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Seems forever since I was on a track, but the officials were then starting to make noises about being happier to see more race-suitable clothing as opposed to the usual simple avoidance of normal clothing that would melt anywhere near a fire.

Any suggestions for cost effective stuff for when BARMY eventually re-appears?

I've actually been thinking along the same lines, especially for winter.

I'd ideally like lightweight race suit like material and properties without the inconvenience of a one-sie style baby romper suit. In other words, pants and separate top.

Of course it's not full fireproof but better than just a cotton long sleeve tops right? I've even been thinking along the lines of heavier duty Yakka (or similar alternative branded) tops/jackets.

Any thoughts?

Obviously look at the rules etc etc.


If you're allowed, have a look at go-kart suits/boots/gloves.
It's usually a lot cheaper than car racing gear, but at the expense of fireproofing. (not sure if it's a lesser degree of proofing, or if it's just the same as a cotton shirt)

FIA suits can be had from here for not much: http://www.racedeal.com/shop/category/suits1

Personally I would not buy SFI stuff purely from the point of view that if you end up in an event that calls for a proper suit it will be FIA spec they ask for. If CAMS decided to make suits compulsory across all disciplines it will be FIA they ask for.

Cotton is no where close to an aramid fibre like Nomex or Kevlar when it comes to protection from heat and flame. In the time it would take you to get out of the car untreated cotton clothing would have entirely burnt away. Anywhere there is stitching or embroidery will allow a heat path through, any printing will melt.

I have a two layer OMP FIA suit and use pyrovatex underwear. The underwear is a treated cotton so wont sustain a flame but does not prevent the transfer of heat as well as Nomex. The treatment eventually wears off. It is cheaper to buy and is soft like a cotton t-shirt though so is very comfortable.

I have read a few reports from people that have been in a fire in their car and even with a suit and underwear set it still gets painfully hot. I dread to think what it would be like for the guys I see ina suit but just wearing their jocks underneath.

Honestly guys wearing a suit in the car is fine, I am physically more comfortable than I ever was in jeans, long sleeve top etc.

Racedeal have run-out specials from time to time so keep your eyes open for these. I bought my triple-layer Sparco suit then but find it's way too hot - I'd prefer a single-layer suit.

Racer Industries on the Gold Coast have some good deals at the moment
http://www.racerindustries.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=1_76

Most sprint events only require cotton as a minimum. Karting suits are 1 layer. Some guys use cotton overalls (king gee, hard yakka). Depends on what is required and your targeted personal safety level. Race requires 3 layer suits.

If you are serious about it get a one piece. You might feel like Bjorn from Abba but its safer than a two piece (and hey, maybe Abbas your thing.....). And if really serious go a 2 or 3 layer suit.

Might as well have fire resistant so karting gear is out.

This looks soooo cheap, so what's the catch?

http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/251034780465 ... 1423.l2649

No FIA tags so you are going to be trusting that it has been made correctly and of the correct materials without any 3rd party approval process.

Have gone with the eBay stuff on the grounds that it must at least be better than mere cotton, I got a random 10% off voucher from PayPal, I needed gloves anyway to drive an open car, and all the other stuff is waaaay more $$$$. Hopefully the quality is not too crap when it arrives.

The stuff arrived and seems ok, especially for the price.

Communicating with them is a bit like trying to talk to a non English speaking person who uses someone who speaks English but not their language being used as a translator, but hey ho.

You've got to try the American technique of speaking LOUDER and s l o w e r....somehow they think that works...so it must. They're American.

I recently got some gloves and a balaclava after never driving with either before.

Have done 2 track days since and I strongly recommend both.

Balaclava is an absolute must in my opinion. It will keep your helmet in better condition for longer, sweat rots the lining and is stinky!

deviant wrote:Balaclava is an absolute must in my opinion. It will keep your helmet in better condition for longer, sweat rots the lining and is stinky!

x2 ... also stops the stubble from fraying all the helmet lining.