Who wears racing suit for DE events
02-16-2016, 10:41 AM
#17
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The safety aspect aside, they are more comfortable especially if you have a 6-point harness.
02-16-2016, 11:03 AM
#18
02-16-2016, 11:09 AM
#19
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I never wore a suit during DE.
And I don't do DEs anymore except for the DE "test days" before the WGI and Road America races.
I absolutely suit up for those test days.
Like my buddy once said: "Practice like you play."
But I totally "get" not wanting to stand out ("look like a douche") at a DE. Just put your suit on right before you get in the car, and take it off right after you get out (if it bothers you).
But as far as I'm concerned, you look just as silly getting into a race car with jeans and a t shirt.
And I don't do DEs anymore except for the DE "test days" before the WGI and Road America races.
I absolutely suit up for those test days.
Like my buddy once said: "Practice like you play."
But I totally "get" not wanting to stand out ("look like a douche") at a DE. Just put your suit on right before you get in the car, and take it off right after you get out (if it bothers you).
But as far as I'm concerned, you look just as silly getting into a race car with jeans and a t shirt.
02-16-2016, 11:20 AM
#20
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02-16-2016, 11:42 AM
#21
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As an instructor, I have very little control over the cars I am asked to sit in, sometimes at the last minute. I have a little more control over the students. So I favor wearing a suit.
My daughter grew concerned about my hobby some years ago. I made an agreement with her that I'd wear a firesuit. I haven't always kept that agreement, but I should.
My daughter grew concerned about my hobby some years ago. I made an agreement with her that I'd wear a firesuit. I haven't always kept that agreement, but I should.
02-16-2016, 12:17 PM
#22
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Thanks for the input. I had a guy parked next to me last year at Road America who was in my DE group. He kept a chair next to his car for putting the suit on and off before and after each session. Never thought he was a douche, just smart to take that extra safety step. Think I'll do it the same way he did it.
02-16-2016, 12:32 PM
#23
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I never wore a suit until I started racing Chump and Lemons. Now I own one so why not wear it? Same with my shoes and gloves. Plus when I get back in a racecar I'm already totally comfortable in my gear.
02-16-2016, 12:58 PM
#24
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Good question
Anyone that thinks you're a douche is - a douche. Ignore it.
As for the 'its just DE not racing' - plenty of crashes at 'just' DE, sorry to say. Though I doubt I've seen a fire more than a couple of times.
I do acknowledge the observation that a non-caged car is easier to get out of. But what if you are knocked out?
Bad things can be hard to foresee - we had an instructor experience a major crash at Tremblant. Nearest flagger had a coronary running down to the crash site with a fire extinguisher. Be t that wasn't in the plan.
I don't think everyone has to wear a fire suit, but if you want to, don't let the opinion of others dissuade you. Although I admit I had the same concern back in my earlier days at the track.
Anyone that thinks you're a douche is - a douche. Ignore it.
As for the 'its just DE not racing' - plenty of crashes at 'just' DE, sorry to say. Though I doubt I've seen a fire more than a couple of times.
I do acknowledge the observation that a non-caged car is easier to get out of. But what if you are knocked out?
Bad things can be hard to foresee - we had an instructor experience a major crash at Tremblant. Nearest flagger had a coronary running down to the crash site with a fire extinguisher. Be t that wasn't in the plan.
I don't think everyone has to wear a fire suit, but if you want to, don't let the opinion of others dissuade you. Although I admit I had the same concern back in my earlier days at the track.
02-16-2016, 01:00 PM
#25
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Seriously...who cares what people think?
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erliuic (09-10-2023)
02-16-2016, 01:51 PM
#26
I do 20-25 DE track days a year, driving in advanced groups. I have installed a half cage, racing seats and 6-point harnesses in my 997.1 4S and can't imagine at this point being on the track without this essential safety equipment. How many of you use a race suit when driving in DE events. I don't own one, and wonder if, for safety reasons, I should invest in one. I have no intention of racing and am not interested in posing as a racer, Thoughts?
+1. I leave the track with my suit on to go into town for gas to pay about $3.00/gallon instead of $7.00/gallon at the track. I go to the pump furthest away from the others if possible so I do not get the "look".
I get back to the track with enough time to run my next session. No worries about getting my suit and shoes on to make the grid on time or go DFL.
Last edited by 996TWINS; 02-16-2016 at 06:10 PM.
02-16-2016, 02:55 PM
#29
Been wearing a single layer suit for a long time, last year I upgraded to wearing Rogers' Traqgear stuff as an underlayer. His stuff is amazing! So, now I have a 2 layer suit set-up.......to each his own........ not too concerned about what "they" say....... it's my ***.
02-16-2016, 02:55 PM
#30
The group that I generally run with is a mix of DE and cup races - so most everyone is in suits most of the time. I am. I feel comfortable in the car and out with the suit on. Second nature by now.