NEHA

I want to get an early start--and input from those who it would affect the most-I think it is time to update a rule. I dunno how long ago things were written -but I bet when the rule of firesuits in P cars became mandatory, nobody envisioned SP1 running in the 2:40s at Ascutney. It seems pretty clear that SP1 is gonna be the fastest class for some time to come. I think it may be time to require fire suits (or minimum single layer protection i think its worded--meaning Nomex underware is ok) in SP.
The question is where--JUST SP1? All SP?--if you go under a certian time?
I'd like to hear from the quick 4wd crew--Joey-Alex- Pierre-Nick- what do you think? Anyone else feel free to chime in.

The only reason Im not running in P or FL is because it requires a suit and a switch and I havent bought either yet. I'm not against your proposal...

What about some sort of tie in with whether or not the sp car is caged?
Or maybe a negative adjustment factor similar to the negative 5% for a cage in U.

Why not use the same rule as break out? If your running time X you require a cage and a suit. Really simple and straight forward I think. You can get single layer suits not for around $100 bucks. Next to the cost of a cage its really not that bad. Its even better if it saves your but from burning.

It would affect a lot of people currenly in SP wherein a cage is required (as it has been for many years.... it wasn't until recently that we allowed non-caged cars in SP based on the breakout time), but a suit is not.

I do like the idea of phasing in suits... slowly..... it is a safety item. Good idea making it a discount on the classification just like we do with the cage (hence the phasing).

At this time, I am on the fence regarding mandatory suits in cars that are required to have cages.... I would vote against it at this time. I see it from two sides: financial hardship on driver and safety point of view. I would be in favor of a classification discount (i.e. -5%).

Steve

Some of this depends on if the car is gutted or not, and how "loose" the firewall, windshield, hood, and cowl are. Gloves are a big part of the picture as well. A good suit lasts for years, and we know a bunch of ways to cut the cost. The same can be said for seats, which are at least as big a concern of mine for the same group.

$100 for this on Racin' Junk 2 layer, sz large.
Containment seat, road race style, down to $499

sachilles wrote:What about some sort of tie in with whether or not the sp car is caged?
Or maybe a negative adjustment factor similar to the negative 5% for a cage in U.

The only problem with that is it would only make a difference if a car was tettering on the fence between 2 classes. I believe that most of the SP1 are "deep" into their class--5% isnt going gain or lose anything.

How about something like, required for SP1/2, and a negative adjustment for all in SP and U. This way it motivates those not in sp1 or 2 to buy one? Though I agree that -5% doesn't amount to much.

This suit sells for $99 most everywhere and is good quality:

http://www.gforce.com/products/suits/4372.php

With the price being below the cost of any single new race tire, and the knowledge that they are actually suited to the purpose, I see no reason not to wear a fire retardant SFI approved race suit.

I also wear carbon-x underwear except on the hottest days: http://www.safetysupplysouth.com/GroupInfo/GroupID/9932
The brands like Simpson and Oakley, promoted to racers, are considerably more expensive than these guys who sell to firefighters. All the fabrics are from the same place: http://www.carbonx.com/ so the differences will be mainly tailoring and the SFI/FIA labels.

We do not require SFI/FIA labeled clothing or underwear however short of you testing the things you wear, those labels are the best way to know the product is suitable (e.g.: fabric, stitching, and accessories like elastic bands, velcro, zippers).


By the way, if you do order from Safety Supply South, order pants one size larger than you normally wear. They seem to run small.