2007 SAFETY GEAR DEVELOPMENTS
Some significant new products for vintage racers seen at the 2007 Performance Racing Industry Show.
LEATT-BRACE HEAD & NECK RESTRAINT
Last year, Leatt-Brace™ demonstrated their neck support for motocross riders. This year they have developed one for us four-wheel racers…and, it is SFI certified. With no need to drill into your helmet, and no extra harness-type straps, or extra braces, the new Leatt-Brace Moto R offers ease of use for the vintage racer. It is a two-piece device that hinges at either side and then locks in place around your neck and shoulders. It delivers 360-degrees of protection including protection in side and rear impacts. Its design allows normal driver mobility and the ability to look sideways without visual or mechanical restriction. It is designed to stop your head from going further than the brace will allow your helmet to rock in any direction.
The design rationale behind the Leatt-Brace is to bring the head to a controlled stop. This is achieved by bringing the helmet to a controlled stop against the padded, rigid anatomical brace perimeter. The reduction in neck tension is aided by their SSS (Smart Strap System). Unlike other systems, the SSS is simply attached to the helmet’s normal chin strap and requires no drilling or special attachment system on the helmet. Leatt-Brace offers 2 models starting at $695.
www.leatt-brace.com
702- 447-6751
Email: [email protected]
NEW FIRE-RESISTANT FABRIC BY GLENGUARD
Do you prefer a black or very dark-colored driving suit but don’t like how it fades? A fabric company in North Carolina, founded in 1880, has provided a solution. Glen Raven, Inc. has created a flame-resistant fabric called GlenGuard FR that is being used by some major driving-suit makers. The fabric is SFI 3.2A-rated and offers a TPP (Thermal Protective Performance) rating of 9.0. The fabric is reported to be softer, lighter, more color-fast and more abrasion resistant than other fabrics on the market. It is now in use by select driving suit makers.
www.glenraven.com Go to: Fabrics, then Protective
336.227.6211
FOG-PREVENTING FILM & VISORS BY FOG CITY
Tired of having your helmet visor fog up on those hot and humid race days? The folks from Modern World Ventures had a steam generator at their booth that fogged up a visor in a second. But, it failed to fog the portion covered with their Proshield anti-fog film insert. They also have other products such as Hyper Optiks, a light-reactive, anti-fog, UV-blocking visor and SpeedTint, a dark smoke-tint visor film insert that provides protection from glare and fog.
Proshield – $17.95
Hyper Optiks light-reactive visor – $39.95
Speed Tint dark-smoke visor film – $10.95
HANS – NEW SPORT SERIES HEAD & NECK RESTRAINT
CONFIDENTIAL INTERNAL USE ONLY
As the de facto standard for head and neck restraints, racers have sometimes balked at buying a HANS device because of the cost. Now, HANS Performance Products has produced a lower-priced, but still high-quality, version.
The new HANS Sport model is made from a carbon-fiber composite combined with an innovative, proprietary molding process. The new HANS model is made from a homogeneous composite with multidirectional strength and energy-absorption properties. It has been under development for more than a year. The result is a restraint that provides strength equal to traditional woven carbon-fiber composites, but is more amenable to mass production. The result is a more competitive price on an equally effective restraint.
HANS Performance Products has models priced starting at US$695 for this new Sport model and going up to US$1,295 for the Professional model.
www.hansdevice.com
888-HANS-999
GEAR BAGS FOR HELMET PLUS HANS DEVICE BY PUMA
Tired of carrying around separate bags for your helmet and your HANS device? Puma has a new line of gear bags that has room for both. $79
www.subesports.com
[email protected]
F.A.S.T. Racer Series Cool Suit System
Last year we covered driver cooling in our annual safety gear editorial noting a number of products that were on the market. One of the companies mentioned has come out with a shirt on which the cooling tubes are now contained between the fabric layers. The FAST PREMIUM Cool Suit Shirt has a light-weight cotton inner liner with 50% more tubing sandwiched under a NOMEX outer t-shirt. The water tubing is sewn on the front and back. This separates the shirt into four equal cooling zones for maximum comfort. Available in black, short sleeve only (Head and Neck System COMPATIBLE). An eight quart ice chest will carry enough ice that will last up to 2 hours.
