rkirshner

are driving suits "over the top" for DE events. if i am going to buy one is there a preference for 2 or 3 layer thanks

tomburdge

If you don't want a full fledged suit but rather just something to protect your clothing and perhaps provide a little bit of fire protection ,you might go to a local military surplus store and try to find a single layer flight suit.
I just got one from a family member seperating from the USAF .Its made of nomex with a touch of kevlar.have no idea what its worth but.......
I'm sure us tax payers paid more for it then you will.
Has lots of neat pockets and zippers and you can actually take a wiz without having to pull the suit down off your shoulders.
Tom B.

WHB Porsche

No. Lot's of people might say they are, but they're stupid. Wearing a driving suit at a DE is a personal choice, but nobody should take crap for making that choice. A fire at a DE is just as hot as a fire at a race.

mklaskin

I found myself more comfortable in a driving suit during DE's. It allowed me to focus on driving because I felt that little smidge safer.

CWhaley

I agree don't let the thought of personal saftey be dictated by others comments.

If you feel better with one on then... Go for it!

LDadrenaline

I will occasionally wear my firesuit at a DE, but only in the car. The guys who wear them to the drivers meetings in the mornings and to lunch and stuff crack me up.

CWhaley

You gotta have the "LOOK" man!

Rich Sandor

If you are in the novice group at your 1st or 2nd DE, then yes a fire suit is a little silly.

Otherwise, it's a personal choice that you should not be embarrassed about.

Coochas

I initially wore a surplus flight suit as described by Tom B above. They are very comfortable and give you a little bit of fire protection.
I now wear a real suit. While fires are pretty rare, I don't want to tempt fate. Then again, I am a hypocrite because when it's sweltering out at a DE event I'll go with the short sleeves when allowed! If I were to go racing, I would definitely get a cool shirt system.

MUSSBERGER

If I had a Stand I'd even wear it around the house.

Bad stuff can happen anytime on the track.

J richard

If you are in the lower DE rungroups wearing 3point belts and a borrowed helmet then wearing a suit makes you a Gettoracer...

If you are driving "flat-out" and are still being lapped by 912s on all season tires, then a firesuit makes you "that guy..."

On the otherhand if you are driving a stripped track car or a full blown race car which most of the factory safety items are removed, or running at 9/10ths then I think you are silly for not wearing all the safety gear you can afford...fire doesn't care if it's a race or a DE it's just the probability of the hit... that said the extinguisher should come before the suit otherwise your a poser...

rkirshner

thank you all

LDadrenaline

oh and if you are looking for a good deal, OMP has their $1300 suit on sale for $500.

kurt M

Driver compartment fires in bone stock cars in the DE format are very rare. In hot weather heat stroke, heat related physical exhaustion and mental focus loss much less so. Your fully functioning brain is the #1 safety system in the car.
Be safe but be sure one safety system does not compromise another. Might want to look at in car fire suppression too. A fire suppression system might be able to save you, passengers and your car, even when you are not at the track.

007DT

Where?