Wearing a race suit to a HPDE? Poll!
12-16-2014, 08:46 PM
#1
Gasoline Addict
Thread Starter
Wearing a race suit to a HPDE? Poll!
I have been wondering how many inmates choose to wear a race suit/fire suit to HPDEs... If you care to, please explain why you do, or don't wear one. And don't forget to vote!
Last edited by tytek; 12-16-2014 at 08:50 PM.
Plus the intimidation factor is off the scale! LOL 
12-16-2014, 10:26 PM
#4
Drifting
I figure my chances of being involved in a fiery crash are higher on my commute to work than they are on the track - and the response time for emergency personnel is also going to be slower - so fire suit would make more sense to wear to work.
12-17-2014, 03:38 AM
#6
Drifting
Probably not the smartest idea but I do not wear a race suit. I just wear a t-shirt and shorts. In the near 100 HPDE's I've done I've never seen a full fire. I figured the odds are low for a fire compared to racing. Not to say they can't happen though.
Most people at track days do not wear one. I would say maybe 10 out of 100 people at a typical day do from what I've seen.
Most people at track days do not wear one. I would say maybe 10 out of 100 people at a typical day do from what I've seen.
12-17-2014, 07:31 AM
#7
Instructor
Member Since: Aug 2008
Location: Winterville GA
Posts: 216
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I used to wear one December - March. It offered protection and kept me warm. I do confess during the summer months I was a little more slack. I think it is a wise choice to have one on. Get use to wearing it with a hans.
12-17-2014, 09:37 AM
#9
Instructor
I always bring it to the track but rarely wear it. I'm a big boy and even though my suit is a XXXL it chokes me and rides up my bunghole. Plus once I get it on, I need help getting it off. Usually after I'm rolling around on the ground with my arms twisted up behind me for awhile someone kindly comes over and helps me get it off.
I really need to switch to a two piece suit.
I really need to switch to a two piece suit.
12-17-2014, 09:54 AM
#10
Burning Brakes
It only takes one time to wish you had a fire suit on. I knew I was going to W2W racing so I bought one while I was still doing HPDE's. I would recommend anyone to do so. I wore mine when it was 100+ degrees in the middle of summer at VIR... it was extremely hot, but I can handle the heat better than I can the cold.
12-17-2014, 10:07 AM
#11
Race Director
Member Since: Oct 2000
Location: Deal's Gap 2004 NCM Motorsports track supporter
Posts: 13,915
Received 1,103 Likes
on
717 Posts
Although I have a couple for racing I don't wear them at HPDE's. Probably should but you really need a nice several layer suit to provide any real protection especially if your car has no fire suppression system. Suits only protect for a precious few seconds. The several layer suits are hot in the summer but are nice in colder temperatures. The OEM fuel tank of the corvette is protected very well but stuff does happen. Probably a good idea to wear one if you can tolerate it.
12-17-2014, 11:00 AM
#12
Melting Slicks
Pro Mechanic
Member Since: Nov 2013
Location: Ex DPRK, now just N of Medford, OR
Posts: 2,914
Received 735 Likes
on
545 Posts
They were required for Porsche club timetrialing, so I already had one. When I met my wife, she knew I wasn't going to stop the car stuff, but I promised her to make it as safe as possible. Always wear one.
12-17-2014, 11:17 AM
#13
Safety Car
Member Since: Nov 2000
Location: Shenandoah Valley Virginia
Posts: 4,549
Likes: 0
Received 27 Likes
on
24 Posts
When I first started performance driving it was just a helmet. As I got faster the self preservation instinct kicked in strongly. At 140+ mph in the Z06 a small peoblem can get huge quickly. 3 Layer SFI-5 suit, HANS, 6 point harnesse, containment seat and 4 point cross braced roll bar became the standard equipment. If I had continued, a full cage was next !! With the new Vettes capable of 150+ mph speeds right out of the factory, it is crazy not to take every safety precaution available.
12-17-2014, 12:13 PM
#14
Racer
I always feel better when on the track with all of my gear on than without it. When instructing, the hans doesn't really work with a stock street car belt though.
If you get a low end suit it will be warmer that a higher end breathable type. 20-30 minuntes of being warm isn't really that bad and a cool shirt type option can offset that.
Also, practice exiting the car! That is the big deal in a fire, I haven't been in one but have seen it and this is the real way to save yourself. The suit will protect you on the way out! If you are knocked out then the suit gives the safety crew time.
The good news is late model cars are rarely going to catch fire in a crash, more likley if a line breaks or similar defect.
If you get a low end suit it will be warmer that a higher end breathable type. 20-30 minuntes of being warm isn't really that bad and a cool shirt type option can offset that.
Also, practice exiting the car! That is the big deal in a fire, I haven't been in one but have seen it and this is the real way to save yourself. The suit will protect you on the way out! If you are knocked out then the suit gives the safety crew time.
The good news is late model cars are rarely going to catch fire in a crash, more likley if a line breaks or similar defect.
Last edited by cwikstro; 12-17-2014 at 12:16 PM.
12-18-2014, 09:22 AM
#17
Drifting
I do 1 HPDE and I wear a suit, my flight-suit from Air Force that I never used because I was not a pilot but got a hold of one and it's all Nomex, so I wear it.
I actually do look like an inmate because it's olive green entirely!
I actually do look like an inmate because it's olive green entirely!
12-18-2014, 08:46 PM
#19
Absolutely since I race why not wear the safety gear during an HPDE? A suit is safety equipment. Even those shoulder epaulet things that people think are for style are fortified to the suit and can be used to pull you out of the car by.