Head & Neck Restraints

Head and neck restraints are now used and trusted by major motor sport organisations worldwide. They have been mandatory in Australian Sprintcar competition since 2004 and will become mandatory for AA, A Open Wheeled and ASCF Super Sedans license categories from the 1st of July 2008.

Only FIA (approved by the Federation lnternationale de l’Automobile) and SFI 38.1 (approved by the SFI Foundation) head and neck restraints will be allowed in line with the Speedway Safety Advisory Committee (SSAC) recommendations ratified by the NASR Board.

As of July 1st 2008 the following devices are SFI approved (in no particular order):

HANS Device
Leatt Brace - MotoR
LFT Technologies R3 Device
Safety Solutions Hutchens-II Device
Safety Solutions Hutchens Hybrid Device
Safety Solutions Hutchens Hybrid X Device
Safety Solutions Hutchens Hybrid Rage

Therefore the following devices, which were NASR approved until 30th June 2008, can not be used until they meet SFI 38.1 specifications:

D-Cel Harness
Tucker Helmet Harness
G Force SRS-1
Wright Device

Please note:

1. A horse collar is optional when wearing an approved head and neck restraint device.
2. It is highly recommended that all other categories wear a head and neck restraint device.
3. It is strongly recommended that all Junior drivers wear a head and neck retraint device.
4. A head and neck restraint device cannot be used with a AS1698 helmet.

NASR has written to all head and neck restraint device manufacturers advising of this rule so they have the opportunity to have their product tested by the SFI prior to the 1st of July 2008.

Be alert and make sure you purchase a SFI 38.1 approved head and neck restraint so you are not forced to outlay more money next year.

The SFI Foundation offers speedway drivers, through its partnership with NASR, comprehensively tested global standards. The SFI Foundation operates a laboratory dedicated to the evaluation of safety products and has an extensive list of tested and approved racing apparel and equipment.

NASR has identified, in consultation with QBE International (our Public Liability Insurers) and QBE Mercantile Mutual (our providers of Personal Accident Insurance), that since head and neck restraints became mandatory for Sprintcars and highly recommended in other classes, the number of head and neck injuries has fallen by 48% over all NASR sanctioned speedway divisions from October 2004 to June 2006.

Head and neck restraint devices assist in preventing injuries by limiting extreme head motion and neck loads. They are not designed to assist in preventing thoracic and lumbar back injuries.

The various factors that should be considered when purchasing a head and neck restraint device include, but are not limited to: comfort, the type of helmet needed with each particular device, the specific fastenings needed on specific helmets, the need to drill helmets & associated problems, the use of tethers, life expectancy of each device, device replacement after crash impact, custom fitment, distributor support, ease of use, personal preference, individual body type, race-car type and cost.

NASR highly recommends that all speedway competitors wear a head and neck restraint device and STRONGLY recommended that all junior drivers wear a head and neck restraint device.

Purchase and use of a head and neck restraint is an important and necessary decision, which can only be made by the user after careful consideration of their individual circumstances.

NASR will officially advise when further devices pass SFI product tests enabling them to be added to the current list of 5 devices (Hubbard-Downing HANS Device, Leatt Brace, LFT Technologies R3 Device, Safety Solutions Hutchens-II Device, and Safety Solutions Hutchens Hybrid Device)

For more information visit the NASR web site www.nasr.com.au or the SFI Foundation web site www.sfi.com.au or visit your local safety apparel retail outlet and ask if your head and neck restraint is SFI approved.

Download Head & Neck Restraint Information

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