to participate in an event like the ECTA speed trials coming up in April here in NC?

http://www.ecta-lsr.com/

I'd like to know what the pluses are for one piece vrsus 2 piece suits as well as recommendations for gloves, shoes, Nomex etc... <img src="graemlins/cheers.gif" border="0" alt="[cheers]" />

2 piece is easier to wear, allows taking top off while wearing at the race but not in the car, cooler then with top off since Nomex makes you hot when its on.

Proban is cheap and does not last long and you have to replace

A single layer Nomex suit costs less then a multi layed model but some race groups will insist if its single layer then you also need to wear Nomex tee shirt and underwear where its not needed if suit is multi layered Nomex.

Also if race rules require you need Nomex, shoes, socks, gloves and Nomex lined helmet

Nomex gloves can be thick thus fingers can be harder to pick things up with them on. Get ones that fit good.

I suggest you get used to wearing all the gear including the helmet which can stress neck, also in doing this you get used to the extra heat all this gear causes to the body.

I use to wear mine for hours at home just to break the new gear in and get used to being in it.

JR are the various brands of gear all pretty much the same or do you recommend a brand in particular?

The gear must comply to safety standards so they must meet the label required the race group requires so all gear if its a helmet down to the shoes must have a label with the grade you need.

So if the race group requires a minimum SA95 helmet it must have a label meeting or exceeding that

If Nomex is required make sure the vendor states that and if multilayer is required then also the vendor should state that so you do not end up buying a single layer product by mistake.

Always when getting the product you check the label and any date codes if has for some groups may state the gear cannot be older then X years.

Well the rule book arrived today. Here is what is required:

Driver's Helmet & Clothing: All driver's over 125mph MUST wear a driver's suit, gloves & boots to match. Protective underwear is highly recommended. All items must be in a clean & serviceable condition. It is adviseable not to wear synthetic clothing material under the driver's suit. All suits must have an SFI rating tag attatched.

Driver's Suit Requirements:

Grade of suit Type of car
SFI 3.2A/20 Blown cars,over 200mph
SFI 3.2A/15 Blown cars under 200mph
& unblown over 200mph
SFI 3.2A/5 Unblown under 200mph
SFI 3.2A/1 Any unblown car under 150mph
& recommended on all cars
under 125mph.

The following SFI suit requirements apply:
With driver's suit SFI 3.2A/20
Gloves SFI 3.3/15
Boots SFI 3.3/15
Head Sock SFI 3.3

With driver's suit SFI 3.2A/15
Gloves SFI 3.3/15
Boots SFI 3.3/5
Head Sock SFI 3.3

With driver's suit SFI 3.2A/5 & below
Gloves SFI 3.3A/5
Boots SFI 3.3/5

Driver's Helmet: All drivers/riders must wear a full faced helmet with face shield which meets Snell foundation SA95 or M95 or later specs. No openfaced helmets allowed. Helmets must be undamaged & in serviceable condition. Eyeglasses worn under the helmet must be shatterproof.

Head sock meeting SFI 3.3 specs or a helmet skirt must be worn by all drivers over 175mph.

Driver's helmet support (Neck Collar) It is required that a helmet support be used where applicable, i.e. in vehicles where the existing roll bar structure does not provide restriction to lateral head movement less than 4".