The HANSŪ device was invented by Robert Hubbard, PhD., Professor, College of Engineering at Michigan State University in collaboration with his brother-in-law, long-time IMSA sports car driver, Jim Downing. The objective was to reduce the chance of serious injury caused by the violent movement of the unrestrained head and helmet combination in an accident. In a high "G" accident, say 80 G's, a 15-pound head and helmet combination effectively weighs 1200 pounds (15 x 80) for a split second. Crash recorders in INDY cars have seen over 100 G's. The driver's neck has to take this load. The generally accepted average threshold for injury is about 740 pounds. Injury level loads such as this can happen at speeds under 60 mph in a head-on crash.

The patented (4638510, 6009566) biomechanical design of the HANSŪ utilizes a collar and yoke system constructed of carbon fiber and KevlarŪ . The device is worn on the upper body under the shoulder straps. It is connected to the helmet by two flexible tethers which allow normal movement of the head (left, right, up, and down), but limit extreme head motions and neck loads. After a few laps wearing the HANSŪ unit, most drivers forget they have it on.

After years of testing (sled crashes by General Motors), and use under actual race conditions by Downing, the Model I HANSŪ was offered for sale in 1991 and more than 300 of this model are now in active use worldwide. There have been numerous reports of its effectiveness in real racing accidents.

In 1997, Hubbard/Downing, Inc. contracted with DaimlerBenz for joint testing and development for HANSŪ for Formula One. In April 2000, DaimlerChrysler and the FIA made a joint announcement that they have found the HANSŪ safety system the most effective method of head and neck protection currently available for drivers. There are about 600 of the newer style device now in use.

The HANSŪ Device has been made mandatory in Formula 1 for the 2003 Racing Season. CART and Formula Atlantic have made HANSŪ mandatory for all its series begining 2002. A head and neck restraining system is mandatory in NASCAR's Winston Cup, Busch and Craftsman Truck series, ASA and ARCA. The HANSŪ Device is now mandatory and is being considered in other series around the world.

There are a few different types of the HANSŪ safety system now available. The HANS is available in both the economy and professional models. The difference between the two is 8 ounces, obviously the professional model is lighter. You'll want to consider your seating position when you order as well. If you are racing a production based vehicle, you probably need the 20° (also called upright) version. Some drivers may even be interested in a 10° version. If you are racing a vehicle where your seating position is more reclined, for example IRL or Barber Dodge, you'll probably want the 30° or 40° (or reclined) version.

When choosing sizing, please note the following sizing guidelines:

• Under 12 Inch Neck Size will need an Extra Small
• 12"-15" will need a Small
• 15-18" will need a Medium
• 18-20" will take a Large
• 21+" will need an Extra Large

There are some accessories available which make the HANS even more comfortable as well as if you want to setup multiple helmets to work with the same HANS.