Do you wear the full kit?

[Sheila M]

I was at Mallory today - glorious weather wasn't it?

Prior to one of the races (can't remember which one) I wandered into the Assembly Area to help checking belts, helmets and overalls done up, pins out of extinguishers, etc., etc. I noticed one young man zipping up his 3 layer Nomex overalls over a bare chest. Now I know Nomex is cosy in the winter, which is one reason why I have a full set of Nomex undies (the other reason is because in the event of a fire in the pit lane I'm relatively safe if I have to put it out).

The Blue Book (Section Q.9 relating to overalls) states that "Competitors are also strongly advised to wear Flame Resistant gloves, socks, balaclavas and underwear"

So why don't you? It's your skin don't you think you should give it the best protection you can?

I did speak to the young man concerned - it was his first race and he hadn't considered Nomex (or even Proban) underneath his overalls. He thought that the 3 layers would give him enough protection. I hope he didn't think I was having a go at him - I wasn't; I was just expressing my concerns for his wellbeing. If any of you hear of a young man complaining about a dragon roaring at him, please will you tell him that I am paranoid about safety?

[Richy_Rich]

Heh. I know what you mean, I always wear the full undergarments too, and haven't even compromised with a short sleeved nomex shirt for the summer.

Sometimes, though, it does get _very_ hot.

I've actually seen more females being guily of this than blokes though - and, yes, they were drivers, not pit girls before anyone pipes up

[Richy_Rich]

Oh, and _NO_ they weren't topless, but wearing just sports bra or t-shirts etc...

[Tim Falce]

I wear a nomex vest and have nomex socks and pants but don't wear these as they are too big for me and are uncomfortable.

[Andy Roberts]

I would always wear a long sleeved nomex top under my overalls and also nomex socks. I didn't wear nomex bottoms except in the winter, dunno why i just never did. Did on a couple of occasions but nothing consistant.

[Sheila M]

Originally posted by Richy_Rich
Oh, and _NO_ they weren't topless, but wearing just sports bra or t-shirts etc...

If it was a hot day and the t-shirts were cotton I wouldn't have a problem. I'm just curious as to why drivers don't always do what's recommended.

Another of my gripes is chewing gum. I know why you do it but have you considered what would happen if it got stuck in your throat?

[Andy Roberts]

Chewing gum should be a big no no. No need for it.

I instruct at a few racing schools and if we get customer in the car with chewing gum we are not allowed to go anywhere until they get rid of it.

[Sheila M]

Originally posted by Andy Roberts
Chewing gum should be a big no no. No need for it.

I instruct at a few racing schools and if we get customer in the car with chewing gum we are not allowed to go anywhere until they get rid of it.

Excellent! What about jewellery? I have had several conversations with Shane Lynch in the past about his facial piercings. I think he now removes his ear rings but couldn't swear to it.

[Ian Sowman]

Some of the NW FF1600 drivers didn't have anything on underneath (well, the top half) I noticed...

[zefarelly]

I have a three layer FiA suit and full undies, but skipped the undies yesterday for our race, I qualified in both but it was so hot (in a tin top) I elected not to wear them in the race, it was still bl00dy hot in the car but I was a lot more comfortable.

[graeme]

I wear a long or short sleeved Nomex top along with socks; I dumped the longjohns a few years ago 'cos they are too hot/uncomfortable. (I do wear them at Spa as (a) 'round the back its very cold (b) if I have an accident its probably going to be a biggy...).

I don't like balaclavas, so usually don't wear it for non-championship races (our champs regs demand them, along with arm restraints - sometimes don't wear these for non-champ races as being able to point a faster car by may well prevent an accident - passive vs. active safety...).

I think there's an element of posing 'round the paddock with your race suit tied down and bare chest/bikini top. (Personnally, its more how long can I suck my chest in whilst changing into my Nomex top...!).

A bit of a question; a bit of a prejudice - is fire a big problem any more? I would certainly see hitting an immovable object at high speed more of an issue (therefore considering belts, helmets, etc as a priority, rather than fireproofs).

[kickstart]

I don't wear a balaclava for the reason that I have to wear glasses and if i wear a balaclava the visor mists up very badly, whereas without it and using a foggy mask the glasses stay clear.

[zefarelly]

Originally posted by graeme

I think there's an element of posing 'round the paddock with your race suit tied down and bare chest/bikini top. (Personnally, its more how long can I suck my chest in whilst changing into my Nomex top...!).

I couldnt agree more . . .I cant hold my breath long enough to get changed !

[Peter Mallett]

I was at Mallory yesterday. Full nomex 3 layers plus the underwear and balaclava. Never considered racing without them.

Always remove the watch too.

[Ian Sowman]

It's not as if you're going to tell the time when you're driving round - and you weren't that slow that you needed a calendar to time your laps!

[zefarelly]

I wouldnt go out without a balaclava, I have to say once your on the move its fine, but hanging around gets very hot . . .especially when some loon thinks he can win at the hairpin and causes a red flag so your sitting on the grid with the engine running while they pick his wheels out of the tyre barrier !

[simon drabble]

I am with Peter on this, as Zeferally says once you are on the move you are fine. Apart from anything else without any top your racesuit would soon become very unpleasant! Everything I race is front engined so I want maximum protection against steam and fire

[ss_collins]

Not even 3 layer Nomex - Proban overalls as they are light, I wear a fire proof helmet and balaclava.. gloves and boots - no fire proof underwear but usually jeants and t shirt underneath.

[Peter Mallett]

Originally posted by Ian Sowman
and you weren't that slow that you needed a calendar to time your laps!

Could've fooled me!

[KayBee]

Originally posted by Peter Mallett
I was at Mallory yesterday. Full nomex 3 layers plus the underwear and balaclava. Never considered racing without them.

Always remove the watch too.

And I ended up draped in his underwear when Dave and I visited him yesterday.

[Richy_Rich]

Oh yes, take my watch off as well. Perhaps I'm paranoid, but I prefer to think that I have a healthy fear of fire. Besides, my girlfriend (now wife) bought me all the gear when I first started and it'd be a shame not to wear it

[edit due to my appauling grammar *tsk*]

[mark_l]

Sheila,

I think you should start asking to inspect the drivers to make sure they are wearing the appropriate underwear.

Do it for a couple of meetings and the sales of underwear will go through the roof!

[mark_l]

A bit of a question; a bit of a prejudice - is fire a big problem any more? I would certainly see hitting an immovable object at high speed more of an issue (therefore considering belts, helmets, etc as a priority, rather than fireproofs). [/B][/QUOTE]


If you have flammable liquids or materials in your car then yes there could be a problem with fire.

You all may say that it is too hot to sit around on the grid in full kit, waiting for the cause of the stoppage to be cleared, but what if the cause of the stoppage is you! ruptured fuel tank and you need to be removed from your car by the rescue crew. Probably a need for new underwear afterwards anyway.

[DAVID PATERSON]

We are required to wear multi layer suits but underwear is an option. I always wear Nomex long johns under my suit, it's very hot but I'm allergic to wool so it's more comfortable than having nothing under the suit.

[listernoble]

I compete in hillclimbs.
I use a Proban suit as they are a lot cooler.
I wear a Nomex balaclava as it keeps my ears flat and helps to get helmet easily on and off!
High Sparco racing boots,Nomex long gloves,pure cotton full sleeve shirt and Nomex or cotton socks,I prefer cotton as I find the Nomex socks slip down when walking around paddock.
I think as long as the undergarments are not of synthetic material it's OK.
Many don't wear any vest but as someone said the suit would soon get pretty grim inside,and I think it's best not to wash the suits too often,probably 3-4 times a year?
Lister