No Tech Inspection

[doglover44]

I understand belts because webbing can get wore out over use and time but dont understand helmets

[Rory McNeil]

How about a stick cars scattershield, made of 1/4" steel, needing recert every 2 or 5 years, depending on SFI spec used.Short of a clutch explosion, which would ruin the bellhousing, how the hell does that wear out?

[BigBlockBill]

Originally Posted by doglover44

I understand belts because webbing can get wore out over use and time but dont understand helmets

Skin and hair oils degrade the foam in the helmet. Next time you are at a goodwill store, yard sale, etc and see an old helmet flip it over and pull the fabric back a little and you will see what has happened to it.

[BigBlockBill]

The one that gets me are the trans shields; just inert metal pieces. I have two transmissions in the garage that need to be torn down and sent across the country just so someone can glance at the case and steel liner before sending it all back with a couple stickers.[/QUOTE]

My thought on the trans shield would be that NHRA knows how often they are removed and replace in these cars and maybe the mounting holes get sloppy? That is 114.36% guess work on my part.

[CMcAllister]

Originally Posted by Carguy49

I guess I didn't say it right. I am wondering what the criteria is for replacement/update of equipment. Do helmets wear out or seat belts become frayed or what. Just looking for answers.

Thanks for your reply, just looking for info on the situation.

Justification for most of these specs have been addressed in the past. i.e. wear and tear and environmental degradation to belt material, helmets being thrown around and banged up, advances in technology and the need to take advantage of them, etc.

While you may keep your car in an enclosed trailer and a climate controlled shop, and your helmet in a nice bag to protect it, many don't. The rules need to take into consideration the sloppiest, least attentive, most abusive car owner and the wear and tear he heaps on his equipment.

Plenty of guys out there would show up with 30 year old motorcycle helmets and torn to shreds belts if they could. And do if the tracks aren't paying attention.

Shields and SFI cases? If a guy knew it would never be checked after being purchased, what would stop them from cutting, modifying or hacking it up to fit, or be easier to use, or continuing to use it if it were damaged?

Insurability of the sport drives all this stuff.