Is it time to replace your race suit? Let’s get you track-ready. Customer Question: I Need a Cheap FIA Approved Drag Racing Helmet. What's My Top 3 Choices?
If you’re stepping into the world of drag racing and need a helmet that keeps you safe without blowing your budget, you’re not alone. This is one of the most common questions we get from customers looking to take their first steps into motorsport or upgrade from older gear. The good news is you don’t have to spend a fortune to get a helmet that meets current FIA safety standards and is fully suited for competitive drag racing.
In this blog, we’ve highlighted three of our most affordable full-face FIA-approved helmets, one each from OMP, Sparco, and Bell. These are trusted brands used at all levels of motorsport, and the models we’ve chosen are ideal for drag racing thanks to their strong safety credentials, lightweight construction, and clean, practical designs.
All three options are closed-face helmets because drag racing demands the highest levels of protection. Open-face helmets don’t offer the same impact or fire safety, especially at the kinds of speeds reached on the strip. That’s why every pick here meets FIA homologation requirements and is built with motorsport use in mind.
Whether you’re running at Santa Pod, taking part in club-level events, or preparing your car for entry-level competition, these three helmets will get you through scrutineering and keep you protected on the strip — without breaking the bank.
1. OMP GP-R Helmet – Lowest Priced Full-Face FIA Option
The OMP GP-R is OMP’s flagship entry-level closed face helmet designed for FIA-approved motorsport use. It’s built to meet the FIA 8859-2015 and Snell SA2020 standards, ensuring that it’s suitable for a wide range of racing disciplines, from club-level track days to national competition and drag racing.
It features an excellent ventilation design, four air intakes on the chin bar, and eight vents on top, to keep you cool during staging and passes. The standard-size eyeport provides a wide field of vision and accommodates both a classic clear visor or an optional sun peak for versatile use in different motorsports. Inside, the GP-R has soft, comfortable lining and a secure double D-ring chin strap closure for a snug fit. Crucially, this helmet comes factory-fitted with HANS posts (also called FHR posts) as standard, so you’re ready to attach a head-and-neck restraint if your drag racing class or personal safety preferences require one. OMP offers the GP-R in white only and in sizes from XXS through XL, covering a wide range of head sizes. It carries the FIA 8859-2015 homologation, meaning it’s certified for international motorsport and will be accepted at any event that calls for an FIA-approved helmet. Overall, the OMP GP-R delivers top-tier protection and features at an entry-level price point. It’s frequently our go-to recommendation for racers seeking maximum safety on a minimal budget.
Inside, the GP-R features a soft fire-retardant lining that provides comfort while meeting FIA fire safety regulations. The interior is removable and washable, making it easy to keep the helmet fresh over time. The design also incorporates multiple air vents at the chin and forehead to improve airflow and keep you cool during long stints.
Key Features:
- FIA 8859-2015 approved & lightweight composite shell: Robust composite construction for high impact protection without excess weight.
- Effective ventilation: Four chin intakes and eight top vents channel airflow through the helmet, helping prevent visor fog and keeping you cool run after run.
- HANS posts included: Factory-fitted HANS/FHR posts allow easy use of a head-and-neck restraint device for added safety.
- Comfortable interior: Lined with soft, fire-retardant fabric for a comfortable fit; double D-ring closure ensures the helmet stays securely in place.
- Sizes XXS–XL in white finish: Broad size range (52cm up to 63cm) to fit most drivers, with a clean white color that stays cooler in the sun and can be customized with your own decals.
The GP-R sits in the sweet spot for drivers who want a strong, FIA-approved helmet without jumping to carbon pricing. It’s well-suited for track days, drag racing, circuit racing, and club-level competition, providing all the features you’d expect from a professional helmet at a more accessible price point.
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From £338.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
2. Sparco Stealth RF Helmet – Great Value, More Colour Choice
Sparco Stealth RF Helmet in white (also available in black). Sparco’s Stealth RF Helmet is a new-generation full-face helmet that brings modern features and style into the budget-friendly category. It’s built with a lightweight fiberglass shell for strong impact protection while keeping weight down, crucial for drag racers who want to minimize neck strain during repeated runs.
