Of all the safety gear worn by a competitive driver, racing head and neck restraint systems are among the most important pieces of protection in the car. They’re designed to limit head movement in a crash so your head and torso decelerate together, reducing neck loads that can cause severe injury or worse.

For racers on the circle track (dirt or asphalt), this matters because many incidents involve sudden right-side impacts, wall contact, and snap-back forces where the harness holds your body tight but your head wants to keep moving.

Behrent’s carries proven Simpson, HANS, and NecksGen head and neck restraints.

What is a HANS Device?

There are many branded head and neck restraints available, including Simpson and NecksGen, but the HANS (Head and Neck Support) device is the most widely recognized. It’s a rigid U-shaped yoke that sits on the shoulders with two “legs” that extend down the chest area over the collarbones. The shoulder belts hold it in place, and it connects to the helmet with tethers.

The HANS device was developed by driver Jim Downing and his brother-in-law, Dr. Bob Hubbard, and became commercially available in 1990, with later updates producing the smaller, lighter versions commonly used today. It’s widely used at the highest levels of racing and is credited by many drivers as a major safety advancement.

Circle track fit note: Yoke-style devices work best when shoulder belts stay flat, run at the correct angles, and remain centered on the device when tightened.

How Does a HANS Device Work?

A HANS-style device transfers crash loads from the helmet to the device and then to the shoulders or chest while the harness holds the device down.

• The racing helmet connects to the device using tethers or straps
• Shoulder belts pin the device to your shoulders
• In an impact, the tethers help prevent your head from snapping forward or sideways independently of your torso

Circle track reality: In many oval crashes, your torso is planted by the harness, but your head can still whip from a right-side hit or quick direction change. A properly set-up device helps control that motion.

Pro tip: Belt width matters. Many circle track setups use 3-inch shoulders, but some devices and sizes are designed around 2-inch belts. Verify compatibility before you buy.

What is a Hybrid Head & Neck Restraint?

A hybrid system uses an alternative design to a traditional yoke. Many hybrid designs are lower-profile around the shoulders and can feel easier for some drivers when getting in and out of tight cockpits.

When circle track drivers tend to like hybrid styles:

• Tight containment seats and limited clearance
• Drivers who want a different feel than a yoke under the belts
• Entry and exit convenience without losing restraint protection (when properly installed and certified)

NecksGen vs HANS vs Simpson: Quick Selector for Circle Track

Use this quick selector to choose the right style based on your cockpit, belts, and how you get in and out of the car.

Best rule of thumb: Pick the option that stays comfortable when belted tight, because that is what you will wear every lap.

Your situation	Best fit (style)	Why it’s a good match
Running a typical circle track containment seat with clean belt routing	HANS or NecksGen (yoke-style)	Simple, proven, and it works well when the belts stay centered
Tight cockpit, or you want easier in-and-out	Simpson Hybrid (hybrid-style)	Lower-profile feel for many drivers; can help in a tight cockpit and reduce the hung-up feeling
Want the most traditional set it and forget it approach	HANS (yoke-style)	Widely used, straightforward tether and belt capture setup
Choosing based on comfort under belts	NecksGen or Simpson Hybrid (comfort-driven pick)	Often comes down to feel and fit when you are belted tight

Fit & Sizing Step-by-Step (Before You Buy)

Before you buy, run this checklist in order. It prevents most sizing and compatibility mistakes.

Step	What to do	What it prevents
1	Confirm the SFI or FIA requirement in your rules	Buying a non-compliant device
2	Measure seat back angle (upright vs reclined)	Wrong device angle
3	Choose yoke vs hybrid based on cockpit clearance	Comfort issues and restricted movement
4	Take the brand-specific measurement (neck or chest)	Wrong size
5	Confirm 2-inch vs 3-inch shoulder belt compatibility	Belts not seating or capturing properly
6	Verify the helmet anchor type and tether match	Connection problems
7	Belted-in check (helmet on, belts tight)	Visibility and interference surprises

Quick tips (circle track):

• Do the belted-in check with your head surround and containment in place.
• If belts won’t stay centered on the device, fix belt routing before blaming sizing.
• After any seat or helmet change, re-check the tether fit and visibility.

How To Measure Racing Head and Neck Restraint Systems

Use the measurement method that matches the device style you’re buying, then confirm belt width compatibility and clearance when you are belted in.

HANS Device Measurement

HANS sizing is based on neck circumference. Measure your neck with a tape flat against the skin; it should be snug, not tight. Measurements below are based on the HANS device size chart.

• Super small: 11 – 13.5 inches
• Small: 12.5 – 16 inches
• Medium: 14 – 17.5 inches
• Large: 16 – 20 inches

How to Measure the NecksGen REV

Measure the diameter of your neck just above the shirt collar. 

• Large: 6 inches and wider
• Medium: 4 – 6 inches wide
• Small: 4 inches or less (accommodates only 2-inch belts)

If you’re comparing NecksGen vs HANS, focus first on belt width compatibility, your seat position or angle, and which style feels best when you’re belted tight in your car.

How To Measure a Simpson Hybrid Device 

Measure across the chest just below the pectoral muscles.

• Measure while wearing your fire suit when possible
• Keep the tape snug (no slack), but don’t crank it tight
• If measuring in street clothes, add ~1 inch

Suggested size guide:

• 22 – 26 inches: Child 
• 26 – 30 inches: Youth
• 32 – 36 inches: X-Small
• 36 – 40 inches: Small
• 40 – 44 inches: Medium
• 44 – 48 inches: Large
• 48 – 52 inches: X-Large

FHR & HANS Compatibility: Helmet Anchors, Tethers, and Harness Angles

A restraint system works as designed only when helmet anchors, tether hardware, and harness geometry are compatible.

