Who wears racing suit for DE events
#137
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#139
As others have said... I wear it.
Before I actually got into 4-wheeled racing, I didn't bother thinking about buying one. I had to buy a suit once I got back into racing (4-wheelers this time, I'm a longtime 2-wheeler guy). For a while I didn't wear it at DE events for not wanting to be "that guy".
Then it dawned on me.... it's safety equipment. I'd rather wear it and get laughed at, than not wear it and regret it. I have it... why not use it?
Before I actually got into 4-wheeled racing, I didn't bother thinking about buying one. I had to buy a suit once I got back into racing (4-wheelers this time, I'm a longtime 2-wheeler guy). For a while I didn't wear it at DE events for not wanting to be "that guy".
Then it dawned on me.... it's safety equipment. I'd rather wear it and get laughed at, than not wear it and regret it. I have it... why not use it?
#141
Rennlist Member
Oh yeah. Mine is actually a 4-layer. Its hot. Fortunately, I still have AC in the car and get to blow on my hands and feet while in staging. Once you get driving, you dont notice. You do when you get out (at least thats how impacts me). Just means that I need to have multiple shirt changes during the day and drink a ton of fluid. All this being said, now that I have it, I wouldnt think of not wearing it and very glad that I got it. Like everything else, there is some kind of trade and I dont mind being a little warm instead of possibly on fire. Hope all is well with you...
#142
Rennlist Member
#143
Oh yeah. Mine is actually a 4-layer. Its hot. Fortunately, I still have AC in the car and get to blow on my hands and feet while in staging. Once you get driving, you dont notice. You do when you get out (at least thats how impacts me). Just means that I need to have multiple shirt changes during the day and drink a ton of fluid. All this being said, now that I have it, I wouldnt think of not wearing it and very glad that I got it. Like everything else, there is some kind of trade and I dont mind being a little warm instead of possibly on fire. Hope all is well with you...
The Turbo has great aircon of course, though I normally turn it off for racing once we hit the track.
Last edited by 996tnz; 03-16-2017 at 12:15 AM.
#144
Excellent points about the need to wear a suit. Once you've seen this scene (Kees Nierop abandoning his burning 961 at the 1987 Le Mans) you'll never forget it.
BTW, I believe Kees still teaches at Porsche Canada track day and winter driving events. Good guy.
BTW, I believe Kees still teaches at Porsche Canada track day and winter driving events. Good guy.
#145
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FYI, DE last weekend car lost control hit a tree, punctured fuel cell, caught fire and burned up pretty bad. Driver is a very good, expert in a fast car. We think maybe something broke? Was wearing full fire suit protection, got out, not hurt at all....
Wife and I always wear our fire suits...especially driving a fast, custom built race car, why wouldn't we??
Wife and I always wear our fire suits...especially driving a fast, custom built race car, why wouldn't we??
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#146
Drifting
FYI, DE last weekend car lost control hit a tree, punctured fuel cell, caught fire and burned up pretty bad. Driver is a very good, expert in a fast car. We think maybe something broke? Was wearing full fire suit protection, got out, not hurt at all....
Wife and I always wear our fire suits...especially driving a fast, custom built race car, why wouldn't we??
Wife and I always wear our fire suits...especially driving a fast, custom built race car, why wouldn't we??
#147
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I remember when I was just starting out in Canada (Ontario) some clubs would not allow suits for HPDE. The basic rule was if it looks like a race car or you look like a race car driver, we cannot have you because it could make it harder for others to claim insurance if something happens.
At that time regular insurance 100% covered anything that qualified as a driving school, and it even qualified for educational tax credits. Not sure if that changed.
So it was rather common to hear "Let's go tell those a-holes to lose suits or GTFO". Not sure if that contributed to some attitude towards suited up drivers at HPDE.
I'm convinced now that a suit is a good idea and will get one - if I end up racing then something more robust, and if I keep HPDE-ing only then lighter (getting out of a street car takes about 3 seconds).
At that time regular insurance 100% covered anything that qualified as a driving school, and it even qualified for educational tax credits. Not sure if that changed.
So it was rather common to hear "Let's go tell those a-holes to lose suits or GTFO". Not sure if that contributed to some attitude towards suited up drivers at HPDE.
I'm convinced now that a suit is a good idea and will get one - if I end up racing then something more robust, and if I keep HPDE-ing only then lighter (getting out of a street car takes about 3 seconds).
#149
When its cold and nasty- suit works. FCA- required. I don't always wear mine but I find certain events I tend to grab it without thinking- Surely safety concerned- Some events seem more risky than others ?
#150
I hate wearing mine when temps are 100+. But I sure like it when it keeps me warm in the am with 40 - 50 temps. Love it when I see everybody getting out of their cars looking for jackets.