www.fastraceproducts.com
888-466-RACERACE
DRIVING SUITS WITH GRAPHICS BY AWESOME RACEWEAR
While some “wild-looking” driving suits are de rigueur for many NASCAR teams, if you have ever wanted a truly unique-looking driving suit, Awesome Racewear has the answer. Their “Sublimated” race-suit line can be made with any image you can dream up. (No photographs were available at press time.)
www.AwesomeRacewear.com
877-290-7787
Boot & Glove Buyer’s Guide
All vintage race organizations have regulations covering driver safety gear. These regulations include the requirement for fireproof gloves and shoes. They range from a simple, “All drivers must wear gloves and shoes of a fire resistant material,” to the specific, “Racing shoes or boots, at least ankle high, constructed of Nomex® or PBI®, are required. Approved Nomex or PBI racing gloves are required.” Regardless of the rules under which you race, consider your personal safety foremost and equip yourself with the best.
Here we have a small cross-section of driving shoes and gloves from some of the manufacturers and importers so you can see the range of gear that is available.
Puma
www.subesports.com
714-847-1501
PUMA Rennbahn 50
The ultimate vintage driving shoe is a light-weight FIA 8856-2000 approved vintage racing shoe in a stressed top-grain leather trim with Nomex lining. Dedicated to the vintage and Club racer, to perform at pure racing shoe level on the track and as well as a statement off the track. $179
PUMA Trionfo Mid Pro II
World’s lightest driving shoe, and highest TPP rating above that of Carbon-X lined shoes. FIA 8856-2000 and SFI 3.3/5 approved. A technologically advanced racing shoe for the professional driver. The body is constructed of Schoeller canvas, soft suede, and Nomex lining. Carbon fiber heel stabilizer with a split heel design. $269
PUMA Pro-Fit Cat
The first glove to meet both SFI 3.3/5 and the new FIA 8856-2000 standards, this glove can be used with any sanctioning body throughout the world. It features a fully encompassing sculptured barrier of 180-gram knit Nomex covering both the back of the hand and throughout the interior of the hand, fingers, and palm. Fireproof tactile pads provide hardwearing and maximum grip within the palm area. $119
PUMA Future Cat Hi Pro P
FIA 8856-2000 and SFI 3.3/5 approved. World’s second lightest driving shoe–25% lighter than conventional designs. The shoe’s design increases blood circulation, decreases lactic acid build-up/muscle fatigue, and improves heat dissipation within the driver’s foot and maximizes foot support, sensitivity, and agility in driver’s footwork. Pre-formed pigskin suede construction with high toe box. $189
PUMA’s Future Cat Mid Pro
World’s second lightest driving shoe 25% lighter than conventional designs. FIA 8856-2000 and SFI 3.3/5 approved. Epitome of minimalism and functionality of footwear for the race professional. The design increases blood circulation, decreases lactic acid build-up/muscle fatigue, and improves heat dissipation within the driver’s foot and maximizes foot support, sensitivity, and agility in driver’s footwork. $199
Simpson
www.teamsimpson.com
800-654-7223
Simpson Undercover Glove
The Undercover racing glove meets SFI 3.3/5. It is constructed of Nomex with a soft knit interior lining, padded knuckles and a soft, full leather palm. $119.95
Simpson Circuit Shoe
Meets SFI standards. With sleek profile and soft pedal feel, the Circuit features low-cut Achilles support for maximum flexibility and a fleece Nomex lining. The anterior toe area is triple layered for added wear and protection. $129.95
Oakley
www.speedwaremotorsports.com
800-336-3994
Oakley Race Boot
SFI 3.3/5 and FIA approved. Utilizes patented CarbonX® lining that outperforms all standards of the NFPA 2112 Flame-Resistant Garments testing protocol. High-grip vulcanized outsole and the added protection of fire retardant leather and self-extinguishing split suede. $190
Oakley Race Mid
SFI 3.3/5 and FIA approved with CarbonX® flame-resistant lining that outperforms all standards of the NFPA 2112 Flame-Resistant Garments testing protocol. Self-extinguishing split suede outer. High-grip vulcanized rubber outsole, to optimize tactile response on race pedals. $170
Piloti
www.piloti.com
805-494-0756
Piloti LMP
