A racing suit is not just a fashion statement, it’s a lifesaver. It acts as a barrier between you and the flames in case of a fire, giving you precious time to escape. But not all auto racing suits are created equal, and skimping on quality could cost you dearly.
In this article, I will give you a general guide on what to look for in a racing suit, and what will you get at certain price points. I will also share with you my top 4 picks for the best auto racing suits on the market. So buckle up and let’s get started!
Why you need a racing suit to hit the track
Fire Protection
Most racing drag racing apparel is marketed as fireproof, but that’s not entirely accurate. What they do is delay the onset of burns by resisting the flames for a certain amount of time.
The key to this resistance is the material used to make the suits. The most common and effective one is Nomex, a synthetic fiber that does not melt or burn, but expands and thickens when exposed to high heat. This creates an insulating layer that protects the skin from the fire.
However, Nomex suits can be quite expensive, so some racers opt for cheaper alternatives made from cotton or polyester that have been treated with fire-retardant chemicals. These racing clothing are less durable and comfortable than Nomex ones, but they still meet the minimum safety standards.
Racing Regulation
Wearing a racing suit is not optional, it’s mandatory for any professional racing event. And not just any suit will do, there are specific rules and requirements that must be followed.
One of these rules is that the suit must be a one-piece garment, covering the entire body from neck to ankles. Unlike other protective gear that uses padding or armor to cushion impacts, racing suits rely on their fabric to shield from fire, so they must be seamless and snug-fitting.
Another rule is that the suit must have a certification label from either FIA (Federation Internationale de l’Automobile) or SFI (SFI Foundation, Inc.), or both. These are the two leading organizations that test and rate racing suits for their fire resistance and quality. A suit without a valid label will not be allowed on the track.
If your family and friends are coming to your race, share with them what to wear to a NASCAR race so that they can support you in the best way possible.
Personal Branding
Besides keeping you safe, racing suits can also help you look good and attract attention. A racing suit is like a canvas for your personal brand, and it can display your sponsors’ logos and colors. A well-designed suit can make you stand out from the crowd and impress potential sponsors who might want to invest in your racing career. Plus, it can also boost your confidence and performance on the track.
What to look for when buying a racing suit
Certification Matter
The first thing to check when buying a racing suit is its certification. As I explained before, some racing series have specific rules for the kind and quality of racing suits that drivers must wear, and they use certification labels to verify them.
The most used certification labels are SFI 3.2A/5 and FIA 8856-2018, which are the latest FIA standards. These labels show how long the suits can resist the flames before the skin gets burned. You should always buy a racing suit that matches the certification label required by your racing series, and avoid cheap knock-offs that might not have the same quality.
The certification labels also reflect the materials used to make the suits. The best ones are made from flame-retardant materials like Nomex, which I discussed in the previous section. These materials provide better fire protection and comfort than cotton or polyester with fire-retardant chemicals.
Weight and Fit
The second thing to consider when buying a racing suit is its weight and fit. A racing suit should be light enough to not restrict your movements or make you feel uncomfortable, but also strong enough to protect you from fire and abrasion.
Generally, lighter suits will be much more expensive than heavier suits since they are made with more advanced fabrics and technology. You should also look for a racing suit that fits you well and allows you to move freely in the cockpit. A too-tight or too-loose racing suit can affect your driving skill and safety.
Breathability and Maintenance
The third thing to look for when buying a racing suit is its breathability and maintenance. A racing suit should be able to keep you cool and dry in hot and humid conditions and prevent you from overheating or sweating excessively.
A breathable racing suit usually means more ventilation and moisture-wicking fabrics, which can also reduce the risk of fire or infection. You should also look for a racing suit that is easy to wash and maintain, as dirt and sweat can degrade its performance and appearance.
How much should you spend on an auto racing suit?
Entry-level Suits ($200-$600)
Most suits in this price range are mass-produced to fit a wide variety of body shapes, which means it would be very hard to find a suit that fits you perfectly in this price range.
You can see these suits in a lot of lower-tier completion since most of them only have the SFI rating and not the FIA rating. They also have a heavier outer layer and a single-layer suit, which makes them less breathable than more expensive suits.
If you are participating in the kind of racing where racing suits don’t last very long, then these suits might be suitable for you. Not to mention if you are in a colder climate where the breathability of more expensive suits might leave you exposed to cold, then this kind of suit can easily keep you warm.
Mid-range Suits ($600-$1,000)
You should still consider these entry-level suits, just with a few more upgrades. At this price range, you might start to see suits are lighter and more breathable than the entry-level ones, and they also have stretch paneling that allows you to move more freely.
Some of them are also multi-layer auto racing suits, which means they have better insulation and fire protection. Mid-range suits are a great choice if you value comfort and mobility in your racing suit.
Professional Suits ($1,000+)
This category will feature top-of-the-line auto racing suits that have all the great characteristics of a good racing suit that I mentioned earlier.
Suits in this category will be extremely light and comfortable, yet also provide great fire protection (I’m talking about up to 30-40s). And usually, they will also have both the FIA and SFI certificates.
At $1500+, you might get custom-made suits that have custom colors, graphics, badges, and most importantly proportionally fit you way better than any pre-made suit. These are the suits that you often see professional racers wear.
Top 4 Auto Racing Suits
1. Sparco Victory RS-4 Racing Suit:
This is my favorite racing suit because it combines high quality, comfort, and style. The suit is made from three layers of Hocotex fire-resistant material, which is lighter and more breathable than Nomex. It also has stretch panels, pre-curved sleeves, hidden pockets, and a sleek design. It is both SFI- and FIA-rated, and it costs around $1,000.
2. Simpson DNA Racing Suit:
This is a unique racing suit that features a custom fit and a personalized design. It has three layers of CarbonX fire-resistant material, which is lighter and more breathable than Nomex. It also has stretch panels, knit cuffs, epaulets, belt loops, etc. You can also choose your own colors, logos, embroidery, etc. It is both SFI- and FIA-rated, and it costs around $1,500.
3. OMP One Evo Racing Suit:
This is a high-end racing suit that offers the ultimate protection and performance. This One Evo suit is made of four layers of Nomex fire-resistant material, which is the highest level of fire resistance available. OMP also added stretch panels, pre-curved sleeves, and ultra-flat seams, to make the suit much more comfortable. It is both SFI- and FIA-rated, and it costs around $1500.
4. G-Force GF745 Racing Suit:
This is a budget-friendly racing suit that still offers decent protection and quality. As a result, the GF745 only has two layers of Pyrovatex fire-resistant material, which is similar to Proban. At this price, this suit is only SFI-rated but not FIA-rated, which means it might not be suitable for some high-level racing series. It costs around $1000.
Bottom line
A racing suit is an essential item for any serious racer who wants to be safe and competitive on the track. It can shield you from fire, injuries, penalties, etc., as well as help you look more professional and attract sponsors. When buying a racing suit, you should consider its certification label (SFI or FIA), its weight and fit (lighter and more flexible), its breathability and maintenance (more ventilation and moisture-wicking), and its price range (budget to high-end). Don’t skip my top 4 recommendations for the best racing suits on the market (the Sparco Victory RS-4 Racing Suit being my favorite). I hope this blog post was useful for you to choose the right racing suit for your needs and budget.
