and Leatt already has a foam collar used in their head & neck restraint that is attached with velcro and straps, and can be removed.
http://www.leatt.com/shop/braces/motors … x-pro.html
In fact, I tried the Leatt with a regular collar (which is a bit wider that the one they provided, and it definitely adds support, stabilization, and is not at all uncomfortable.
Having said that, I am on the taller side, and likely a longer neck.
My wife tried the Leatt with the manufacturer neck collar, and did not like it. She said it presses on the bottom of her helmet.
But she is a lot shorter that me (shorter neck), and so does not use it for the race.
From the Hans web site:
Can I wear a "horse collar" foam pad with a HANS Device?
Yes.
Foam collars are comfort accessories, not safety equipment. Wear one to stabilize your head and helmet on rough tracks.
Testing has shown a horse collar adds mass to the helmet and head loads that must be carried by the neck. This increases the chance of injury.
So they do not recommend it.
But some organizations require its use, otherwise you need to use a skirted helmet.
NHRA:
In the 2011 NHRA Rulebook on page 6, section 6B, Top Sportsman, NECK COLLAR/HEAD AND NECK RESTRAINT DEVICE/SYSTEM the second paragraph reads “Beginning Jan. 1, 2012, all drivers in this class will be required to wear a head and neck restraint device/system meeting SFI Spec 38.1.” A head & neck restraint device can be used with, or without, a neck collar; when a neck collar is not used, an SFI 3.3 head sock or SFI Spec 3.3 skirted helmet is required. This would also apply to all Top Dragsters and any Advanced ET vehicle running 7.49 and quicker in 2012.
MarioKart Driving School: 1987 Honda Prelude Si (Opus #28)
Loudon, NH 2014 - Millville, NJ, Lightening 2019 (RIP)
New and improved: 1987 Honda Prelude Si (Opus #11) Pittsburgh, PA 2021 - ??
and finally won something, Class C Win: Loudon, NH 2022