I'm going to try auto-x in the spring and, heck, even ice racing in VT requires a helmet. So, what's a good place to buy a helmet in New England, for not too much? Mass/Boston area would be preferred, but I can travel a little ways.

Something like this:

http://www.racerwholesale.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=563

Open-face SA2005 should serve me well for a while.

I can order online, but I am not sure about sizing. I can do the head sizing with measuring tape and hope that I order the right size, but it seems more sensible to actually try the helmet on before buying.

try going to your local motorcycle dealership...

For just auto-x, you can get away with an M-Rated helmet (Motorcycle). You don't 'need' an SA or higher rated helmet for auto-x. The M2005 (new rating this year) helmets are just hitting the shelves. You can get them at any motorcycle store as Dan said. Some might even have sales on the leftover M2000s. A popular line are the HJC open faced helmets that can be found at almost any motorcycle store. Just open the yellow pages and look up dealers.

If you think that you might be doing trackdays before you purchase your next helmet, then an SA might be a decent idea. I'd recommend HMSMotorsports in Peabody MA as they have a decent range of helmets to try on and buy for motorsport applications (ie: SA rated helmets)

Make sure you do some test fitting for sizes. Having a comfy helmet can go a long way.

--kC

If you think that you might be doing trackdays before you purchase your next helmet, then an SA might be a decent idea. I'd recommend HMSMotorsports in Peabody MA as they have a decent range of helmets to try on and buy for motorsport applications (ie: SA rated helmets)
--kC

Thanks! So track days require SA?

Thanks! So track days require SA?

Trackdays/HPDE - Yes.
Auto-x - No.