It is the baseline approval and certifies helmets for use in motorsport with HANS/FHR. The FIA 8859-2015 approval is widely used by drivers who race in FIA classes across the UK and Europe as HANS/FHR use is mandatory. As of January 2022, the standard has no expiry date.
FIA 8860-2018 and 8860-2018ABP
In addition to the FIA’s 8859-2015 standard, there are higher levels of approval that fall within the ‘Advanced Helmets’ standards and offer ballistic protection. The FIA 8860-2018 and 8860-2018ABP (Advanced Ballistic Protection) are the most advanced helmet standards in the world. These standards are particularly relevant to single seater drivers, or in applications where the head is exposed. These helmets offer higher impact in terms of impact energy absorption, sharp objects penetration and HANS/FHR testing. Think of the Felipe Massa accident back in 2009, these helmets are designed to reduce the impact of debris directly to the helmet.
The Snell Memorial Foundation was established in the United States in 1957 after the tragic death of Pete ‘William’ Snell. Since then, more commonly known as Snell, the foundation has been an organisation that dedicates its time exclusively to head protection through scientific and medical research, standards development, helmet testing, and public education. Snell standards are more relevant in the United States and are less relevant if you compete in FIA motorsport. The FIA standards above overrule the Snell standards, so bear this in mind when purchasing a helmet.
Snell SA-2020 – no current expiry
Snell SA2015, SA2010 & SAH2010 – Expires 31 December 2023
Karting is less stringent due to the reduced speeds and smaller circuits. These Snell standards are applicable for karting:
Snell-FIA CMR2016, Snell-FIA K2015, Snell K2020, Snell-FIA CMS2016 and Snell-FIA CMR2007, which do not have an expiry date. Snell-K2010, however does have an expiry at the end of 2023.
The following table – referenced from Demon Tweaks shows the relevant helmet standards and how they may be applicable to you.
Unlike helmets, there are both standards and expiration dates to bear in mind. When you buy a new suit, you will most likely find that on the back of your suit, an expiration date will be shown. These expiration dates will render you suit unusable even if it complies with FIA regulation.
The FIA have homologated racewear, the new standard is 8856-2018. However, this does not effect any of the previous standards at this time.
Overalls 9.1. Clean Flame-Resistant overalls, must be worn to cover from ankle to wrist to neck. Acceptable standards: 9.1.1.Racing: FIA 8856-2000 9.1.2.Special Stage Rallies, Sprints and Hill Climbs: FIA 8856-2000 FIA 1986 Standard
Standard Racing: (Min. Standard):
FIA 8856-2000
Special Stage Rallies, Sprints and Hill Climbs: (Min. Standard):
FIA 8856-2000 (No Expiry Date)
FIA 1986 Standard (No Expiry Date)
There are no official standards to adhere to for gloves, boots and undergarments.
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