[DeTomaso] Evidence of helmet chin-strap failure at Pony Expressaccident - Helmet chin-strap design

[chendric at bellsouth.net]

-------------- Original message from "Mark McWhinney" <msm at portata.com>: -------------- 


 "That is good advice. I am always amazed at how much more slack I can take 
 out of the harness after sitting in it for a minute or two." 
 

This reminded me of my dislike for old cam-lok harnesses. While flailing around wrestling with the steering wheel, I have hit the cam-lok with my fore arm and released the harness. I have done this in both the Pantera and the MR2. That is a little distracting when you are trying to drive enthusiasticly. I have noticed that the newer cam-loks have to be turned much more to release. Good idea.

As far as helmet straps, my cheapie Chinese helmet has a long thin strap and is open face style so it is very easy to fasten. My old Bell has a thick Kevlar strap that is short and is a tight fit through the rings so it could be a problem for "Old Flintstone Fingers",

Another helmet mis-hap - a friend that road races a Formula 500 smacked a hay bale wall. His helmet flew off!!! Officials were giving him hell about not fastening his helmet when a course worker brought the helmet back - still fastened! We never did figure out how that thing managed to get off of Clint's head.

Ya'll drive safely,
Jim

 
 
 
> From: Mad Dog Antenucci [mailto:teampantera at yahoo.com] 
> Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 2:21 PM 
> To: Mark McWhinney; detomaso at realbig.com 
> Subject: RE: [DeTomaso] Evidence of helmet chin-strap failure at Pony 
> Expressaccident - Helmet chin-strap design 
> 
> 
> 
> We should get some actual feedback from Hans engineers via Mike Borders in 
> a few weeks. 
> 
> 
> 
> As I said earlier there are allot of different variations and opinions of 
> where or how the chin strap failed...I think it is as you, Chuck and Michael 
> previously noted...just a reminder to make sure you and your team double 
> check your chin strap along with your harness to make sure it is in fact 
> secured properly. 
> 
> 
> 
> md 
> 
> Mark McWhinney wrote: 
> 
> Did the strap actual break or was it the mount points on the helmet or D 
> rings, or did the strap just come undone? 
> 
> The straps on my Bell helmet are Kevlar. I am guessing that the other major 
> brands use Kevlar or something of equal strength. I cannot believe that the 
> strap itself would tear in two. 
> 
> I hate those double D rings. It always seems to take me a while get it 
> threaded through -- usually while someone is waiting behind me to get on the 
> track. I bought one of those quick snap clips a while ago, but I am 
> wondering now if that is a good idea to actually install it. 
> 
> 
> 
> -----Original Message----- 
> From: detomaso-bounces at realbig.com [mailto:detomaso-bounces at realbig.com] On 
> Behalf Of Mad Dog Antenucci 
> Sent: Friday, August 31, 2007 10:50 AM 
> To: detomaso at realbig.com 
> Subject: [DeTomaso] Evidence of helmet chin-strap failure at Pony 
> Expressaccident - Helmet chin-strap design 
> 
> There now appears to be evidence that the helmet chin-strap 'broke' on the 
> helmet of the driver sometime during the ensuing roll overs of their cup car 
> at the Pony. 
> 
> The navigators helmet which was completely off his head at the accident 
> scene is another story. He couldn't remember if he pulled his helmet off 
> 'after' the accident but the helmet and Hans strap was not damaged or 
> broken. 
> 
> There was evidence of hard surface wear scrub on both their helmets and 
> the Hans Devices that both were wearing. Both helmets and Hans devices are 
> going to Hans for a thorough investigation. 
> 
> Lots of questions on helmet strap design. I don't like the way the helmet 
> chin straps are connected with the double o-rings you have to thread....its 
> easy not to get it right and its always a good idea to have buddies or start 
> line personnel double check when they are tugging on your harness.....but 
> the bigger question in my mind is there a better helmet chin strap design 
> out there? 
> 
> Anyone looked at this subject before? 
> 
> 
> Mad Dawg Antenucci 
> Team Pantera Racing 
> The 1st & still the only vintage race team in open road racing 
> www.teampanteraracing.com 
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> Mad Dawg Antenucci 
> Team Pantera Racing 
> 
> The 1st & still the only vintage race team in open road racing 
> www.teampanteraracing.com 
> 
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