Nomex / Safety ?'s

[rbray]

I have started attending some racing schools and I plan on trimming my Miata out to some more schools this fall.

Even though a driving suit is not required I am going to wear one.
I'm new to racing so I don't know the features different brands have to offer. If anyone can offer advice I would appreciate it.

I am also going to order a roll cage and a fire bottle.

Thanks for you help

[kevinR]

most race sanctioning bodies require a minimum of 3 layers of nomex (or equally fire retardant material as allowed by said bodies). you can accomplish this with either a two layer suit and nomex underwear or a three layer suit. if you have any facial hair, most bodies require a head sock. add to this nomex gloves and shoes.

helmet should be a minimum of sa95 (an "m" rating is generally only allowed in open track events and "sa" is required by sanctioning bodies). however, an sa95 is only good untill the sa05 comes out. you would be better off getting one labled sa00. even if you have an enclosed car, i would suggest a full face with visor. more protection in case of fire or flying debris from the track.

you might want to investigate a head restraint device. i have used a hutchens device but have switched to an isaac device (www.isaacdirect.com). i did this because i think it far greater protection and with it i don't need a neck ring as it seems to help support the neck as well.

there are a number of quality brands available, but don't go cheap when your life is involved. window nets in a coupe would be good. however, most don't want to go thru the trouble or expense. hence, arm restraints. these are intended to keep your arms inside the car in the event of a change in car attitude.

then you mention the full roll cage and there are a number of things one can address there.

a fire bottle? full system or just an extinguser? to which are you referring?

[Randy Rosenberg]

I've found this site to be good for reference (and prices, too!). I've bot much from Bell in Oakland, and they've given me good service.

http://www.bellmotorsports.com/

Have Fun - be safe,
Randy R...

[rbray]

Kevin,
Thanks for the tips. I couldn't agree more about not going cheap when you life is at stake. That's why I bought a Simpson sidewinder helment this spring.
As far as roll cages go i'm looking at two companies:

http://www.kirkracing.com/page2.html

http://www.bethania-garage.com/cages.htm

For the the fire bottle , I'm thinking of going with a full system.
After all I'm fair skinned and I burn easily.

I want to get a few seasons of track time in my Miata before I take the Cobra onto the track. For two reasons. First I don't want to try to learn with such a fast car and two I can't affort to crash the Cobra.

Randy,
Thanks for the link

Roger

[DanElam]

When it comes to outfitting the car, you might as well go ahead and make the Miata be Spec Miata-compliant for NASA/SCCA. It'll be easier and certainly increase the value of the car since Spec Miata is one of the more popular classes. Besides, if you end up deciding to race, you will already have a car ready to go. (BTW, that means a window net and not arm restraints because Spec Miata requires a hard top.)

As far as your personal safety gear, you'll need a suit rated for 5.2 or better I think. Most people just go with the single suit and skip the underwear. Facial hair does require a nomex hood and you'll want socks too.

A good palce for reasonable prices when you are starting out is Racer Wholesale.

http://racerwholesale.com/

[Kputz]

Do yourself a favor Roger and have someone reputable and experienced build a cage for you, and insist on the nascar door bars and a shin kicker bar (post to post under the dash). Miata's have limited room inside and most bolt in cages or bolt/weld in cages are designed for any number of cars. You'll want as much room as is possible in the Miata and the cage builder and find you an inch here or there. The costs will be close, but the custom job will usually be a bit higher. To accomplish this you'll have to remove to cut the dash which means you should just bite the bullit and trash the car and make it a dedicated racer, removing everything allowable under the rules. This gets out of the car most of the stuff that can burn, which is important in case of fire. Remember too that most fire victims are not burn victims, but rather choke to death on toxic smoke from burning material (read nylon, phony leather vinyl, etc.), stuff that a fire system will put out but which will continue to smoulder. With or without your lung situation that's probably not wise.
Check out www.specmiata.com and use their search engine for rules, hints, suggestions, and answers to most newbie questions.