What is the difference between auto racing and motorcycle racing helmet safety standards?
Motorcycle helmets are tested to meet the highest safety standards in the industry …. from the Snell Foundation and are labeled with a sticker inside each helmet with a “Mxxxx” rating which refers to Motorcycle and the year the Snell Foundation update the standard. Auto Racing helmets carry the Snell Foundation SA2005 ratings which refers to the SA, Special Applications and the year the Snell Foundation updated the standard. Snell updates its standards every 5 years. You may still see a ’95 in the market place but most likely M2000 or SA 2000’s. The newest helmets on the market carry the 2005 which is the latest update. In order to get the Snell rating, both types of helmets must pass a series of vigorous and identical impact tests. In addition to these tests the SA standard must comply with 3 additional variances or tests. 1) The SA helmets must have a Nomex fabric liner and are therefore more fire resistant for auto racing. 2) The SA standard allows a minimum eyeport size that is s
