On track at Sonoma! Boy I need a new helmet!!

[jnirenstein]

So I ran a few laps for charity the other weekend. Fortunately as a shop owner at the track I got to take a couple actual hot laps before having to follow all the slow pokes... The car blows my mind! But boy my helmet did not fit in the car well at all. I'm sure I'm not the only one with this problem. The roof is too low!!! I'm only 5'9" but I had to ever so slightly bend my head forward. Would not want to do that in an actual race. Gonna have to look for a new helmet without a top mounted air vent. I know Bruce Canepa has modified at least 2 cars by "lowering" the seat and re-creating a thinner seat cushion.. You guys have any other suggestions?? Cheers!!
John

 

[Specracer]

You must have a short inseam, and long torso. Im 5'11" and fit fine. I assume you have the seat reclined all the way? How tall is the "air vent" on the helmet? Hopefully not the hose style extractor.

 

[Ed Sims]

I'm 5'9" & with my helmet had a tough time fitting in my GT. Just like Specracer says I only have a 30" inseam so long torso/short legs. I went to Wine Country Motorsports right there at Sonoma Raceway & they brought out 8 different helmets to my car. I found one that fits my head shape & is the lowest height helmet. It still touches the roof liner but not as bad as with my previous helmet.

Ed

 

[spartan]

There is a member of this forum that removed the seat base and used foam padding. I believe Nick S. is 6'4".

 

[KennethClay]

A common problem for us long - trunked guys!

The usual trick is to slide the seat forward a bit and recline it to create more room, but if your seat is like the one in the Mk II on display at Petit LeMans, it’s a fixed bucket. So, you’ll probably have to remove a little padding or swap the seat out for one that is a little lower and/or has a bit more rake in it.

 

[Austinj427]

Is your helmet a MC helmet?

When I finally switched from a MC helmet to a car helmet, I gained a solid .5" it felt like.

Man I would never fit in this car. I'm 6'1" with a longer torso and it's exaggerated by my ass being huge, I'm naturally sitting on a phone book.

 

[texas mongrel]

6’-4”/36” inseam, and my helmet just brushes a little. I really cinch down the harnesses to make me ‘slouch’. Helmet is a Simpson carbon Venator that definitely ives a little more room than my previous Diamondback

 

[dbk]

Yes, the key is to recline the seat as far back as possible and sit low as if it was an open wheel car. Takes a bit of getting used to.

 

[jnirenstein]

Thanks for all the comments!! Ed, What brand did you end up with? I was going to head to Wine Country on monday....

 

[Ed Sims]

It's a Bell. Rob at the shop would know the one I have. It's actually not one of the expensive CF helmets. Bring your GT John & they will fit you & the car. Great service. If you are a HOD member you can get 10% off.

Ed

 

[jnirenstein]

It's a Bell. Rob at the shop would know the one I have. It's actually not one of the expensive CF helmets. Bring your GT John & they will fit you & the car. Great service. If you are a HOD member you can get 10% off.

Ed

Thanks Ed!

 

[maxemus]

I’m 5’9” as well and I don’t fit either. I thought it was because of my Xlarge head but seems it’s torso related. I’m not sure if a new helmet will help or not mine is xlarge and I have to compress myself to be able to drive.

 

[maxemus]

I’m 5’9” as well and I don’t fit either. I thought it was because of my Xlarge head but seems it’s torso related. I’m not sure if a new helmet will help or not mine is xlarge and I have to compress myself to be able to drive.

 

[treynor]

I’m 5’9” as well and I don’t fit either. I thought it was because of my Xlarge head but seems it’s torso related. I’m not sure if a new helmet will help or not mine is xlarge and I have to compress myself to be able to drive.

That. Helmet.