As well as protecting heads, our car racing helmet buyer's guide can also offer ... The version pictured here is finished in Rubbertone Black. Comes with its own hardshell case and is pre-drilled ...

The Snell Foundation, the non-profit group that tests and certifies all types of helmets, has standards for every brain bucket you can think of including bike, motorcycle, and auto racing.

For most of us, the smart move is to buy an auto-racing helmet that meets the current Snell Memorial Foundation standards [see companion piece] and leaves enough money in the till for tires.