Starting the NASA HPDE program...

NoZYet said:

All you need is a helmet. It will need to be Snell SA approved, some places might let you out in a motorcycle helmet, but they're designed to different criteria. Go to a supplier in your area and try on a bunch, and buy what makes you comfortable.

A suit, gloves and shoes aren't going to be required. Car fires are fairly rare (as far as I can tell) at track days. That said, it's always a good idea. There was a piece on Charles Esplanaube's Miata that went up at the 25 hrs of Thunderhill. Being properly equipped saved his life, and anything is possible on track.

If you're running with a cage and harness, a HANS device is a good idea.

~Pat

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NoZYet said:

I hear you. You should take some time to really research the matter. It's an important, and frequently forgotten, issue. A fire is pretty close to the bottom of the list of hazard, with running into something pretty close to the top. The fire I mentioned before is the amateur event where the drivers fire retardant gear came into play; it's worth noting that he wasn't a guy in a HPDE 1 car, he was driving a Mazda/MER car in a major endurance race.

Do some research on the SCCA's site, ApexSpeed.com - The faster you go, the more you need., SportsRacer Technology Forums, and probably many others. Safety is a real concern for real amateur road racers, and a matter largely forgotten about in the street/track car world. Decide what risks you will take, and exactly what you want to do.

I decided that playing around on track can wait until I have an appropriately equipped car that will be used exclusively for the track, and go out in full gear. Many people don't agree with my assessment of the situation, but it's what makes me comfortable.

All that's important is that you do what makes you feel the most comfortable, and complies with the sanctioning bodies requirements.

~Pat

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