So I need to buy a race suit right away, not looking for anything fancy, just needs to fit and be affordable, can be FIA or SFI legal. Any advice?

BTW, I'm short (5'5") and fat so I'll probably need a XL or XXL and need to have the pants and sleeves shortened. Should I go 1-piece or 2-piece?

What's everyone running?

 

Check your rules.

IIRC, I think that NHRA permits two-piece, but most road racing requires one piece.

Check with your local race shops.

 

Sparco one piece for $181.00

http://store.projectautosalon.com/sp...l/i-78698.aspx

The new One Suit is Sparco’s most economically priced single layer NOMEX suit. The One is an excellent choice for the driver or team that is required to meet the SFI 3.2A/1 rating when on the track or in the pits. Keep your entire team safe and looking professional with the new affordable One Suit from Sparco.

FEATURES


Box Stitching
Styled after Sparco’s multi-layered suits, box stitching creates a professional look.

Boot Cut Off
Due to the overwhelming demand, the boot cut cuff style with concealed knit cuffs is now integrated into this suit.

 

The race is sanctioned by SVRA, I'll have to look up their rules... I'm pretty sure 1-piece is the way to go though.

I actually found that Sparco suite on www.saferacer.com for $159, it's looking pretty good, but I was wondering if anyone has any experience with it? If I can get a much lighter, or better fitting suit for just a little more, I'd like to know now before buying.

Is single layer OK? What are the benefits of 2 or 3-layer?

 

yeah looks like they are having a HUGE Sparco sale. Good prices all over that section.

 

check out Grassroots Motorsports Magazine's May 2008 issue. It has a good article on driving suits/safety gear.

I tried to find the article online but can't find it....maybe you can

www.grassrootsmotorsports.com

 

Many sactioning bodies are now only allowing 2 or 3 layer suits, so check your local regulations

 

Sparco is an excellent choice. But selecting a suit should be like selecting a helmet. What is your head and your skin worth. You have to conclude the best possible protection you can afford. While we havent tested the helmet in extreme conditions and hope to never have to, we did have a huge engine fire at VIR at a speed of 135 mph on the pit straight with a camaro. It burned all of the plastic and rubber in the engine compartment, burned out the rubber around the shift ****, and all of the grommets in the fire wall which all allowed fire to come into the drivers compartment. Its hard to get a car stopped when all this is happening and your drivers suit is heating up with fire burning a hole in your right knee. In conclusion I would advise you to get the best suit you would want to have in this condition, a 3 layer.

 

what are you running anyhow OP?

 

I couldn't find the GRM article online, I'll see if my roommate still has his issue, I believe he subscribes.

Thanks for all of the advice so far. I'm going to try to visit the Impact Racing factory outlet today, and maybe Sube Sports later on. I'll look for an economical 2 or 3 layer suit and let you all know what I found.

I'm going to be co-driving in One Lap of America, not a Z though. I also need the suit for our local Just Drift events, since they're starting to make them mandatory for people who run tandem.

 

Were using a G-Force single layer with the underwear. I like it as I can wash it in the washing machine instead of taking it to the cleaner. Another note is you won't be so concerned about getting it dirty because you spent a ton of cash on it.
But the multilayer suits are nice.



mpowers

 

Read up: http://www.sfifoundation.com/driversuit.html

At a minimum you should buy a SFI 3.2A/5 rated suit. That gives you 10 seconds of direct flame or radiant heat before skin blistering occurs. Having been in a race car that caught fire, 10 seconds is not a long time.

 

now i could look fast, too seriously, racerbob has got a point...if you're at the point where you need a suit, don't be too stingy. get something that your sanctioning body requires, and then some!

 

hey OP, check out the 2-layer GForce from saferacer.com. looks to be pretty cost effective.

 

Thanks for all the feedback and advice. I stopped by the Impact Racing factory store at Irwindale Speedway yesterday and they had some great deals. I found a "Team" suit that was custom made for someone who ended up cancelling, his measurements were very close to mine and the fit was almost perfect, I just need to shorten the pants legs about 2". The best part is it was reduced to only $199 (originally $799) since the "piping" color was done in white and yellow mixed (probably by mistake).
Has SFI 3-2A/5 rating, 2-layer suit.

Looks like this one:



Also got some matching shoes in black for $30 (originally $119) The reason these where discounted is the lace eyelets are yellow, instead of black.



And gloves for $10 (originally $99)



If anyone local needs a suit, I would recommend checking them out, they had a nice selection of suits, shoes and gloves in the discount/blemished section for really good pricing.

 

Very nice. I also have a Impact Racing suit and it's one of the nicest I've owned in almost 20 years of competition experience!

Be sure to dry clean it on a regular basis to keep it fresh.

 

Thanks for the tip! The guys at the shop also said, dry clean only and to use cotton stitching when altering.

 

Also use a minimum amount of cotton stiching to hold any sponsor or sanctioning body patches on the suit. Most patches will burn and you want those things to fall off the suit quickly.

 

great deal!

 

synthetic threads melt, allowing heat through the suit, and letting molten plastic pour on to your skin. Cotton only.
Get a three piece. The best that will get you is 18 seconds, but the difference between 10 and 18 seconds when you are ablaze..........literally can be your lifetime. Safety just is not an issue of compromise, suit, helmet, gloves. Seriously, get the best. Forget the popcharger or new set of wheels...get the safety stuff first.
I have a three layer OMP and it has been very good with the exception that the zipper had to be replaced early, and the velcro on the waist is pretty lame. But the nomex quality and stitching is top rate.