Genuine Ford GT - Chip Ganassi Fireproof Jacket


ChipBeck

GT Owner
Staff member
Mark IV Lifetime
Le Mans 2010 Supporter
Feb 13, 2006
5,788
Scottsdale, Arizona
Gentlemen,

During our inaugural trip to Daytona to see the new GT’s race for the first time I thought the Ford driver’s fireproof suits were incredibly good looking. I told DBK that I’d really like to acquire one and Dave told me they weren’t available and are very expensive. Sparco did make them available only to new GT owners and they are expensive (for several reasons). I’ve got the suit and love it but will seldom have a chance to wear it. What I really wanted was the top half of the actual drivers fire suit made exactly the same with all the sewn in logos, action back sleeves, same stitching, and made from the same fire proof Nomex. Such a jacket would be expensive BUT unlike the suit I could wear it a lot. It would look great over a polo shirt with jeans.

Over breakfast with Fred Nader of Sparco (who makes those team suits and many components of the new GT) I pitched my idea. His and Sparco’s initial reaction was muted as there are other Ford GT jackets available. True, but there’s something magic about the real thing. Fred “got it” and pitched the idea to Sparco who made a prototype to show me and to donate at the BJ GT auction. Fred brought it to the GT Forum Barrett Jackson dinner and it was bitchin’. The jacket is made from the same fireproof material and design as the drivers racing suits and includes the sponsor logos.

They will all be custom made for each owner. You’ll be fitted just like for the drivers suit and you can tell them if you want it a bit looser to fit over other clothing or tighter fitting like an actual drivers suit. You can also specify if you want it above your hips like a bomber jacket or at your hips. Ladies jackets will flatter their superior shape. On the back of the collar is the sewn in logo shown below. Added to this logo you can have your name or your car’s serial #, but not both.

There are no patches sewn on to this jacket. All of the Ford and sponsor logos are sewn in. All of the thread used to make the jacket and logos is fire resistant Nomex thread just like the jacket itself.

The project had to be submitted to and approved by Ford and that’s been done. Finally, these jackets will never be sold to the public, never sold at races, never sold on line. They can only be purchased by GT OWNERS (‘05-‘06 & NFGT).

As of right now the only one that exists is the prototype XL and it’s too big for me so the photos below don’t reflect how cool a proper fitting one will be next time you show up at the track or any auto event. You’ll hear, “Where did you get that?!?” a lot! And unless you own a Ford GT, you can’t get one.

They will have them taylored for women as well and girls look even better in driving gear than men do. Because of how they’re built and what they are made of they’re expensive. $1495. But after you’ve worn and enjoyed it for years that will seem like a bargain.

I’m bringing the prototype jacket with me to Daytona so members can check it out and I’ll post ordering info as soon as I have it. All the best.

Chip
 

Attachments

  • B6330CB7-3745-4165-A04A-E2B3BFC75FB2.jpg
    B6330CB7-3745-4165-A04A-E2B3BFC75FB2.jpg
    81.8 KB · Views: 541
  • F903006F-EE0E-4707-A455-A66606399321.jpg
    F903006F-EE0E-4707-A455-A66606399321.jpg
    90.9 KB · Views: 538
  • 726C53C7-F9FC-4CDA-8EC3-4D17495840A0.jpg
    726C53C7-F9FC-4CDA-8EC3-4D17495840A0.jpg
    96.2 KB · Views: 535
  • C15C6F2B-4F8B-4CBB-B113-25F5ADE8DBB4.jpg
    C15C6F2B-4F8B-4CBB-B113-25F5ADE8DBB4.jpg
    104.3 KB · Views: 538
  • B09EF9FB-F734-4479-AA80-ECF074D58406.jpg
    B09EF9FB-F734-4479-AA80-ECF074D58406.jpg
    200.3 KB · Views: 291
Last edited:
Ahem, Chip - can you buy the suit as worn by the drivers?
 
sign me up!
 
Ahem, Chip - can you buy the suit as worn by the drivers?

+1. The jacket is cool, too, and I look forward to checking it out in Daytona!
 
Ahem, Chip - can you buy the suit as worn by the drivers?

Well not exactly because I’m fatter but my suit looks pretty legit to me. It’s even certified by the FIA. What is different?

Chip
 

Attachments

  • 5FB4F5E5-CB87-4AFA-A5F5-5EB3D3F33069.jpg
    5FB4F5E5-CB87-4AFA-A5F5-5EB3D3F33069.jpg
    199.9 KB · Views: 405
Last edited:
Are all the logos there?
 
Ok you got me, the IMSA or WEC logos can’t be purchased or used by anyone who is not actually in the series. I must point out that I didn’t figure that out on my own, I had to contact DBK to find out what was missing.

A very knowledgeable group can be a tough crowd to play to!!

Chip
 
Count me in on the jacket!
 
That is a very cool jacket ...
 
Sharp!!! Nice going! Thanks for the effort!!
 
I might need one of those. Nicely done!
 
I'm in for that one
 
Also interested here.
 
I love it!
 
Now That's Cool! Count me in
 
Love it. A 2XL tall would be nice, not that any of the real team drivers are near that size

:)
 
I am in.
 
I was fortunate to see the jacket at Chip’s Scottsdale dinner. The white and blue color combo will go perfect with my blue and white ‘05 GT so I’m in for one. I plan on showing the jacket to my significant other while at Daytona. I can’t promise anything but if she wants one then I’ll take two.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Last edited:
Did someone say jacket? You know I'm all about the jacket. Haha! I'm in.

Vince H
 
Ok you got me, the IMSA or WEC logos can’t be purchased or used by anyone who is not actually in the series. I must point out that I didn’t figure that out on my own, I had to contact DBK to find out what was missing.

A very knowledgeable group can be a tough crowd to play to!!

Chip

I actually have several of the IMSA patches. Haven't found any of the WEC patches.