[thstone]

First, get a SA10 helmet. While AX might allow a motorcyle helmet (MA), most track orgs do not so get an auto-rated helmet (SA) from the get go and you'll never be turned away from a driving event (or have to borrow a greasy used SA helmet just so you can run that day).

Second, the safety improvements between a 2005 and a 2010 are significant so get a Snell 2010 compliant helmet for the most protection.

Third, get a full-face helmet. Your mom still appreciates your good looks and I am quite sure that she wants your face to stay that way.

Fourth, get a helmet pre-drilled for a HANS device so you can use one later if you really get into performance driving and decide to install racing seats and 5-pt harnesses in your street car. Happens more often than you might think.

Last, choose the helmet that fits best, not the one that looks the coolest. Proper fit is the MOST important aspect of a helmet. The sizes are not always consistent between makes and often not even consistent between different models from the same manufacturer, so try on as many as you can to find the one that fits your particular head best.