Get a full-face helmet with a detachable visor. That way you can try it both ways, and/or change depending on weather, track, event, etc.

 

cdelena, why do yo think racers put tape on their headlights during a track event? To make the car look pretty? No, it's to prevent smashing the lenses when rocks and other debris hit the front of the car. These items can just as easily go over the windshield and enter the vehicle, especially in an open top S2000. Have you ever heard small rocks hitting your sidewiew mirror in a turn? No? Maybe you're a drag racer and never turn your steering wheel. I'm not BS'ing anyone, just relaying actual examples of what I've experienced while on the track.

 

Ahh, Chris is certainly not a drag racer. . .

Anyway, hey Chris, I did my best at launching debris at you last time out. Guess I missed. I've got to work on my aim.

Jeff

 

Like Chris, I am very happy with my open face helmet (Bell MAG 4). I do events in very hot environments and appreciate the greater ventilation an open face design affords.

Regarding debris, small rocks and pieces of rubber have found their way into my cabin when I run with the top down, but have never been hit me in any sensitive part of my body. Most of the time I'm wearing sunglasses anyway. If anything enters the cabin, it certainly isn't a straight shot, but I could imagine how some material may ricochet off some body structure and hit you.

 

Whoa! Stop the car, let me out! I wear glasses and not contacts and I would never go out on the track without a full-face helmet.

Like so many things regarding safety it is hard to tell what is needed because you really do not want to believe you will need the safety devices. But when the day comes you need it, if it comes, and you have the best protection possible, not only will you be happy for the little bit of extra money and maybe inconvenience, but your loved ones will also be grateful!

Safety is a bit like insurance; it seems like a huge waste of money, until the day when it is needed and then boy - what a deal it was!

 

Forget the track, I get gravel in the face on the freeway!

Chris, it might not have ever happened to you, but it is possible to get debris in the face (unless you run top up and windows fully closed). Dust in the eyes from the guy infront of you going off track is also a potential problem.

I'm not trying to convince you, or anyone else, what kind of helmet to use, just pointing out what is possible/does happen.

Ted

 

If you guys would put the top up when on the track you would benefit from better airflow AND not have stuff in the interior.

 

I do run top up, and close the passenger window most of the way and the driver's window half way, if the track marshalls allow it.

 

Another plus for the full face helmets is to prevent chin/face injury in an accident.
I've seen somebody open his chin pretty bad after a roll over on the track.

 

At the Wine Country Classic two years ago the driver of a Shelby Cobra was hit in the chest with a 2x2x2" piece of asphalt.

The impact broke several ribs. He lost control of the car and banged up the front end on the tire wall.

Things can, and do, come into the cabin. Not to mention I'd like the helmet to hit the steering wheel rather than my face.