Helmet Care
With Matthew Grice
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The No. 1 problem that I see when in the pits, is that a lot of the drivers haven't a care in the world as to how or where there helmet is placed after racing, especially the younger drivers.

PLACES NOT MENT FOR HELMETS

Don't place the helmet in the seat of your kart (especially upside down), after all, running repairs usually are needed after each race and the helmet tends to get bumped around a bit. Tools also find there way on the seat and end up banging against the helmet, or worse still a tool manages to get dropped onto the helmet accidentally.

Never leave your helmet on top of your side-pods, your just asking for trouble.


Don't place your helmet on the ground, even if it's in a helmet bag, as some people have a tendency to not look where they're going and, well you know the rest.

Try not to leave it near a Toolbox, as tools have a way of falling out and onto the helmet, and tools can do a lot of damage.

PLACES BEST FOR HELMETS

The best place for a helmet to be left, is in a secure and quiet location where there is no "traffic", and this usually means in the front or back seat of a transport vehicle or on a clear bottom shelf (there is less of a drop in case of a fall), in the trailer.

HELMET CARE ACCESSORIES

There is no better accessory for the protection of your helmet than in the way of a Helmet bag and slip.

These Helmet bags are usually made of a synthetic material and in some instances are lined with wool to soften the blow if dropped. They also come with pockets and other pouches which are handy for storing cleaning clothes and products.

The helmet slip is usually supplied with the purchase of a helmet and is the first layer used when keeping that helmet clean and protected. The inside of this slip should be soft to touch and is often used to give your helmet a quick polish.

HELMET MAINTENANCE

So you've just got back to the pits from the first heat.

1. Give your helmet and visor a wipe over with any of the products mentioned below. In most instances the directions for use will be on the product itself.

2. Once the helmet is clean and dry, use a good soft polishing cloth and lightly go over it again without using the cleaning products, this will act as a buff and give the helmet a better shine.

3. When your satisfied with the result, put the helmet in the slip and fasten the cord(s). With the helmet now in the slip, place it into your helmet bag and zip up.

4. Now that the helmet is clean and packed it needs to be stored in a secure and quiet location (as described above).

When it comes to the care and maintenance of a helmet , it all comes down to common sense. It's like taking care of children, you want to keep them clean, protected and out of harms way.

HELMET CLEANING PRODUCTS

SUPA GLAZE : Helmet polish for painted helmets. Forms a hard durable shine, that lasts in both rain and sunshine.

FRESH : Helmet lining cleaner. Great for the removal of dirt, sweat, grease, dust etc. Leaves the inside of your helmet fresh and clean.

SAVOUR DEO : Helmet Deodorant that is used after cleaning lining with FRESH. A spray of SAVOUR DEO to the lining of your helmet will leave a pleasant fragrance.

CLEAR VIEW : Used on the inside of your visor to prevent misting and steaming up.

SHEILD : Used to improve visibility in wet weather conditions. SHEILD will repel water, dust, etc. picked up when racing.

The products mentioned above have all been tested by AiRXTREME ART and given the thumb's up. If you have a question or wish to purchase any of these products call AiRXTREME ART on 0414 416 086 or approach us at the track and we'll be more than happy to give your helmet a clean and polish. They can also be found in some karting shops.

AiRXTREME ART are also in the process of creating a Helmet bag that will not only carry your helmet, but all your cleaning and polish products also.
I hope we have helped in keeping that painted helmet look as good as new, to when you first got it back freshly painted. See you at the track.