Racing gloves & shoes recommendation

[CHP2RA]

I finally pulled the trigger on a racing school (Bondurant), and they suggest I bring racing gloves & shoes. I have no idea what to get or where to get it. Any recommendations?

[Dwight]

Summit, Jegs or Speedway

Don't go crazy, just buy something that fits.

Dwight

[55312]

I have a pair of G-Force. Had them for years. Look here -

Auto Racing Shoes - SafeRacer

Tim

[1795]

Safe Racer is a good choice, do not go over board on price. You can get quality gloves and shoes for a very reasonable cost. I went with G-Force and Race-Quip and have been happy.

[mrmustang]

Originally Posted by 1795

Safe Racer is a good choice, do not go over board on price. You can get quality gloves and shoes for a very reasonable cost. I went with G-Force and Race-Quip and have been happy.

I'll second both.


However, I will add that you should find a shop to purchase your SA2010 and up rated helmet. Getting a properly fit helmet is key to your health and safety. Not all helmets fit the same, not even from the same company.


Bill S.

[LMH]

What Bill said!
I have Sparco shoes. Good quality but can be pricey, so don't spen a lot just for a school.
Larry

[twobjshelbys]

I've been to Bondurant three times (4 day class and 2 x advanced) and wore regular sneakers and no gloves. Do spend money on a good helmet that fits. They have helmets available but the larger sizes get snapped up quickly.

What class are you taking? If you are in the regular Corvette classes shoes won't get you anything. If you are taking the 4 day class with the Formula Mazda day then narrower shoes will help with the footbox on that car as it is small with very pedal close spacing. If you aren't doing that class consider doing it as the three days in the Corvettes will show you what you DON'T know in those little speed demons.

[1795]

Originally Posted by mrmustang

I'll second both.


However, I will add that you should find a shop to purchase your SA2010 and up rated helmet. Getting a properly fit helmet is key to your health and safety. Not all helmets fit the same, not even from the same company.


Bill S.

If you are planning on racing, make sure that you get at least a SA2010 helmet. The SA2015's are out now and some racing organizations are stating that they will no longer accept 2005 helmets.

[CHP2RA]

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm taking the 4-day class: 3 in Corvettes, 4th in Formula Mazadas. Thanks for the helmet warning, Tony. I will get there early first day to make sure I get one that fits my fat head.

I wear tight-fitting indoor soccer shoes when driving my Superformance Cobra: small footbox + 11.5 size feet = unintended acceleration. Considered taking those shoes, but I'm also taking my 2 sons, and neither has narrow cleatless sports shoes, so (relatively) inexpensive driving shoes seemed a good solution.

I will not race my Cobra, but may track it, depending on how I do in the school. I'll hold off purchasing a helmet until after the school.

[1985 CCX]

I have had the Puma and Shelby driving shoes.
Puma allow touch more feel but lack insulation.
The insulating factor in the Shelby shoes work well in hot foot box.

[LMH]

One small piece of advice when an instructor is in the car with you... Don't touch the shifter unless you're changing gears!
You'll thank me later!
Larry

[fordracing65]

I drive in VANS skateboard shoes, unless you need a full fireproof shoe...

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

I've been to Bondurant three times (4 day class and 2 x advanced) and wore regular sneakers and no gloves. Do spend money on a good helmet that fits. They have helmets available but the larger sizes get snapped up quickly.

What class are you taking? If you are in the regular Corvette classes shoes won't get you anything. If you are taking the 4 day class with the Formula Mazda day then narrower shoes will help with the footbox on that car as it is small with very pedal close spacing. If you aren't doing that class consider doing it as the three days in the Corvettes will show you what you DON'T know in those little speed demons.

Bondurant does not use CHEVY anymore, they switched to DODGE, Viper and Hellcat, just saw the new fleet at SEMA...

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by LMH

One small piece of advice when an instructor is in the car with you... Don't touch the shifter unless you're changing gears!
You'll thank me later!
Larry

Ha! I made that mistake. I was in a chicane and kept my hand on the shifter in anticipation of the shift coming up. He hit my hand!

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by CHP2RA

Thanks for the suggestions. I'm taking the 4-day class: 3 in Corvettes, 4th in Formula Mazadas. Thanks for the helmet warning, Tony. I will get there early first day to make sure I get one that fits my fat head.

I wear tight-fitting indoor soccer shoes when driving my Superformance Cobra: small footbox + 11.5 size feet = unintended acceleration. Considered taking those shoes, but I'm also taking my 2 sons, and neither has narrow cleatless sports shoes, so (relatively) inexpensive driving shoes seemed a good solution.

I will not race my Cobra, but may track it, depending on how I do in the school. I'll hold off purchasing a helmet until after the school.

It's an excellent class, good track time but also basics like heel-toe practice, skid pad, etc.

You don't need any special equipment. Just use your Cobra shoes. Your sons can use just regular walking shoes or sneakers. Really, the cars you are driving do not require anything special. Don't spend the money for something you won't use again. I did just fine in the Mazda with my Reebock walkers only noting that just the ball of your foot (big toe) will be on the pedals. That works really well for the right foot with the very short action clutch and throttle basically on pedals all the time. I was going to do the advanced class again this year and do the Mazdas. They typically only have one or two in the class becasue people are trying to get the SCCA card to race them but I think they probably the funnest cars I've ever driven.

What time of the year are you going? I went in March and the weather was perfect.

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

Bondurant does not use CHEVY anymore, they switched to DODGE, Viper and Hellcat, just saw the new fleet at SEMA...

Hmmm, I see they are the SRT racing school, but don't see that they have changed their fleet to Dodge. They could be behind on their web site though.

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Hmmm, I see they are the SRT racing school, but don't see that they have changed their fleet to Dodge. They could be behind on their web site though.

LOL, when I took the classes there they were all Ford, then Chevy, now Dodge, must be in the bailout program to boost sales...

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by fordracing65

LOL, when I took the classes there they were all Ford, then Chevy, now Dodge, must be in the bailout program to boost sales...

Seriously, if they were changing their fleet don't you think the web site would be all over it? I get emails all the time from Bondurant and no mention of a fleet change. Dodge simply doesn't have anything that can substitute for the Corvette. I'm skeptical.

[LMH]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Ha! I made that mistake. I was in a chicane and kept my hand on the shifter in anticipation of the shift coming up. He hit my hand!

Been there too!
Larry

[fordracing65]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

Seriously, if they were changing their fleet don't you think the web site would be all over it? I get emails all the time from Bondurant and no mention of a fleet change. Dodge simply doesn't have anything that can substitute for the Corvette. I'm skeptical.

Google it, I saw the cars at SEMA last week, hence the SRT driving school, the Viper is the Vettes equal...they even told me if I buy a new Viper or hellcat they give you the school for free...