Resources

    Glossary of Terms
    SFI Rating
    Certification that demonstrates that the manufacturer certifies the racing equipment has been laboratory tested to meet or exceed SFI safety specifications. The standard for driving suits is 3.2A/X. The higher the SFI rating, the higher the TPP value
    TPP (Thermal Protection Performance) Rating
    A calculated value that manufacturers use to rate the exposure to heat, energy, and the approximate time before skin is subject to second degree burns
    SFI Rating
    TPP Value
    Time to 2nd Degree Burn
    3.2A/1
    6
    3 seconds
    3.2A/3
    14
    7 seconds
    3.2A/5
    19
    10 seconds
    3.2A/10
    38
    19 seconds
    3.2A/15
    60
    30 seconds
    3.2A/20
    80
    40 seconds
    SF1 vs SF5 racing suits
    SF1 – single-layer suit. SF5 – double-layer suit
    HANS Device
    Head And Neck Support – yoke-style head restraint
    Hybrid Restraint
    Backpack style device designed to stay with racer upon entering or exiting the race car
    Karting vs. Racing Suits
    Kart suits are designed for abrasion resistance when you fall out and slide along the track. Racing suits are designed for fire resistance in the event of a crash
    Driver Suit
    Uniform made of fire resistant/retardant material that is used for fire protection in motorsports
    Suit Layer or Layer
    Any single woven, non-woven, knitted, or felted flame resistant/retardant cloth
    Multiple Layers
    Driver suit material can be constructed of a single layer or multiple layers of fabric
    Racing Helmets vs. Motorcycle Helmets
    Racing Helmet – Needs to be resistant to flames, smooth and aerodynamic to resist drag and provide a surface that won’t catch on anything in the race car. Rated as either M, SA, or K. SA-rated helmets: used in competitive auto racing and require a fire-retardant rating M-rated helmets: used for racing vehicles that do not require a fire-retardant rating. K- and CMR-rated helmets: used for karting applications and are not required to be fire retardant Motorcycle Helmets – are designed to take one massive impact instead of multiple. Designed to slide on road in event of an accident. Many different types – full face, open (3/4), half face, off-road, modular and dual-sport
    One-piece suits
    Provide increased safety, most often mandatory for racers and crew handling fuel
    Two-piece suits
    Provide increased mobility and easier removal when comfort is a factor however the gap between jacket and pants exposes skin to possible burns. Often used by drag racers and crew not handling fuel
    Nomex®
    Fibers are heat- and flame-resistant, used in protective fabrics, garments, insulation and other high-performance applications
    Cordura
    Have abrasion resistance, not fire retardant. Made specifically for karting
    Driver Shoes
    Comfortable, lightweight, suitable for all track conditions including dirt and mud
    Crew Shoe
    aka pit shoe – designed for trackside and pit crew use. Can also be used for racing where a durable, thicker sole is preferred such as off-road
    Racing Gloves
    Designed for increased grip and performance with protection against heat and flames for drivers