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