This helmet meets the latest FIA 8859-2024 standard (and Snell SA2025 in the same model), so you’re getting up-to-date safety technology that’s accepted in all major events. Sparco equipped the Stealth RF with an advanced ventilation system: multiple intakes on the chin and top, plus rear exhaust ports to expel hot air. That means heat build-up is managed effectively, a big plus if you’re hot-lapping at a drag-and-drive event or racing on a warm day. The interior features removable, washable fire-retardant linings so you can keep your helmet fresh and sweat-free over time. Like the OMP, the Sparco Stealth RF comes with factory-installed HANS posts ready to go, so you have frontal head restraint capability out of the box. Sparco added thoughtful extras as well: a 3-position adjustable visor for customizing your airflow and a secure central visor locking mechanism to keep it firmly shut down the strip.
Despite all these features, the Stealth RF remains one of the most affordable FIA helmets on the market (priced very similarly to the OMP GP-R). It’s worth noting Sparco also makes a Stealth RF Carbon version with an ultra-light carbon fiber shell; however, that model comes at a premium price more suited to higher budgets. For the cost-conscious drag racer, the standard fibreglass Stealth RF offers tremendous value by packing high-end features and modern FIA approval into a very approachable price.
Key Features:
- Latest FIA 8859-2024 homologation: Complies with the newest FIA helmet standard (also Snell SA2025), ensuring top-tier safety and broad acceptance at events.
- Lightweight fibreglass shell: Strong fiberglass construction (with a reinforcing carbon layer per Sparco) delivers excellent protection while keeping weight down to reduce fatigue.
- Advanced ventilation system: Multi-channel airflow with chin and forehead intakes plus rear exhaust vents to prevent heat soak and keep you comfortable.
- Removable, washable lining: Fire-retardant interior pads can be taken out and cleaned, so you can maintain a hygienic helmet even after sweaty track days.
- HANS-ready with included posts: Comes with FHR posts pre-installed for immediate compatibility with HANS devices, enhancing safety during high-speed runs.
- Customizable fit and style: Dual shell sizes and a wide range of 7 sizes (XS through XXL) ensure a snug fit for most drivers. Choose white or black exterior and even pick the interior lining color (black or red) to match your preference.
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From £598.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
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From £337.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
3. Bell GT6 Sport Helmet – Premium Name, Budget Option
Bell GT6 Sport Helmet (white), shown with a clear visor. Bell’s GT6 Sport Helmet is slightly higher in price than the OMP or Sparco, but it brings Bell’s legendary motorsport pedigree into the entry-level FIA helmet class. If you’re willing to spend a bit more for added comfort and brand heritage, the GT6 Sport is a fantastic choice.
This helmet features a lightweight fiberglass composite shell paired with a sophisticated multi-density liner, providing excellent impact absorption without excess bulk. Like the Sparco, it carries the newest FIA 8859-2024 approval and also meets Snell SA2020, evidence of its robust safety design for both European and North American standards. Drag racers will appreciate the GT6 Sport’s extra-wide visor aperture, inherited from Bell’s high-end GT6 Pro model, which gives you an expansive field of view down the strip. That wider peripheral vision can be helpful when you’re lining up and checking your mirrors or track conditions. Ventilation is well-engineered too: the helmet has strategically placed vents that promote airflow and minimize heat build-up inside, keeping you focused and fog-free.
One unique aspect of the Bell GT6 Sport is its flexibility with HANS device preparation. Bell offers it either with factory-installed HANS posts or with just pre-drilled holes. Opting for the “no HANS posts” version can save you a bit of money upfront, which is great if you’re on a tight budget or don’t need a head-neck restraint immediately. And you always have the option to add HANS posts in the future as your needs evolve. The helmet comes in White in sizes from XS to XL, featuring Bell’s proven ergonomic shape.
