Clothing

[pincher]

I am going to start joining in with sprinting and hillclimbing next year I hope but am unsure of the quality of raceware to invest in. Will a kart suit do, will i need flameproof undies. what footware and how do you choose a helmet ? any guidance greatfully accepted. Ian.

[simple]

Have a look throught the beginners guide to sprinting on the  wscc main website  all the info you need

edited to say you'll find it in the speed series bit

[pincher]

Thanks Simple, didnt know there was so much to it. Ian  

[Blatman]

It's not that much is it? I'll try and do a quick skinny for you. You'll need;

A Nomex 3 layer race suit. It a safety item so don't skimp. Kart suits are not legal. I use an OMP 3 layer suit and it was a shade over 200 nicker. I don't use flame proof underwear.

Nomex race suits buy you time, nothing else. The more layers you have, the more time you have, but even with a 3 layer suit and undies, I wouldn't want to be inside a burning car for more than about 20 seconds, so try to crash near a marshals fire post...

I use a Nomex single layer balaclava under my lid. It might protect my delicate face in a fire, and it *definitely* keeps the inside of my race lid clean...

I use Nomex race boots, but you can use any footwear you like. One chap I know uses carpet slippers...

The lid needs to have BS6658A or BS6658A/FR *OR* Snell SA2000 markings. ECE22 motorcycle lids are NOT LEGAL for UK motorsport. You *must* try them on to get a good fit, so don't buy mail order unless you are *sure* you know your head size. Helmets are a very personal thing. I can wear Arai and Shoei's, but Bells (helmets, not the Whiskey) give me a headache. AGV are generally smaller than the sizing chart suggests, and Simpsons look the coolest. Buy the best you can afford. You only have one brain...

Does that help?

[pincher]

Thanks Blatman, Good info. Only other question is where to find this stuff other than mail order ?

[Blatman]

Grand Prix Racewear, Merlin Motorsport, Demon Tweeks, Croydon Race and Rally.

Or got to the manufacturers web site, and see where the local dealer is...

[Frau Vesty]

Or go to one of the motorsport type shows they have in January time (apologies for sounding vague, I've never been to one so don't know what it's called) they always seem to have lots of traders there.

[peterg]

That'll be the Autosport International one at the NEC in (well near anyway) Birmingham and the 2006 show is on 12th - 15th January (first two days are 'trade only' but if you have a competition licence you can get in on these days   ) - some bargains to be had so long as they're your size  

[davidgh]

some bargains to be had so long as they're your size  

Meaning generally save at least the VAT (if applicable)  --  worth doing.

Bear in mind that (IIRC) Snell approved titfers attract VAT, whilst BS approved ones don't  --  don't ask me why.

[Blatman]

'Cos BS approved crash hats were the approved item for motorcyclists who wished to comply with the helmet law. IIRC, anything that you are obliged to have by statute or as a necessity for life is VAT free. That's why you don't pay VAT on yer groceries... Snell lids are not road legal, so count as a luxury item and therefor attract VAT.

[pincher]

I thank you all. Ian.

[Frau Vesty]

anything that you are obliged to have by statute or as a necessity for life is VAT free. That's why you don't pay VAT on yer groceries...

As a female, can I please point out that whilst VAT is not payable on cakes (a necessity, I'm sure you'll agree), it is payable on  sanitary products.  

I wonder if the original list was drawn up by men, perchance      

[Blatman]

Probably, although Maggie had 17 years to change it and didn't

[Frau Vesty]

[a4gom]

are you trying to imply maggie was a woman.