Three important personal safety gear items to know about are shoes, gloves, and neck collars. They are all available in fire-retardant and non-fire-retardant materials. So, make sure you know what you are getting. Like racing underwear, these items are covered under SFI Spec 3.3 for Driver Accessories. Racing shoes are purpose-made to give the driver proper pedal feedback. They typically have a durable other layer made from a material like leather or suede. The soles are typically rubber. The inner liner, made from NOMEX or CarbonX, makes them fire retardant. There are several manufacturers and styles to choose from. And just like tennis shoes, different brands will fit differently even if you are looking at the same size. Also, don’t overlook NOMEX or CarbonX socks. Just like racing underwear, they will give you added protection and precious seconds to help escape a burning car. Gloves also come in a variety of materials and layers. Most oval-type racing requires either one or two layer gloves. A one-layer glove (SFI3.3/1) will be made from one layer of NOMEX. A two-layer glove (SFI3.3/5) will have a second layer of NOMEX or CarbonX as an inner liner. In some cases, a two-layer glove is only about $10 more than a one-layer (manufacturer dependent). Ensure you know what is required for your type of racing. Again, the added layer gives you added protection and seconds. Just like with shoes, there are numerous manufacturers and styles to choose from. If you wear a neck collar, ensure it is made from flame retardant materials and not meant for karting. Even if your sanctioning body or track does not require fire retardant shoes or gloves, don’t overlook their importance. You can’t release your belts and pull yourself out of a burning car if your hands are badly burned. And, you can’t run to safety if your feet are burned!

Regardless of your racing venue, make sure you know the safety requirements. But remember, these are normally the minimum requirements. Consider going with the best protection you can afford. There are very reasonably priced suits, shoes, gloves, and racing underwear. Understand what material the garment is made from and know the pros and cons. Call a reputable racing safety gear dealer or manufacturer to discuss options. They may not know the requirements for your type of racing (that’s your responsibility), but they can discuss options that can fit within your budget. In the very end, it is you that is responsible for your personal safety – not the track owner or sanctioning body. Be Fast! Be Safe!
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Tim Currier
GauntletRacing.com
Racing Safety Gear
877-524-2491