Midwestern Council has announced new rules for wheel-to-wheel safety equipment that will go into effect for the 2020 racing season. But don't panic. For the most part, these changes simply bring MCSCC rules more in line with existing SCCA and NASA rules. Most drivers will find that they already own the required safety equipment! And if any of your gear falls short, we have you covered. |
What has changed
Head and Neck Restraints: Most significantly, Rule 2.3 now requires a frontal head restraint (FHR) bearing SFI 38.1, FIA 8858-2002, or FIA 8858-2010 approval. There are many such restraints on the market, including the well-known HANS Device and the flexible and forgiving Simpson Hybrid.
Driver's suits: Rule 5.1 replaces the list of allowed materials with the simple requirement that all driver's suits must meet SFI 3.2A or FIA standards.
Driving Shoes, driving gloves, and socks: Rule 6 also replaces the list of approved materials with the simple requirement that driving shoes, gloves, and socks must meet SFI or FIA standards. This eliminates the loophole that allowed leather gardening gloves, wrestling shoes, and dress socks.
Harnesses: Rule 10.4 simplifies things greatly by stating that belts with an expiration date tag will expire at the end of the year on that tag. All other requirements remain the same. If the expiration date on your harness is 2020 or later, you're still good to go.
What hasn't changed
Helmets: All helmets which were accepted in 2019 will still be legal for 2020. SFI 31.1 and FIA 8860 standards are now accepted in addition to the existing Snell SA standards.
Face and hair protection: Three rules have been streamlined into one, but the meaning and intent remains the same. Fire-resistant balaclavas (head socks) are required with open-face helmets, and fire-resistant balaclavas or helmet skirts must cover long hair and facial hair.