Holden HANS handout.

Holden's V8 Supercar drivers will now be even safer thanks to the implementation of a new safety program by Holden Motorsport with HANS devices all round.

Working in partnership with Revolution Racegear, Holden Motorsport is issuing all of its fulltime drivers in the V8 Supercar Series with new HANS(R) devices and appropriate 2004 model helmets.

The devices were made compulsory in Formula one from the 2003 season and their benefits are well known. Constructed from carbon-fibre and Kevlar, the patented HANS (Head And Neck Support) Device is a collar and yoke system that is worn by the driver on the upper body and held in place by the race car's harness system. Connected to the helmet by two flexible tethers, the device allows normal head movement, but limits extended movements and neck loads.

Invented by Michigan State university professor Robert Hubbard and long-time IMSA Sports Car driver Jim Downing, the device significantly reduces the chance of serious injury caused by the violent movement of the unrestrained head and helmet combination in racing accidents.

Five-time Australian V8 Supercar Champion Mark Skaife says the safety initiative was a much welcome one, while the subject of restraint devices was complicated.

"The HANS Device is the biggest advance in head and neck protection ever for race drivers and we applaud Holden Motorsport and Revolution Racegear for making this move to improve driver safety," said Skaife.

"The issue is complicated as the device needs to be comfortable and workable across a variety of body types in different race car seating arrangements, while also needing to be adjustable to suit different circuits that require maximum head turning potential."

While other head, neck and shoulder devices are available, the unique HANS design is the only one homologated by the FIA, which mandated its use in Formula One in 2002.

Since then, it has also made the device compulsory in the international F3000 and FIA GT categories.

Holden's Director of Performance Products and Racing, Ray Borrett, said Holden Motorsport had supported the initiative to take a leadership position with driver safety.

"Holden wants to ensure its V8 Supercar drivers are as well protected as possible and this is another way for us to demonstrate driver safety," Borrett said.

"This system is proven as the best head and neck support structure available today so it is appropriate to be introduced across the board for our drivers.

"It is a decision consistent with Holden's leadership position in the Australian automotive industry for safety, including being the first local carmaker to introduce seat belts across all models and the first to offer airbags."