Racing Gear

Racing gear is the equipment the driver wears: helmets and helmet parts, intercoms, gloves, race suits and overalls, shoes, neck braces and head restraints, rib protectors and balaclavas.

Start with the rules of the events you enter. Most circuit and rally series require clothing and helmets homologated to a current FIA standard, and the product data lists the homologation where it applies:

• helmets: FIA 8859 or 8860, and Snell SA;
• suits: FIA 8856-2018;
• rib protection: FIA 8870-2018;
• karting: Snell CMR.

Track days usually ask for less, so check the organiser’s requirements.

Gear also differs by discipline, and many items are listed as circuit, rally or karting. Rally helmets usually carry an intercom so the crew can talk, circuit helmets are mostly full-face, and kart helmets meet their own standard.

To find your helmet size, measure your head just above the eyebrows; sizes are given in centimetres. A helmet should be snug without pressure points and should not turn when you shake your head. Clothing is sized from S to XL.

Several items depend on each other. A frontal head restraint needs anchors on the helmet, so check that the helmet is listed as HANS-compatible. An intercom needs matching helmet wiring and cables for the car’s system. Fireproof underwear, gloves and shoes complete the protection of a homologated suit, and every homologated item carries a date, so check that it is still valid for your season.