Helmet Anchor Types (What You’ll See)

You don’t necessarily need a special racing helmet, but you do need one that’s approved for anchor installation and set up correctly. Common anchor styles include:

• Post-style anchors (widely used)
• Quick-release styles (varies by brand)
• Permanent-tether styles (tether is fixed to the anchor or hardware)

Tethers: Movement vs Control

Tethers should allow enough head movement to drive and see, but not so much that your head can whip excessively. Set tether length per manufacturer guidance and re-check after any seat, helmet, or head surround change.

Harness Angles and Belt Routing (Circle Track Priority)

To reduce belt slip and improve performance:

• Belts should run flat (no twists)
• Belts should stay captured and centered on the device when tightened
• Shoulder belt angle should be close to level with your shoulders, typically slightly downward to the rear (avoid extreme downward routing) 

How Do You Install a HANS Device? 

Before installing a HANS device, confirm your seat and harness are compatible and installed properly.

1) Set up your harness (critical for circle track)

• Mount shoulder harness anchors so the inside edges of the belts are no more than 3 inches apart
• Keep shoulder belt routing slightly below horizontal (avoid steep down angles)
• Keep the rear mounting point geometry tight. Do not exceed 8 inches from the back of the device to the rear mounting point

2) Install, then belt in

• Place the device around the neck from the rear so it rests on the shoulders
• Yoke sits behind the neck, under the shoulder belts
• “Legs” rest on the upper chest and collarbone area
• Shoulder belts run over the rubber sections on top of the device
• Strap in and confirm comfort and functional head movement for driving visibility

3) Seat clearance (don’t skip this)

• Maintain ~1.5 inches of clearance between the helmet and the back of the seat so the device can move properly
• Trim or reshape seat padding as needed for clearance
• Never trim or reshape the device itself

Helmet Anchor Attachment (Quick Reference)

Anchor type	How it attaches
Post Anchor	Align the catch slots with the post; push in and slide rearward.
QuickClick Anchor	Pull the red release tether to open; slip the tether loop over the hasp; close.
QuickClick II Anchor	Engage the bottom hook; rotate the hasp forward; lock into the body.
LW2 Anchor	Tether is permanently attached to this anchor type

Device angle: Choose the angle that matches your seat back position (for many upright circle track setups, 20° is common). When in doubt, measure your seat with an angle meter.

Head and Neck Restraint System Racing Safety Certifications

Head and neck restraints are commonly rated by SFI and FIA. In many rulebooks, either SFI or FIA approval is acceptable. Always verify your series requirements before race day.

Certification Quick Guide (Who Typically Requires What)

Certification	What it means	Typically required by
SFI 38.1	Common U.S. oval track standard for head & neck restraints (often includes recertification or expiration rules)	Many U.S. local and regional circle track tracks & series
FIA (8858 and related)	International motorsport standard commonly accepted across pro and road racing organizations	Many pro and international series; some regional rule sets

Head & Neck Restraint Tags & Expiration 

• FIA tags are coded and often include authenticity features; tags may appear on the device or tether components depending on the system.
• SFI tags include the month and year of manufacture. SFI certification is commonly recognized for five years, with expiration tied to the tagged date.

Head & Neck Restraint Recertification 

SFI-certified devices often require inspection and re-certification by the manufacturer at set intervals (commonly five years). The FIA does not typically require recertification in the same way, but inspection and replacement of worn parts (tethers or pads) is still recommended.

After any significant impact, inspect the device, tethers, anchors, and hardware. Replace components or the full system if damage is suspected.

Explore Behrent’s Performance Warehouse to find protective equipment, gear, and apparel to keep yourself safe on the track, lap after lap. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Head & Neck Restraints

Why are HNR devices necessary in motorsports?

In a crash, your harness locks your torso into the seat, but your head can keep moving and create extreme loads on the neck. An HNR device helps control that motion by keeping your head and upper body moving more together during impact. That reduction in whip is a big deal in circle track racing, where right-side hits, wall contact, and snap-back forces are common.

How do you measure for HANS devices?

HANS sizing is typically based on neck circumference. Use a soft tape measure flat against the skin and keep it snug, not tight. Then choose your size using the manufacturer’s sizing chart, and double-check that the device will not interfere with your seat and head surround when you are belted in.

What are the different types of HNR devices available?

The two most common styles are yoke-style devices, like traditional HANS-style designs, and hybrid-style devices that are often lower-profile and worn differently. Yoke-style units are held down by the shoulder belts and connect to the helmet with tethers. Hybrid-style units can be preferred in tighter cockpits or by drivers who want a different feel when getting in and out. Both styles can be highly effective when properly fitted and certified.

How should an HNR device fit properly?

It should feel secure when you are fully strapped in, without pinching your neck, digging into your collarbones, or limiting arm movement. Shoulder belts should sit flat and stay centered and captured on the device once tightened. The best test is a belted-in check in the actual car with your helmet on and a head surround in place. Comfort and visibility should still be reachable.

What happens to the device during a crash?

In an impact, the tethers limit how far your head can move relative to your torso. The device then transfers load into stronger areas like the shoulders and chest while your harness holds everything down. After any significant hit, inspect the device, tethers, anchors, and pads, and replace any damaged components or the device if there is doubt.