Personal Safety equipment

[windy]

Here's a list of the stuff you need to buy for yourself to get you started. All of this information is outlined in the Motor Sport Association blue book but for those that don't have one yet here are the basics:

1) A set of race overalls. I've opted for the 2 layer Nomex overalls, about £200. They must be fireproof for obvious reasons. You can also buy the cheaper Proban suit, or the more expensive 3 layer Nomex.

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The label on the collar is the standard that the overalls must conform to

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[windy]

2) Crash Helmet that must bear one of the following standards:
BS 6658 Type A, Type B (a motorcycle spec) is not acceptable
BS 6658 Type A/FR
Snell SA95, Snell SA2000,
SFI Spec 31.1, and 31.2,
SFI Spec 31.2a, and 31.2b.

Euro EEC specified helmets (typically marked E22) despite assurances you may get from motorcycle stockists are NOT acceptable for motorsport.

Here's a typical label that is found on the outside of a crash helmet

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At your first event the scrutineer will check your helmet and affix a sticker confirming it is suitable

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[Graham]

the scruits will also charge you a nominal £1 for the sticker, despite what some others may tell you windy has listed all you need to sprint with, you DO NOT need gloves, boots balaclava's, normex undies or anything else, but obviously they are recomended,

proban overalls start at around £60, but cannot or should not be washed in a machine with washing powder

on a personal note i will not compete without a neck brace, these are a very cleap and effective piece of safety equipment, i had a 90mph impact into the armaco, which absoluetly totalled my car, which had a massive multi point cage in it, i had friction burns from the belts and broke some ribs, but walked away without even a stiff neck, which is something i'm prone to getting without high speed accidents,

for £25 its very cheap insurance

[Jon]

Good advice Graham, its funny at most motorsport events you can tell who has already experienced a biggish off as they are the ones now using a neck brace! Should be compulsory.

[grahamb]

on a personal note i will not compete without a neck brace, these are a very cleap and effective piece of safety equipment, i had a 90mph impact into the armaco, which absoluetly totalled my car, which had a massive multi point cage in it, i had friction burns from the belts and broke some ribs, but walked away without even a stiff neck, which is something i'm prone to getting without high speed accidents,

for £25 its very cheap insurance

Graham, which way round do you wear your neck brace out of interest. I swing mine round so the wider section is at the front, under my chin. The braces dont seem to indicate front or back.

[Graham]

the thick bit should be at the back, its not a problem for the head to move forward, only when it snaps backwards