Quick question - estimated helmet clearance?

I'm pretty tall. I keep saying that I'm going to actually try an autocross or rallycross event, but never do. Help me avoid a barrier.

In selecting a fixed-roof car, how much spare head room would you want to see to ensure you can fit in helmeted?

Generally I at least try to make a fist and put the thumb/index knuckle on the top of my head and see if I clear.

That said, playing with my seat and stooping a little I have made things work before. (stock seat miata with hardtop, RX8 with sunroof)

If you are selecting a car, meaning buying one.. just take a helmet with you.

Thanks, that's a lot of clearance I'm looking for. I'll give it a try.

I do not yet own a helmet, sadly.

How tall are you and what are you looking at?

I'd say the minimum would be 2", and 3 would be better.

I've found I have to lean the seat back to gain helmet to roof clearance and then slide it forward to restore proper distance from the controls. I can bend my knees a little more than my regular driving position for the time needed for an autocross.

If I were setting up a car for track duty then lowered seat mounts are the only way to go.

mmosbey wrote: I'm pretty tall. I keep saying that I'm going to actually try an autocross or rallycross event, but never do. Help me avoid a barrier. In selecting a fixed-roof car, how much spare head room would you want to see to ensure you can fit in helmeted?

I stick both palms over each other on my head. If I fit that way, I can wear a helmet without klonkage.

One very nice thing about a 5-point harness - once cinched, it gives an extra inch or so of clearance!

I find that the side of the roof is usually what I hit more than the actual top.

^^^^ This. I was always hitting the side of my helmet in my FC However once on track it did not seem to bother me as much as when I was waiting to get on track.

In reply to Apexcarver:

I'm 6'3" and looking at a CR-Z.

In auto-x, in a car with a roof - the helmet is mostly to make you feel like you are actually doing something slightly risky. Like the life jacket you are required to have in a flat bottomed skiff that never leaves 1' of water. Just saw the top of it off so it clears. No one will notice.