Fireproof kit for trackdays?
Discussion
For £300 you will have plenty of choice. You can even get budget FIA certified race suits for under £300. However plenty of Proban or similar single layer suits on the market.
Obviously the FIA suits offer best protection but even the Proban stuff offers much better protection than most normal cloths and in reality, the risk on trackdays is much lower than competitive motorsport.
Im sure some here will say you shouldnt bother unless its FIA F1 or whatever standard but the reality is you don't need it. Most people go to trackdays in normal polyester or nylon clothing. That s
t will melt to your skin in a fire but thats ok by safety standards. Taking some precautions is sensible but you dont need to go mental.
If you later on might want to sprint or do MSUK or similar sanctioned motorsport then you may want to ensure it meets the FIA standards even if its a bit overkill on a track day.
Obviously the FIA suits offer best protection but even the Proban stuff offers much better protection than most normal cloths and in reality, the risk on trackdays is much lower than competitive motorsport.
Im sure some here will say you shouldnt bother unless its FIA F1 or whatever standard but the reality is you don't need it. Most people go to trackdays in normal polyester or nylon clothing. That s
t will melt to your skin in a fire but thats ok by safety standards. Taking some precautions is sensible but you dont need to go mental.If you later on might want to sprint or do MSUK or similar sanctioned motorsport then you may want to ensure it meets the FIA standards even if its a bit overkill on a track day.
blue al said:
Will just under garments do the the trick?
I would be happier in stealth mode, rather than “all the gear no idea”
Looking at some additional basic precautions as now taking a ragtop out makes me feel slightly more vulnerable than previous hatchback.
When it comes to safety kit, there is nothing wrong with “all the gear, but no idea”. If you’re worried about looking stupid, just think how stupid you would look with your skin burnt off.I would be happier in stealth mode, rather than “all the gear no idea”
Looking at some additional basic precautions as now taking a ragtop out makes me feel slightly more vulnerable than previous hatchback.
Some people will say “spend as much as you can afford”, however there comes a point where you get diminishing returns. However if you can afford FIA grade items, buy them. In theory, track days should be far safer than races, but you’re only as safe as the wannabe Senna in the car next to you.
blue al said:
Will just under garments do the the trick?
I would be happier in stealth mode, rather than “all the gear no idea”
Looking at some additional basic precautions as now taking a ragtop out makes me feel slightly more vulnerable than previous hatchback.
The marshal in me says anybody on a track should be in fireproof overalls. But as I know that wont happen then fireproof (nomax) underwear is a start. And then natural fibre on top that covers your limbs. Another thing to practice, is getting out of you car quickly. When you done it a few times, with a helmet on do it again blindfolded.I would be happier in stealth mode, rather than “all the gear no idea”
Looking at some additional basic precautions as now taking a ragtop out makes me feel slightly more vulnerable than previous hatchback.
Worth having a look at the clearance/ sale sections of the usual suspects, and act quickly! This is about the cheapest nomex suit I have seen on line.
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-first-s-race-s...
https://www.demon-tweeks.com/uk/omp-first-s-race-s...
Having said all that, if you haven’t already got one, a proper harness (ideally 6 point, but at least 4 point) is probably more likely to save your life, on the basis that there is no point having fire proof clothing if you’re already dead from the initial impact.
Personally I would recommend both.
Personally I would recommend both.
Nampahc Niloc said:
Having said all that, if you haven’t already got one, a proper harness (ideally 6 point, but at least 4 point) is probably more likely to save your life, on the basis that there is no point having fire proof clothing if you’re already dead from the initial impact.
Personally I would recommend both.
I would agree with that. And the need for a HANS Device. The risks of a neck injury on track are far higher than the risk of fire I would suggest. I assumed that he OP already had a full harness but maybe not.Personally I would recommend both.
Consider your particular car in terms of the type of seat and harnesses fitted. How hard would it be for you to extricate yourself if you were injured? how hard would it be for marshals to get you out? This has to come into it.
Consider also what is likely to catch fire. Do you have the fuel tank and fuel lines inside the cabin?
In my opinion most factory cars are unlikely to catch fire and you can pretty much fall out of them. It is probably sufficient just to avoid synthetic materials in your clothing.
If you've got a deep bucket seat and / or door bars you aren't getting out of there without effort. Fireproofs are probably a good idea and a fire suppression system if you don't have one.
Consider also what is likely to catch fire. Do you have the fuel tank and fuel lines inside the cabin?
In my opinion most factory cars are unlikely to catch fire and you can pretty much fall out of them. It is probably sufficient just to avoid synthetic materials in your clothing.
If you've got a deep bucket seat and / or door bars you aren't getting out of there without effort. Fireproofs are probably a good idea and a fire suppression system if you don't have one.
Check whether your helmet has a Nomex lining. Unless it was designed for motorsport it probably doesn't.
Either way it is prudent (and more hygienic) to use a Nomex balaclava.
It's generally your hands which will get got worst so consider Nomex gloves.
It'd be easy to buy a suit and consider yourself covered but the full kit goes right down to Nomex base layer and socks.
Either way it is prudent (and more hygienic) to use a Nomex balaclava.
It's generally your hands which will get got worst so consider Nomex gloves.
It'd be easy to buy a suit and consider yourself covered but the full kit goes right down to Nomex base layer and socks.
Partyvan said:
911 Turbo, E92 M3 or an RS4 are the contenders. So next to zero risk of fire, you have a fair point. Perhaps that ship has sailed.
In that case, I'd suggest that your first upgrade should be a 5/6 point harness instead of a 4 and a head and neck restraint system rather than fireproof gear. HustleRussell said:
In that case, I'd suggest that your first upgrade should be a 5/6 point harness instead of a 4 and a head and neck restraint system rather than fireproof gear.
That makes a lot of sense.I should really go the whole hog as I'm not the most cautious trackday driver.
Partyvan said:
How would folks rate a plumbed in extinguisher vs fireproof gear?
I'd assume prevention is better than cure.
I've been racing for 10 years and I've been around racing events for much longer. I have not known a plumbed-in extinguisher to have been used in all that time in the championships I have been in. I'd assume prevention is better than cure.
This is a 'good thing', but it does make me wonder how many of these systems will still actually do the job by the time they are activated. The AFFF foam can sit in there settling for years. You can see that they have pressure from the gauge and you can send them off for servicing at a cost of £50-60 but still.
Also the foam will pretty much write off your interior if you ever set it off. It makes a big mess.
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