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Snell-certified helmets are certified by the Snell Foundation. They have a helpful website that will identify all helmets receiving this certification. You want to select a "Special Application Helmet (SA2010)". Mine is a Bell (M4 Full Face), and it cost about $300 (at OGRacing near Dulles Airport, FWIW). Please go try one on before you buy it - sizes vary. SA2005 helmets are still on sale and probably heavily discounted, but you won't be able to wear it on track after the SA2015 certifications are issued.

I picked white over black, because I want the corner workers (and other race officials) to be able to identify my head inside the car (see attached picture, with instructor; the white bottle in the grille is the catch tank for the intercooler reservoir). I'm also debating getting some graphics on it, and I think white is a better canvas.

Why full face instead of open face? Personal preference, plus I've seen some ugly incidents (on the Pro circuit) where parts of the car went through where a lower part of the helmet might be. Those images stayed with me, even though this sort of instruction-only driving is very UNlikely to cause that.

Whether or not you buy a driver's suit, you might wish to consider a head sock if you sweat a whole bunch. Easier to wash then the helmet, and doesn't leave dents in the dryer. :)

One more general thought: since you are going to want to drive the track without taking your hands off the wheel, practice it now to get comfortable with it. Put your hands at 9 and 3, and leave 'em there.

Haggis said:
Where does one purchase a Schnell helmet and/or driving suit?
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Alright, thats what I needed to hear "safety & SLOW". I need all the training and instruction possible. Is there a course min for speed (that'll be me)? Is there a place near Chicago where I can try on some helmets for size and fit?
 
this really sounds cool! after reading all these posts, i close my eyes, and imagine doing a 4 wheel drift thru the corners like the taurus commercial on tv with carl edwards...then i open my eyes and think about the 27 driving tips, helmets, fire suits, and all that other stuff and realize that i am a senior chicken. is there a senior chicken class for me? I know another item i will have to have, clean underwear and a box of depends!!!! here's hoping for good weather.
 
As practice, I go out at night when there is no traffic, and run cloverleafs for a while. It's really fun, and great practice to learn your car. I've been doing it since I got my license, and I'm a much better driver for it. Obviously you must beware of traffic and police, and of course beware of your or your cars limitations. You don't need to dive into a ramp at 110 mph and risk injury to other drivers to improve your own capabilities.
 
A few words about the background we face at MVX and Gingerman.

This sport is ruled by race associations who establish the rules of conduct while on the track. Every track has an association, and a set of rules we must comply with. This is where we draw the instructors who will teach us their rules for the Gingerman track. As 411 becomes available, we will discover more about the rules we must follow.

Presently, I am a member of the SAAC (Shelby American Automobile Counsel), the SCCA (Sports Car Club of America) in the solo division, and a member of the Terlingua Racing Team. Each association has it own rules, but the rules mirror each other closely. Here's an example...

The SCCA requires a fire extingusher to be mounted in the car, firmly bolted down yet accessible to the driver. The SAAC does not, and Terlingua has no comment, you are on your own. Thus, depending on where I race and the rules I must follow, the presence of a fire extingusher is an "adjustable" factor. We will know more about this as we progress.

IF a fire extingusher is required, it will have to be at least a 2.5 pound ABC quality device, with an up-to-date certification. This will allow for 30 to 40 seconds of fire protection which is plenty of time to escape the vehicle. The Marauder has a return style fuel system, so, you are sitting on 4-5 ounces of live fuel, and some protection may/should be considered. BTW, my last purchase of a new extingusher for my Shelby was under 50 bucks, so, don't sweat cost on this. With enough participation, I could investigate a group buy if any of y'all are interested.

Well, that's about it for now, I just wanted to give this thread a bump but got sidetracked. Just more stuff for y'all to consider.

Again (and most important), this sport is very safe and I don't mean to alarm anyone. However, the more you know now is less you have to learn later. Road coursing is very exciting and with minimal wear and tear on your vehicle. Anyone can do it, and you will have the time of your life with your Marauder.

Y'all carry on and be safe.
Mac.
Sergntmac@aol.com
312.401.1396
 
N40GL said:
One more general thought: since you are going to want to drive the track without taking your hands off the wheel, practice it now to get comfortable with it. Put your hands at 9 and 3, and leave 'em there.
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Well...This is where Mark (N04GL) and I may disagree.

Why we disagree isn't important, its more like the way we grew up inside this sport.

Looking at your steering wheel as a clock, Mark suggests a 9-3 o.clock handhold on the steering wheel, and that's not a bad place to begin.

However, I have another suggestion which was taught to me by the Kenny Brown folks at Putnam Park this last Sept.

