StreetSpeed

There was a discussion about this on a Facebook group I'm on. I replied that I wear it always during races (obviously) but almost never when I'm doing HPDE. My (maybe not too smart) stance was that in HPDE I'm driving 8/10ths and I generally end up with a student or ride along in my car. I'm not driving in a manner where fire is imminent and additionally my passenger never has a fire suit so I'm hyper aware of danger and responsibilities and take minimal risks to make sure myself and especially my passenger come back in one piece and with all their skin attached.

Counter argument was your car doesn't care if your HPDE driving or racing. Fire can happen at any time in any condition and therefore you and your passenger should always be as prepared as possible. This guy doesn't let anyone ride in his car without a firesuit and HANS.

Like all good internet conversations it ended in degradation and name calling. I'm a reckless freedom-loving Patriot and he's a wussy nanny-state-Obama-lovin' communist.*

Unfortunately, the more I thought about it the damn commie had a point. Fire can happen at any time, especially in a race car which has had every part on it molested by human hands. It's making me rethink my stance on my own fire suit use. I have it, so I guess I should always wear it. Don't know how I feel about saying no one can ever ride in my car again who isn't as protected as I am, however.

Life is about managing risk. We as high speed drivers are inherent risk takers. I never preach about safety because I still believe in personal accountability and people making their own decisions.

So, how do you guys handle firesuit use?

*(Dramatic liberties taken)

z28lt1

For me personally, my competition car has been molested (modified) by a bunch of people, and also more likely to be in a wreck. My HPDE car is stock as Chevy made it. Does that mean it can't catch fire? OF course it can. But, I don't wear a fire suit on the street either, and street cars occasionally catch fire.

Everyone has to draw the line somewhere, or we would all be wearing fire suits and putting cages in our daily drivers. That's the safest way...

Nowanker

I'd been doing HPDE/Timetrial for a few years when I met my wife. She was a little freaked out by the speed... I told her I wasn't going to stop, but that I would make it as safe as possible.
Firesuit always, HANS whenever possible.
Do we only wear a helmet because the rules say we must?

z06801

If I'm in the race car I wear it even if it's just practice, it just feels right to do so. Instructing or HPDE in my street car I don't. In a students car I'll wear my hans if it has a proper harness.

Painrace

I am 71! YIKES! When I started racing it was with a tee shirt, blue jeans, tennis shoes, and a paper type helmet. We have come a long way men. Yes, I have many broken parts and most don't work well any more. I have had the hell burnt out of me with oil and fire. Putting around with a new student, just jeans. Good students or racing, all the protection I can get.

Jim

Magister Ludi

Interesting read on the subject:

http://grassrootsmotorsports.com/art...fighting-fire/

"Remember, fire burns just as hot on a test day as it does on a race day, so wear all your gear. How fast can you get out of your car while blindfolded and holding your breath?"

Charley Hoyt

Great article. Thank you for sharing it.

rithsleeper

This question has popped up before, even a poll was done a about a year ago. I always wear my nexgen and belts but really I have a hard time keeping myself cool in a car on track. If I were in my full suit with as much as I get in and out on a HPDE day instructing there is no way. I would have heat stroke. In a race I go in once and I'm fine when I am moving and have air to my helmet but when I get weighed in I strip. It is soooo hot at Atlanta in July. I couldn't concentrate if I wore one all day. It would be soaked, it would get ruined for the actual race, I'd be buying a new suit every year, and I would wreck from heat exhaustion. The whole point I'm there is to have fun, not compete. If I did this I would not have fun. Period.

However I see the point. I even agree with it. Just like I should wear full armor anytime on my motorcycle. But that takes away from the fun. Risk/reward. Sorry I still won't wear my suit for a HPDE. Of course I'm not married, have no kids, do if I die no one will be left in the cold....

Charley Hoyt

Out of curiosity do you have an inexpensive suit? No offense intended. I am always amazed how cool my driving suit is.... It is cooler than wearing blue jeans. Although I do pull the top half down between runs.

tytek

Aside from the fire suit discussion, I will never understand how wearing ATGATT on a motorcycle takes away from the fun. It never did for me. I had just as big of a smile as a squid not wearing gear - maybe even a bigger smile, as I wasn't afraid to push harder. Skin grafts are not fun, even if you are single and have no kids. But at least you seem to understand the consequences... many others don't. Minimizing risk is the name of the game for me, car or bike.

StreetSpeed

All The Gear All The Time, for you non-riders out there!