Short Sleeves For PCA DE?
#32
Race Car
MORPCA goes short sleeve when the temps rise in the 80's. Its a trade off. The risk of a fire in a stock car is way less due to DOT standard vs. a race car. Not many fires at DE's. but heat exhaustion and dehydration can happen at a DE just as in a race. so we allow it.
I was not aware the level of car prep, was considered when determining the safety equipment required at a DE.
personally, I think any driver on a race track, at race speeds, should have full safety equipment...
But,I also feel it should be strictly a personal decision. -Just like wearing a PFD on a boat.
It should be up to the driver to determine what level of safety they feel is needed for themselves. Whether that is 6pts, H&N, rollbars, or a fire system, it should remain up to the participant.
Otherwise you get lawyers arguing the organization was at fault when something bad happens...
#33
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I think you'd be surprised;
I've seen burn photos. It's a bit surprising what even a thin cotton layer will do for you. Having said that, there is a tipping point between protection, and driver comfort. Being on fire really sucks, so I am told, but there is a point where comfort begins to weigh on concentration. I HATE hot weather. I'd never make it down South. I try real hard to stay in longs, but some days.... it sure is nice to go short.
I've seen burn photos. It's a bit surprising what even a thin cotton layer will do for you. Having said that, there is a tipping point between protection, and driver comfort. Being on fire really sucks, so I am told, but there is a point where comfort begins to weigh on concentration. I HATE hot weather. I'd never make it down South. I try real hard to stay in longs, but some days.... it sure is nice to go short.
#34
Rennlist Member
Given the miniscule risk of fire in a DE, in generally street cars, versus the very real risk of heat stroke in out of shape non-racers learning track driving for the first time, driver comfort becomes (IMO) a much greater safetty issue.
Professional Racing and Driving Coach
Professional Racing and Driving Coach
#36
"Given the miniscule risk of fire in a DE, in generally street cars, versus the very real risk of heat stroke in out of shape non-racers learning track driving for the first time, driver comfort becomes (IMO) a much greater safetty issue."
+100.
+100.
#37
Three Wheelin'
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I concur with VR but I am a big proponent of PPE and therefore always wear the bunny suit. Another consideration is working on the car in the pits. In several cases my long pants and/or sleaves have protected me from burns while changing pads/rotors, or otherwise crawling under or around the car.
Ultimately fitness and hydration solve many of the heat related issues. Besides if it wasn't for the heat I couldn't grind down my weak opposition.....
Ultimately fitness and hydration solve many of the heat related issues. Besides if it wasn't for the heat I couldn't grind down my weak opposition.....
#41
For those who think an extra few inches of fabric from their elbow to their wrist will cause them to pass out and crash, there's always...
Kidding aside, I think it should be a personal choice for each driver as long as they understand the ramifications of their decision (which all new drivers might not).
Kidding aside, I think it should be a personal choice for each driver as long as they understand the ramifications of their decision (which all new drivers might not).
#42
King of Cool
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Though I think it should be your choice. I always wear a fire suit since I saw what happened to my brother in law from a fire on the street, 2nd degree burns on his arms and legs which ended at his t-shirt line and the line of his shorts. The hell he went through is not worth the short sleeve.
I wore long sleeve shirt and long pants in DE's for that above reason, just regular cotton does offer some fire protection.
I now have decided to wear a suit and will wear that no matter how hot it is, even the hottest Florida day is nowhere near the temps of a fire.
Heatstroke risk getting that much higher between wearing a short sleeve or a long sleeve cotton shirt?
Please, if that's the deciding factor, a person suffering a heatstroke from a 30 min. DE session wearing a long sleeve cotton shirt in a car with open windows should stay home in air conditioned climate and have her wife get the beer from the fridge.
#43
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