Motorsport has come a long way in Australia, but one thing that will never change is the importance of safety. Whether you’re drifting, sprinting, hill-climbing or racing door-to-door, your helmet is the single most critical piece of equipment you own. It’s the first line of defence in a high-risk environment, and the standards behind these helmets are designed to keep drivers safe when things go wrong.
In this post, we’ll break down why helmets matter, which standards apply in Australia, and what you should look for before hitting the track.
The Role of a Motorsport Helmet
A motorsport helmet isn’t just a motorcycle lid with a sporty paint job. These helmets are engineered for high-speed impacts, fire resistance, and compatibility with neck-restraint systems. When you’re pushing a car to its limits, the forces involved in an accident can be extreme. A proper motorsport helmet absorbs impact energy, reduces rotational forces, protects the face, and dramatically lowers the risk of serious head injuries.
Approved Helmet Standards in Australia
In Australia, helmet requirements for car motorsport are governed primarily by Motorsport Australia’s Schedule D – Apparel. These standards ensure every helmet used in competition has been through rigorous testing.
Common accepted standards include:
FIA Standards
- FIA 8859-2015
- FIA 8860 Series (including 8860-2018)
These helmets are built for top-level motorsport and offer high levels of fire and impact protection.
Snell Standards
- Snell SA2020
- Snell SA2015
Snell “SA” helmets are designed specifically for automotive use (not motorcycle use), with strong fire resistance and higher impact thresholds.
What’s NOT Sufficient
Every driver has seen someone rock up with a motorcycle helmet labeled AS/NZS 1698. While great for road bikes, most motorsport disciplines do not allow them because they’re not engineered for the forces encountered in motorsport crashes.
Open-face “skull cap” style helmets are also not accepted.
Full-Face vs Open-Face
Full-face helmets are strongly recommended for most circuit and drift events — and mandatory for many open-car categories. They offer:
- Better facial protection
- Protection from flying debris
- Added structural strength
- Lower exposure to rotational injuries
Unless a discipline specifically allows open-face helmets, a full-face option is the safest choice every time.
Compatibility With Neck Restraints
Modern motorsport has shifted heavily towards preventing neck and spinal injuries. As a result, many helmets now require FHR (Frontal Head Restraint) compatibility — especially in higher-speed categories.
If your event requires or recommends a HANS or similar FHR device, your helmet must have the correct mounting points and homologation.
Staying Up to Date
Helmet standards evolve over time. Older helmets such as Snell SA2010 have been phased down to lower categories and may not be accepted in all events. Even if an older helmet still “looks fine,” the protective materials inside degrade with age, sweat, and UV exposure.
General rule:
If your helmet is more than 10 years old — replace it.
Most clubs will require this anyway.
What This Means for Competitors
Before attending an event, drivers should make a habit of:
- Checking the inner label to confirm FIA or Snell compliance
- Ensuring the chin strap and padding are in good condition
- Making sure the helmet hasn’t been dropped or damaged
- Confirming compatibility with FHR systems if required
- Using a full-face helmet whenever possible
Your helmet may never be truly “tested” — and that’s the ideal outcome — but if the moment ever comes when you need it, you’ll want to know it’s the right one.
Final Thoughts
Motorsport is about skill, competition, and enjoyment — but none of it matters if safety isn’t taken seriously. A certified helmet isn’t just a box to tick at scrutineering; it’s the gear that protects your life. By choosing a recognised standard, maintaining your equipment, and staying up to date with requirements, you’re doing your part to keep the sport safe for yourself and everyone around you.