You might have already read our guide to beginner go-karting equipment or track day essentials, but if you're considering another of motorsport such as circuit racing, hill climbing, rallying or simply taking your track day driving to the next level, getting the right kit is going to make a world of difference. It's important to remember that none of these things will necesarily make you a better or faster drive, but subconciously they could make you more relaxed in the car and a more relaxed racer is more likely to go fast on track.
Above all else these items are designed to keep you safe as a racing driver, we never want to rely on them but incidents in motorsport can be very seruious and having the right motorsports kit, even as a beginner, could make the difference if you're involved in a shunt.
Important things to consider:
- Race suit
- Crash helmet
- Hans device
- Fireproof underwear
- Race boots
- Golves
- Other motorsports accessories
Some of the items here won't be cheap, it's all subjective and you need to think about several factors when buying any kind of motor racing kit, such as the specifications required for what you're racing, budget, how protected you want to be and more. At the end of the day it's your choice and my top picks below are aimed at giving you a view on what is available to meet various needs.
Fireproof Race Suit
Otherwise known as a race suit, a racing driver's fireproof suit is an essential piece of kit. Having raced karts and cars I've heard first hand how these suits have protected their wearer.
Normally made form 2 or 3 layer nomex, a motorsport fire suit is designed to resist heat and flame, the duration depends on the specification and it's important that you check the specification of any suit you plan to buy against the regulations of the series you plan to race in.
Our top 3 picks for track day fire suits are:
- OMP Sport Race Suit
- Sparco "Custom Easy" Sprint Custom Design Race Suit
- Alpinestars GP Pro Comp Race Suit
Crash Helmet
Crash helmet, skid lid or brain box, however you refer to your crash helmet you need to treat it with respect. Crash helmets come in all shapes and sizes and as with many other pieces of kit there are various standards which they're manufactured to.
From fibreglass to carbon fibre they'll all protect you if they have to but this protection comes at a price with some top end carbon fibre racing helmets commanding prices into the thousands. Whatever the material, you'll want to look for a crash helmet with Hans posts fitted or the option to have them fitted, the option for radio and lens options.
Our top 3 track day crash helmets are:
- Bell GTX3 Carbon Helmet
- OMP Circuit Evo Helmet – White
- Race Safety Accessories BF1-750 Full Face Helmet
Find out more about our top 3 picks here.
FHR (Hans) Device
The humble hans (head and neck support) or FHR (frontal head restraint) device has been around for about 40 years since its inception in the 1980s. This small, often carbon fibre, device is designed to sit between the drivers shoulders and their harness with the pressure of the belts holding it firmly in place.
The idea is that in a high speed front or rear impact the chords prevent g-Force on the helmet from damaging the drivers neck. Something that you should never need on a track day if everyone if driving respectfully, a hans device is compulsory in almost all forms of motorsport.
Our top 3 picks for hans devices are:
Fireproof Race Underwear
Designed to work with your fireproof race suit, nomex fireproof race underwear is there to protect a driver should the worst happen and you're exposed to significant or prolonged flame or heat. Designed to cover all of the body the key elements are a balaclava, tops, leggings and socks which will both keep you safe and comfortable by wicking moisture away from the skin during use.
With various sizing and style options to choose from such as different calf lengths on racing socks, be sure to check out the size guides and other advice given when choosing your racewear. There's nothing worse than a seam or piece of fabric in the wrong place making you uncomfortable and distracting you from what you should be doing, going fast.
Our top 3 picks for beginner race underwear are:
Race Boots
Much in a similar way to racing boots for karting, race boots for circuit racing are there to give you better feel and grip on the pedals improving your ability to apply the throttle, brake and clutch smoothly and consistently. Made from a variety of materials, race boots will provide support and breathability to your feet in the cockpit, and with some now featuring quick lace up systems you can be ready to race in moments.
When buying your race boots you really want to make sure they fit well, rubbing, tightness or heel lift could all cause discomfort and distract you from your race craft.
Our top 3 picks for beginner race boots are:
Race Gloves
With top end gloves used in F1 containing biotech to monitor a drivers heart rate in the event of a crash, race glove tech has certainly moved on over the years and while this tech may not have worked its way down to your racing scene some elements have. Many racing gloves now feature external seams to reduce pressure points and pre-curved fingers to help grip the wheel more easily, it might not sound like much but in a stressful race situation these things can make the difference.
Our top 3 picks for beginner race gloves are:
