Race Gear

[Fubar]

I was thinking about getting a decent race outfit for tract days. I have several scheduled this year. I really don’t have any experience with Car race suits. Do you guys have any suggestions on what to look for?

Thanks in advance.

 

[911teo]

Go to www.saferacer.com they have a huge selection.

The theory behing a race suit is that the more layers the better as 3 layers will protect you more than 1 in case of fire.

Having said that the top of the line Sparco (3 layer) suit has a SFI 3.2a/5 rating (10 seconds exposure before a 2nd degree burn occurs) and it costs $1,500.
A $300 (1 layer) suit has a SFI 3.2a/1 rating (3 seconds exposure).

The 3 layer suit will be heavier and hotter. Plus you need to wear a t-shirt and socks etc.

So I would invest in Nomex long sleeve shirt, pants, socks and balaclava.

When you look at it you can easily spend $2,300 on safety clothing.

You want to be able to try the suit on as it needs to be confortable. That's why I like saferacer as they provide free shipping and if the suit is not confortable you just send it back.

I started with a cheap suit (SFI 3.2a/1) for the first track days, then added the Nomex under wear and I am about to upgrade my suit to a 3.2a/5 one.

I personally like Sparco, but Simpson, Alpine and OMP have good reputation.

Good luck.. it is a smart move... you do not want to skimp on safety.

 

[mardyn]

'Bar

I've got an old one from my boat racing days that's just a single layer... doesn't offer much protection, I'd go with a multi-layer suit for the GT for sure.

btw.. what track events are you doing this year? I'm gettin' the itch to get mine back out somewhere soon.

mardyn

 

[Fubar]

I am going to try this in september.
http://www.arielatomexperience.com/index.php?option=com_track_info&Itemid=64

And then Texas Driving Experience in August if I can get in.

The Rally in Cally also.

 

[funat50]

Mine.

I went entry level with a Sparco 1 layer, about $300. Get a good helmut, full face, gloves, and shoes. Check out CV Products. Search this site for race suit and you'll see som pics of my suit avter a couple of custom additions.

 

[ChipBeck]

Simpson

Fubar,

Here's a couple of options. The cheapest way to wear a Nomex suit is to buy an Air Force pilots "bag". Plus, chicks dig 'em if you're still a flatbelly. These are the olive drab one piece flight suits like those worn in Top Gun. About $200 but they are single layer and should be worn with nomex long underwear and socks/gloves. Most big speed shops sell Simpson safety gear and they have ready made suits but since they will have to order it anyway they can measure you and have a custom fit driving suit with your choice of colors. Nomex looses some of it's protective quality when it's dyed so the white (natural color) is best. The 3 layer suit is much hotter than a cotton suit so you gotta deal with that. During my stint as an aerobatic pilot I wore a fire suit every day and when I got out of my plane after a practice sesson I was soaking wet. There is no cool comfortable effective fire suit. They are either single layer, cool and comfortable, OR 3 layer, effective, and hotter than hell.

Chip

 

[Fast Freddy]

i luv my 2 layer nomex sparco firesuit

 

[Fubar]

Great information, I will take it all under advisement.

Anyone here ever use these:
http://www.saferacer.com/excosush.html

 

[Kip Ewing]

Race Suits

Sparco, Sparco, Sparco........

Their craftsmanship is stunning.
The materials a first rate. The zippers, cuffs, you name it.
If you invest in a three layer, go ahead and get the custom fit.
It is worth it.

I have a three layer and wear nomex underwear and balaclava and I don't have too much trouble in the heat.

When you decide what to buy, think of the worst thing that can happen, cause it might.

 

[STUNTS]

Fubar,
Gimmee a day to find the number and website and I'll send you to my guy for a price chk.. he should give you a deal.. tell him you're a stuntguy or friend of one and he might hook you up. I say might because you know the deal... everyone can get you a deal on something but who knows if it ever really happens.... :rofl ..The companies name is pyrotech.. and as far as your nomex underwear goes , get underX...Its more breathable and has a longer rating of time.... I'll post all the correct info soon... sorry gotta go!!

 

[STUNTS]

Really quick http://www.theracedepot.com/product15.htm
Also known as CarbonX.. we use this stuff and I've been set on fire with this as my protection along with friends who have done burns 100's of times.. I swear by it... It's also what I wear when doing fire safety on set.. It's more safe and you look more studly when you have your suit half off, wrapped around your waste, showing a black stylish CarbonX instead of flesh color nomex :lol :rofl

 

[911teo]

Carmyth Fiber is the last development in underwear fabric. It is supposed to be the best.

Carbon X is a great fabric when u talk about contact with direct flame and it does out perform Nomex, but heat and steam transfer are the 2 main causes of burns in fire related incidents and Nomex (and Carmyth) both fare better than Carbon X on that.

Carbon X does look the coolest though.

In any case i would definetly buy a suit and underwear. But do not forget good gloves, a balaclava, socks and shoes.

It does you no good to have a 3 layer nomex suit when your gloves have melted on your hands and your feet are burning.

If you have $1,000 to spend on safe gear save on the suit but get all the rest of the items.

 

[911teo]

I just foud this on Nomex, Carbon X and Carmyth...

It looks like it is a study run by Sparco and surprise surprise Carmyth (Sparco has developed the fabric) comes up on top.

I will try and dig more info on the subject.

 

[Specracer]

Sparco suits are excelent. I have one now. My next suit is likely to be an Alpinstar, have their F1 gloves now. You have focused on the gear. If you have a budget, make sure you invest heavily in a helmet. One of the biggest differences in helmets is weight. The lighter, the better, as it will feel later on your neck (rememeber you will be turning with lateral loads, extra wirght takes effort to hold your head up)

 

[911teo]

Specracer makes a very good point.

And make sure you try the helmets on. Fit is very important. Do not think that a $1,500 helmet is 5 times better than a $300. Try them on, weigh them, then decide.

 

[Gulf GT]

Sparco suits are excelent. I have one now. My next suit is likely to be an Alpinstar, have their F1 gloves now. You have focused on the gear. If you have a budget, make sure you invest heavily in a helmet. One of the biggest differences in helmets is weight. The lighter, the better, as it will feel later on your neck (rememeber you will be turning with lateral loads, extra wirght takes effort to hold your head up)

I agree 100%, last year I changed to a carbon fiber helmet and it made it BIG difference!

 

[HeritageBruce]

What size are you? I maybe able to get through a friend Alpinestars for about 1/2 off the retail price, brand new, but only in sizes 48 and 50.