Race Suits

[JAS-25T]

So,

I'm looking for a race suit, for two applications, circuit (track days) & go karting.

I know that I don't need a suit for track days, but I need one for go karting, so if I can get one that suits both applications that would be sweet as.

Where should I be looking?

What sort of suits are there available?

Do I need a CAMS approved suit?

Cheers

Jase

[Duncan]

well I can't speak for Karting, but in circuit (up to state level) all you need is a singel layer race suit. Custom fit ones are good if you are going to spend a few hours in them at a time

[r33_racer]

For national you need at least 2 layer suit. Ive found my new sparco to be alot more comfortable then the old erg one i shared with my old man.

I think the stuff has got to be FIA approved.

My new sparco suit is upto FIA 2000 stds. Sparco Sprint series.

Edited October 17, 2006 by r33_racer

[JAS-25T]

I've found out a bit yesterday after going to a few shops to find a bit of info.....will post up what I found out soon.

[JAS-25T]

NOTE: Please take this info with a pinch of salt. It is only my experience, and not a definative guide. I take no responsibility for others use of this information.

OK, Here is the info off the top of my head.

First and foremost, there are a few different types of suits.

Single layer - One outer Layer of fire proof material

Dual Layer - Two Layers of fire proof material, One outer, one inner

Triple Layer - Three layers of fire proof material, One outer, two inner.

Single layer is suitable for club events, upto and including motorkhanas, hillclimbs, sprints.

Dual Layer is suitable for anything in the National level of motorsport - Rallys, targa's and the above mentioned stuff - Not including things like V8 supercars.

Triple Layer required for any FIA stuff and international rally's.

There are two standards that are recognised by CAMS and FIA. And that is the 1986 FIA standard and the 2000 FIA standard.

Without this approval on the neck of the suit the suit cannot be used in the events of national and state level.

Apparently the 1986 standard is being phased out, but CAMS has not yet put a due by date, so you may find that most shops are selling these suits at reduced prices.

Next, Suit Material.

There is from what I see, Wool & Nomex.

Wool is a natural fibre and as such has some different properties to that of Nomex, which is a man made material. If you want to find out what they are......google it.

As for which is better, Nomex is more expensive, looks shineier (is that a word?) and feels nice (too me) on.

Wool is less expensive by almost about a third, looks more dull and can be (but not always) itchy on the skin.

For go-karting (racing) you need an abrasive resistant suit, which is made from a polymer like nylon. These suits CANNOT be used in car racing due to the non compliance with the fireproof material requirements.

So for my case a single layer suit will be suitable since I will not be racing go karts, only mucking around in them.

so, there it is.......

A very simple guide/layman explanation of race suits how what where.

[tacker]

Karting you will need a level 2 CIK approved suit. And can not be used in a car application as its not fire proof, opposite in fact.

[tacker]

A pic for my level 2 CIK suit

[JAS-25T]

This is true......only for racing though.

[Deluxe]

Try these people, they sponsor my mates Go Kart team, and i believe they have everything you will need, made here localy in SA but sell everywhere!

http://www.waldenmiller.com.au/