Yes, the new sport model has been FIA approved, and HANS is delaying shipping them because they don't want to have to ship them back and forth to get the certification stickers on them. I've had mine on order for a couple weeks now, and will certainly have it before Neige.

Hi Jon,

I got a Peltor G78 with the posts and intercom, from CSC Racing. Because this helmet comes with posts, they actually knock $90 off the price of the HANS because they normally come with posts. I decided to get a new helmet as well because my old one is getting kinda beat up, and the Peltor add-on intercom isn't very comfortable to begin with. I'm quite happy with the helmet, and will be happier when the HANS gets here!

When you buy the HANS it comes with posts (unless you don't need them). Usually the place where you buy the HANS from will modify your helmet for you (I know CSC does), but I don't know what that does to the certification on the helmet. I think it's alright though, I'm sure there are helmets running around out there now with added on HANS posts.

The jist of the drilling your helmet being legal boils down to the SNELL SA standards only require X part of your head to be protected. I believe it boils down to you can modify x inches from the bottom of your helmet without effecting the rating of the helmet.

Now, if cars wanted FIA approved manufacturer installed HANS posts, life would suck.

The following is entirely what I believe to be correct or have been told by persons who are likely to be correct. Others could be mistaken! YMMV, don't trust me, etc!
Alex Korovkine wrote on 01/24/8 at 14:47:49:

The tech board did not make the decision regarding HANS, whereas it did make decisions regarding suit requirements. (I do not know how the FIA only roll cage padding falls into this)

Ultimately, the FIA dictates the parameters for the insurance provided to/by CARS.

Alex Korovkine wrote on 01/24/8 at 14:47:49:


FIA Homologated cages are not required, and older homologated versions (which have not yet been logbooked) my not necessarily be legal. Cage requirements have changed a bit, previous regulations where based around the FIA requirements at the time (as I understand it) anyways.

I have not heard anything about unannounced 2009 rules... Yet!
Over the next, say, 4 years, I'd be surprised if FIA homo seats and belts did not become a requirement... But lets save the hearsay to later in the year!

Jamie
Not a fan of this FIA malarky

One thing to note, any car logbooked after July of this year (I think) will actually require an FIA Homologated cage.

Jamie is right, CARS had no choice to go with FIA approved Head and Neck restraints, that came down from ASN.

OK, well, same deal, it's gotta be to FIA spec, which basically means you have to build it as if it was a homologated cage.