Safety Protocol Specification
Snell M2020R
Story & Background
The Snell Memorial Foundation was founded in 1957 after the death of racer William "Pete" Snell. It is a non-profit that sets standards significantly higher than government minimums, specifically for racing environments.
1957
Snell Memorial Foundation established after Pete Snell's fatal crash.
2015
Snell M2015 standard implemented with high-energy double impact testing.
2020
Snell M2020 released in M2020D (US) and M2020R (ECE compatible) formats.
2025
Continues as the premier voluntary standard for racing organizations worldwide.
Testing Protocol & Methods
Racing Performance Tests
- Edge Anvil Impact: Specialized tests against sharp curbs and tracks.
- Positional Stability: Rigorous roll-off tests in multiple directions.
- Double Impact: Two hits in the same site to ensure shell resilience.
Technical Specifications & Performance
Dual Strike Test
2 Successive Hits
Impact Limit
275G Max
Hemispherical Anvil
Severe Point Test
Retention Load
Dynamic 38kg
Snell M2020R vs DOT FMVSS 218
How the premium racing standard compares to legal US minimums
DOT FMVSS 218
Double Impact Test: No (Single Hit)
Max G-Force Allowance: 400G
Snell M2020R
Benchmark
Double Impact Test: Passed (Double Hit)
Max G-Force Allowance: 275G