The LMP is part of the Race Professional Line of Piloti Driving Shoes and is both SFI and FIA legal. The LMP features our patented Roll Control™ heel, fire resistant DuPont NOMEX® lining, and is reinforced on the lateral side of the right shoe for proper heel-and-toe downshifting. $200
Piloti RSR
The RSR is part of the Race Professional Line of Piloti Driving Shoes and is both SFI and FIA legal. The RSR features our patented Roll Control™ heel, fire resistant DuPont NOMEX® lining, and is reinforced on the lateral side of the right shoe for proper heel-and-toe downshifting. $200
Stand 21
www.stand21.us
770-932-9080
Daytona Gloves
FIA 8856-2000 homologated. Made with soft leather and aramid jersey. Has anti-vibration and absorbing foam. $190
AXV 3000 Boots
FIA 8856-2000 & SFI 3.3 homologated. Designed for narrow cockpits. Grey aramid inside layer. Made-to-measure & special designs possible. Ideal for thin feet. $360
Outside Seams Gloves
FIA 86 homologated. Made of leather and aramid jersey with outside seams for comfort and performance. $160
LE MANS II Boots
FIA 8856-2000 & SFI 3.3 homologated. Designed for narrow cockpits Grey aramid inside layer. Padded ankle and malleolus protection. Made-to-measure & special designs possible. Ideal for narrow toes. $280
alpinestars
www.alpinestars.com
310-891-0299
Alpinestars Tech 1-ZX Gloves
FIA 8856-2000 approved. All Nomex®, external seam construction. Pre-curved fingers for comfort. Ergonomically positioned synthetic leather, with palm and finger patches for optimum grip and durability. $139.95
Alpinestars Tech 1-R Shoes
FIA homologated newly designed lightweight, perforated suede leather upper for ultra lightweight feel and pedal sensitivity. Flame-resistant Nomex® lining and padding for maximum comfort and safety. Wide toe-box. Dual compound rubber sole (oil and flame resistant). $189.95
Crow
www.crowenterprizes.com
714-879-5970
Crow Wings Gloves
Crow’s “Wings” long gauntlet Nomex® driving gloves are SFI-5 approved, feature two layers of Nomex® and are sewn with Kevlar® thread. There is extra padding on the palm and knuckle area. Available in red, blue and black, in sizes small, medium, large and extra large. $56.99
Crow High Top Driving Shoes
Crow’s high top driving shoes are SFI approved. Feature satin suede with flame-retardent interior and velcro closure. Available in red, blue and black, in sizes 7 through 13 in half-size increments. $69.99
Racequip
www.racequip.com
813-642-6644
Safe-Quip 351 Gloves
Constructed of knit Nomex® and grey suede leather that provides a soft and supple feel yet meets SFI 3.3/1 specifications. The high grip suede leather palms and knuckle pad are reinforced for durability and provide a premium look and feel to the gloves. $49.99
RaceQuip Euro Ankletop Racing Shoes
Featuring a new lightweight flexible design incorporates Carbon-L wear pads on both sides of the toe to provide added protection and durability in the high heat/ high wear areas. Flame-retardant Pyrovatex® liner. Meets or exceeds SFI 3.3/5 rating. $99.99
Impact
www.impactraceproducts.com
317-852-3067
IMPACT G4 GLOVES
Meets SFI 3.3/5 rating. Has extra layers of fire resistant material between the leather and your palm. Constructed of super soft hand-hugging suede with a knit fire-resistant shell. Unpadded wraparound palm patch and split-knuckle guard for extra comfort and abrasion resistance. $109
IMPACT HIGH TOP RACING SHOES
SFI 3.3 Certified. Super-padded tongue and ankle collar for comfort and support while providing the precision and control necessary for racing. Plush knit fire-resistant interior with complete footbed anatomical support. $115
IMPACT G5 PRE-CURVED RACING GRIP GLOVE
Meets SFI 3.3/5. Made with a natural radius racing grip. The glove actually positions your hand and fingers into a comfortable grip position with little or no resistance when closing your grip around a wheel or shifter. Knit fire-resistant Nomex™ covers the back of the hand and is lined with an additional layer of soft knit Nomex next to the hand. $135
IMPACT TEAM H/T SUPER LIGHTWEIGHT SHOE
SFI 3.3 Certified. High Top design with super lightweight construction and a shock-absorbing EVA heel insert. The Team H/T is the high-performance solution for racers on a tight budget. Soft knit fire-resistant interior. $85