I'm an O L D guy, with a host of injuries awarded to me over 30 some years of law enforcement. I cannot raise my right elbow above my chin, so, steering became a problem. What Kenny Brown taught me, was a 8-4 handhold (think like a clock) where both hands are almost in my lap.

This allows me to twist my right or left hand above my chin and accomplish a full turn despite which hand is in control.

It takes some practice to do this, but we have the time to practice, yes?

Just another option, gents, now go get some experience.

Y'all be safe, drive on.
Mac.
Sergntmac@aol.com
312.401.1396
 
Thanks to everyone for passing along info concerning Gingerman. The more information that's out now, the less that has to be passed on the day of. I like getting a little info now and then; easier to 'digest' than having it all thrown at you in one blast.

:thanks:
 
Looks like I am going to have to wait until "Pops" and the MV10 team post up the details for our use of the Gingerman track.


Rules and Regulations for Gingerman "Open Track" sessions are here >>>>> http://www.gingermanraceway.com/rules-and-regulations

In addition to SNELL or DOT 2005 or newer helmets, the rules and regulations say that ..... "•Previous track driving experience is required." Looks like that applies to all classes --- Novice, Advanced, and Formula/Sport racers.

If the prior experience requirement ^^^^^ is going to be enforced for our use, then there could be alot of MV10 attendees that can't/won't qualify. I certainly couldn't unless I can count the tracks at Indy and Charlotte or the parade lap around Gingerman as experience. ;) 25+ years of driving around Northern Virginia and DC Metro area oughta give me some partial "track" credit. ;)

I hope the spectator area is rather large since there may only be a handful of people who have the experience and the equipment to actually be on the track.

BTW -- I usually use the 9:35 AM - 1:27 PM grip. ;)
 
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SergntMac said:
Looking at your steering wheel as a clock, Mark suggests a 9-3 o.clock handhold on the steering wheel, ...

What Kenny Brown taught me, was a 8-4 handhold (think like a clock) where both hands are almost in my lap. ...
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I can see why, with Mac's limited arm travel, he was taught this way. The most important thing to remember, regardless of where you hold your hands, is NOT to get your arms crossed over each other. THAT is a recipe for loss of control, and disaster swiftly follows.

Bluerauder said:
... Rules and Regulations for Gingerman "Open Track" sessions are here >>>>> http://www.gingermanraceway.com/rules-and-regulations ...
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Charlie: those rules are for running Gingerman when it is open track. If we run with instructors, their rules will trump those of the track.
 
N40GL said:
The most important thing to remember, regardless of where you hold your hands, is NOT to get your arms crossed over each other. THAT is a recipe for loss of control, and disaster swiftly follows.
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I whole-heartedly agree. Both "systems" work, but practice is the key.

Y'all get out there now and PRACTICE!

Thank you, Mark.

PS. My apology for confusing your screen name.

Y'all carry on, and be safe.
Mac.
Sergntmac@aol.com
312.401.1396
 
Bluerauder said:
Looks like I am going to have to wait until "Pops" and the MV10 team post up the details for our use of the Gingerman track.


Rules and Regulations for Gingerman "Open Track" sessions are here >>>>> http://www.gingermanraceway.com/rules-and-regulations

In addition to SNELL or DOT 2005 or newer helmets, the rules and regulations say that ..... "•Previous track driving experience is required." Looks like that applies to all classes --- Novice, Advanced, and Formula/Sport racers.

If the prior experience requirement ^^^^^ is going to be enforced for our use, then there could be alot of MV10 attendees that can't/won't qualify. I certainly couldn't unless I can count the tracks at Indy and Charlotte or the parade lap around Gingerman as experience. ;) 25+ years of driving around Northern Virginia and DC Metro area oughta give me some partial "track" credit. ;)

I hope the spectator area is rather large since there may only be a handful of people who have the experience and the equipment to actually be on the track.

BTW -- I usually use the 9:35 AM - 1:27 PM grip. ;)
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Well...Now I have to go forward (and where I don't want to go) just to make sure folks attending MVX get the correct 411.

Your "9:35-1:27 grip" comment is not really funny, Blue. I hope others reading here put a little more thought into this. It's just for fun, why take the fun out of it now?

Yes...We have to wait for more 411 from Gingerman, but we (Mark, Mary, and I) are just discussing our past experience, and with a wide variety of race tracks and race associations between us. I apologize if I have been confusing to any of you in this discussion. Maybe I should abandon the effort?

Blue...You mention DOT certified equpment. Trust me when I say that the DOT is a requlation authority in name only. Heck, your tires, even your radio/stereo/CD changer, are all DOT certified. But, not all are good companions to a Marauder, get me? Besides, each state has their own DOT, thus the certifications may be disimilar between states, agreed?

