Check dates on your belts. Remember, SFI approved belts are only good for 2 years from the date on the belt. FIA approved belts are good for 5 years and the expiration date is on the belt. We recommend FIA approved belts for the following reasons: good for 5 years compared to 2 years, much better features, and economically priced. Check with your sanctioning body to see what they require for belt expiration.

Check to make sure your HANS Device has either an SFI or FIA certification tag. If it doesn't it may mean your device is a "knockoff". In either event it will need to be returned to HANS to be recertified if it is an authentic HANS, otherwise you will need to replace it with a "real" HANS. Northstar sells the complete line of HANS Devices as well as the new Schroth SHR Flex.

If the SFI certification or recertification tag is older than 5 years you will have to return your HANS to the manufacturer to be recertified. However, not all racing sanctioning bodies enforce this recertification requirement. You should check with your sanctioning body to see if they require it.

If you had an incident last season, remember to replace both your harnesses and your HANS tethers. Both of these likely got stretched in the incident and are no longer any good.

HANS has a Sliding Tether system that allows full visibility to both sides. This Sliding Tether system is able to be retrofitted to all older HANS and it is well worth the $60. All new HANS devices come standard with this sliding tether system.

Check the date on your helmet. If it is dated Snell SA2005 or earlier it is no longer valid. Currently, your helmet must be dated SA2010 or SA2015. The message is if your helmet is SA2005 or earlier you need to replace it before the new season starts. Northstar has full stock of the current SA2015 Helmets.

If your sanctioning body has a rule regarding the date on your seat you should check the rule and the date stamped on the side of the shell. Many sanctioning bodies allow shell style seats to be used for 5 or 6 years without a seat back brace. Many sanctioning bodies don't require you to replace the seat, just add a seat back brace after the initial 5 or 6 year period.

Unpack your gear bag and examine all of your gear. If anything has holes have them repaired (using Nomex thread). Same with your suit or Nomex underwear. If you didn't have all these items (except gloves and shoes) cleaned at the end of last season; do it now so you won't have to wear "stinky" gear at your first race weekend. If your gloves have big holes or your shoes have holes in the soles; replace them now so you'll make it thru Tech at your first event.

Do you have enough Brake Pads and Brake Fluid for your first event? If not, buy them in advance.