Key Features:
- FIA 8859-2024 & Snell SA2020 approved: Dual certification means this helmet meets stringent international safety standards for motorsport. You can run it on any track, knowing it’s built to protect.
- Fiberglass composite shell with multi-density liner: Lightweight yet strong shell construction paired with an advanced energy-absorbing liner for superb impact protection. The lighter weight helps reduce driver fatigue during long sessions.
- Wide eyeport for great visibility: Expanded visor opening (inspired by Bell’s pro-level helmets) gives you a better view of the drag strip and periphery, which can boost confidence and reaction time.
- Good ventilation and comfort: Built-in ventilation channels circulate air to prevent overheating, and the interior padding is designed for comfort on those long race days. Bell helmets are known for a snug, ergonomic fit.
- Optional HANS posts: Choose between a version with factory-fitted FHR/HANS posts or a slightly cheaper pre-drilled version. This lets budget-minded racers start without HANS posts and upgrade later if needed, or go fully HANS-ready from day one.
In terms of style, the GT6 Sport has a sleek, aerodynamic design very similar to Bell’s top-tier helmets, so you’re looking sharp at the track. Overall, this model provides a step up in refinement while still firmly within the “affordable” category. It’s a bit more investment, but you get Bell’s renowned fit and quality in return.
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From £415.00 Excl. VAT Select options This product has multiple variants. The options may be chosen on the product page
Why You Need a Full-Face FIA Helmet for Drag Racing
Drag racing is one of the fastest and most intense forms of motorsport, with huge acceleration and high top speeds reached in just seconds. Because of this, safety gear needs to meet strict standards, and your helmet is one of the most important parts of that. At GSM Performance, we only recommend full-face FIA-homologated helmets for drag racing, even at club or amateur level.
A full-face helmet offers complete head coverage, including chin and jaw protection, which is essential in a straight-line crash scenario. At higher speeds, the risk of impact from frontal or side directions increases dramatically. While open-face helmets are sometimes seen in other disciplines, they’re simply not suited for the demands of drag racing, where protection needs to be at its highest.
FIA approval means the helmet meets international standards for fire resistance, structural strength, and impact performance. That’s why all three of our recommended budget options in this blog carry valid FIA homologation, making them suitable for competitive use and recognised by race organisers and scrutineers.
So if you’re on a tighter budget but still want to compete safely and legally, these three full-face helmets from OMP, Sparco, and Bell offer the right balance of cost, comfort, and compliance. They’re the best value choices in our current line-up, trusted by drivers across the UK.
Try Before You Buy: All Three Helmets Available In-Store
If you’re unsure which helmet is right for you, we’ve got you covered. At our GSM Performance showroom, we stock and display all three of these helmet models so you can try them on in person. Getting the right fit is just as important as picking the right model. A properly fitted helmet feels snug all the way around and gives you the confidence to focus on driving.
Our staff are always on hand to help you find the correct size, talk you through HANS compatibility, and answer any questions you might have about specs, safety, or usage. Whether you’re new to motorsport or a returning customer, we’re here to make sure you leave with gear that fits your needs and your budget.
So if you’re nearby, drop in and try out the OMP GP-R, Sparco Stealth RF, and Bell GT6 Sport for yourself. You’ll know exactly how they feel before committing, and can walk away ready for race day.
Summary: Three Budget FIA Helmets That Don’t Cut Corners
If you need a full-face FIA-approved helmet for drag racing and want to keep the cost down, all three of these options are worth a look:
- OMP GP-R: Lowest price, solid build, HANS-ready
- Sparco Stealth RF: More sizes and colour options, great value
- Bell GT6 Sport: A bit more expensive but from a premium brand and available with or without HANS posts
All of them meet the safety standards required for drag racing and motorsport events, and none of them sacrifice quality just to meet a lower price point. Whether you’re just getting started or need a helmet for occasional use, these are the best budget options available from top-tier manufacturers.
Let me know if you’d like to add fitment tips, helmet care, or expand with comparison tables.