This is why the Snell certification is respected. It's international. Snell approval for helmets and fire protection become important because those specs. superceed state lines with a national standard of safety. It's your brain, your body, and your Marauder. Its all about you. Do you really want less than the best?

I hope the spectator benches at Gingerman will be cold for want of company. I want everyone who attends MVX to drive on the Gingerman track, and not for just a parade lap. I want everyone to give it a serious try, road coursing is a very safe sport, but a challenging sport as well. Every owner and spouse should give it at least one try beyond a parade lap.

I know you meant well, Blue, but please, not in this thread?

We will see what Gingerman wants, and we will have the time of our lives.

Carry on, Gents, y'all be safe.
Mac.
Sergntmac@aol.com
312.401.1396
 
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SergntMac said:
I hope the spectator benches at Gingerman will be cold for want of company. I want everyone who attends MVX to drive on the Gingerman track, and not for just a parade lap. I want everyone to give it a serious try .....
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I hope so too. Personally, I want to do this and have fun. But the thread has seemed more pointed to folks with lots of road racing experience to include all the safety equipment and such. My mistake if I took this as "tips" and "requirements" for our Gingerman experience at MV10.

This thread was started with specific reference to MV10 and Gingerman. I expressed my concerns that this might only be intended for "experienced" road course drivers. Nothing stated here has eased any of those concerns and that is why I said I would wait for the Official Information from the MV10 committee.

There is no doubt that you, Mark and Mary have the required experience. If this thread really has nothing to do with MV10 .... sorry .... my mistake.

The reference to DOT certification are not MY words. It is a direct pull from the Gingerman Rules and Regulations. I didn't make it up.

I have put alot of thought into this event and want to try it out seriously. Sorry if you didn't like my grip comment ... it was intended to lighten up the theme of the thread which turned rather serious after the "Know your Blood Type" comment. I won't play here in this Forum anymore and I'll leave road racing discussions to the experts. If I get a chance to try it at MV10, so much the better.

Carry On ..............
 
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Bluerauder said:
I hope so too. Personally, I want to do this and have fun. But the thread has seemed more pointed to folks with lots of road racing experience to include all the safety equipment and such. My mistake if I took this as "tips" and "requirements" for our Gingerman experience at MV10.

This thread was started with specific reference to MV10 and Gingerman. I expressed my concerns that this might only be intended for "experienced" road course drivers. Nothing stated here has eased any of those concerns and that is why I said I would wait for the Official Information from the MV10 committee.

There is no doubt that you, Mark and Mary have the required experience. If this thread really has nothing to do with MV10 .... sorry .... my mistake.

The reference to DOT certification are not MY words. It is a direct pull from the Gingerman Rules and Regulations. I didn't make it up.

I have put alot of thought into this event and want to try it out seriously. Sorry if you didn't like my grip comment ... it was intended to lighten up the theme of the thread which turned rather serious after the "Know your Blood Type" comment. I won't play here in this Forum anymore and I'll leave road racing discussions to the experts. If I get a chance to try it at MV10, so much the better.

Carry On ..............
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All I can do, is stand down.

Thank you for your opinion, no need to parse it out anymore.
 
Thought of another useful tip: don't wrap your thumbs around the spokes in the steering wheel. It's a recipe for broken thumbs (or broken wrists, if the airbag deploys).

Yeah - I'm way guilty of this one myself. Old habits die hard.
 
As veteran of many driving schools and countless lapping days, this post has convinced me that my Kenny Brown prepared Marauder is woefully inadequate and that I do not have the necessary ability to participate in this high level event. Instead I''ll take my unmodified 6cyl mustang with 190,000 miles to a Fun Day at Nelson Ledges or enjoy myself at Putnam Park or Mid Ohio. At least those venues encourage easy and safe participation for everyone without making the rules too intimidating.

And I was really looking forward to a whole field of beautiful Marauders just having a good time.
 
Point well taken, Chris!

We certainly veered away from the intent of this forum - to encourage anyone that performance road course driving is fun. I know some of you have years of experience but throwing all your knowledge into this thread has had an adverse affect.

Yes, we want to have a good time.

Can we please keep it simple and uncomplicated?

I think it best that I close this thread - which is all over the place. Please start any new thread with a specific topic in the thread title. That will make it simpler to follow a specific topic. If you need to ask something other than the topic of the thread, start a new thread. (This advice goes for any thread and any forum.)

I started performance road course driving at Putnam Park last Sept. with the Kenny Brown 25th anniversary event. I had no prior knowledge and came into the event and all its classroom training with no pre-conceived notions. I believe I did very well. Let's not scare away any-comers. It's not about speed, it's about safely having fun!!

Thank you!!! :bunny2:
 
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