I am going to willow springs road course. I looked into a cheap fire retardant driving suit,shoes and gloves, this will be my first time out there.
Im sure i will be the slowest, I am 58 and cant out run fire....What do you guys think..... Every thing including the helmet would be under $ 700.00,
I also posted this in the perf section as well. I wanted max input because i value your opinions..... thanks

 

What brands ? Sounds like you got either a really good deal, or your stuff is coming from China.

 

Unless things are different in California than Texas, you will look a little conspicuous in a fire suit. The guys in fire suits are usually the ones playing dress up more than driving their cars.

For helmets, I use a Simpson Voyager. It was a little easier to use with glasses and had the biggest eye port in their lineup. Make sure you get an SA rated helmet and not a motorcycle helmet.

 

https://solotime.3dcartstores.com/Si...yer_c_406.html

 

This isn't a bad starter package:
http://winecountrymotorsports.com/pr...3fe8aabf9968f2

OP...I answered you in Tech as well.
S.

 

I stand corrected. That is a good deal.

 

since this would be my first time doing this. I guess i would look like i was over dressed....

 

thanks Snorman ,,,,you beat my deal

 

Don't go to the track based on looks. Whatever makes you feel safe, you use.

 

Maybe in Austin - here in North Texas the folks wearing driving/fire suits are in race cars, at least that's what my eyeballs have seen.

To the OP - that looks like a very nice package. Just add fire socks and the balaclava (as mentioned in your other thread). You can also add nomex (or similar) underwear. If you want to stay cool get a Cool Shirt setup (you can also get a fire-resistant Cool Shirt to save on layers, I have one, it's GREAT).

 

If this is an SCCA sanctioned event and you are driving street car, you really do not need a fire suit, shoes, gloves. All you need is a helmet. Most race tracks will provide the helmet, so you might not need that. Have been on the track MANY times over the years and it sounds like you are going to a Friday at the Track type deal. Chances are they will assign a person to be in the car with you as an instructed as most tracks required the you qualify to drive alone. Most tracks do not let you drive solo when you arrive for the first time.

If you are in a fire suit with gloves and shoes you are gong to be VERY HOT, especially being your first time as a driver. Having all this gear is overkill for a street car on the track. I do recommend a fire extinguisher to be in the car, mounted on the floor or in the back area. They are helpful and are not expensive. A good pair of sunglasses are more likely to help you out than a fire suit.

I highly recommend you call the track, talk to an instructor and get the full story before you invest about a thousand dollars in something you might not use but one or two times a year.

Before you go to the track make sure your Corvette is race ready, I believe in the owners manual there is a section that talks about this and provides a checklist. Depending upon track time, you will probably need to replace brake pads, and brake fluid after your first track date, so be prepared for that. I have learned ALWAYS, especially with first time drivers, to take extra pair of brakepads, brake fluid, and tools needed. Also some coolent, oil, and a good brush to remove rubber from tires on the wheel wells...yes, your tires if you push the car will put small pieces on the outside quarter panels and inside wheel wells.

What I do recommend if you are serious is getting a camera to mount on the dash that will record your laps etc. This helps you a lot with learning your lines, approaches, and braking. Again if you are new, know what you need and break into this gradually.

I earned my professional driver certificate at Silverstone Raceway in England, and at Loudon Speedway (Bryor's Track) many years ago and have enjoyed many years of road racing, but it got too expensive and just enjoy driving.

Hope this helps you, have fun

 

Same here. I meant in the ones in fire suits driving street cars.

 

Gotcha!

I can only recall one or two folks in full suits driving street cars (and not that well). I'm not going to knock someone for the safety aspect at all though! Heck, I wear a Smiley's Circle Track Suit...it ain't purty but it's safe (SFI 3.2A/5)! I'll go custom when I lose a little more weight...I had this thing hanging on the wall for a month before I could fit in it...motivation!

BTW - to the OP - driving gloves and shoes will make a difference in how you drive.

 

Since this is his first time on a track, I think he will need to focus more on understanding the techniques and procedures of the track, and gloves and shoes will not make a difference until he has gained much more experience.

IMHO....

 

I won't argue that with you...but I remember my first few times on track...SWEATY palms! Even when I take my wife's C7 for a spin on the track I am wearing gloves...that way I can keep a light touch on the wheel and still have plenty of grip.

 

Agree, but first day on a track, think he is better off just understand the basics, rest will come later. Even when I raced, I hated gloves, and I felt I lost a lot of the feel of the track. I ended up wearing them because of tech rules but just hated them....

 

Interesting on the gloves - I love them, many steering wheels don't have what I call "grip" - especially if you're sweating...to me, racing gloves are like racing tires for your hands! Plus, if you catch fire (been there, done that back in drag racing days) you won't burn your hands undoing your equipment and getting out!

 

First time out, I'd just concentrate on blending in, listening and relaxing as much as possible. You don't want to be "that" guy and heap any more pressure on yourself than you need to. It gets in the way of enjoying the experience and really learning.

Usually the guys who come in bragging about their cars and showing off fancy gear are the ones that don't listen, drive like idiots, and generally mess things up for everyone else. Let your driving do the talking and just have fun.

If you think that you are going to do this regularly, then invest in a good, comfortable helmet. You'll figure out what else you need as you go.