Questions About Driver Attire

[Sheldon Potter]

Howdy Howdy – I’d posted this a few days ago, before the server change, and it seems to have gotten lost, so will try again on this new forum for rookies like myself. I received an email notice back then that there’d apparently been a response to my post, but before I could get here the change was underway.

Although from talking on the Colorado Karter and at the tracks w/ various kind folks I’ve learned a lot already about many of the choices in chassis’, motors, trailers, etc., I’m still wondering about local Denver area sources for quality kart/auto racing helmets, protective suits, gloves and those pretty little shoes I see you guys wearing. I’d especially like to get me a pair of those. 🙂

Since I’m kind of hard to fit clothing wise it would be very good to be able to try on before buying. Same w/ the all important noggin protector, both in terms of being able to assess fit w/ the help of knowledgeable people as well as to assess visibility. And, of course, I can’t imagine trying to buy shoes of any kind w/out being able to try them on first. Especially the ones w/ those nice high heels (can’t figure out how the hell you don’t get them caught in the throttle…)

Finally, I’ve heard about one or two local businesses that people tell me do excellent noggin protector paint jobs, but can’t remember who they are. I was thinking a paint scheme kind of Lewis Hamilton-ey so when I try out club racing in a season or two I’ll really stand out there at the back of the pack.

And, of course, I”m wondering what kind of budget a person can plan on for a decent quality set of this kind of gear, new.

Thanks in advance for any info!!

Sheldon Potter
Still driving around in the little pink ones learning all about momentum driving — but hopefully not for long!

[Troy Smith]

Sheldon:

I was the one who posted for you last time…let’s try again.

Locally, you can try on and purchase helmets at AAI Speed in Arvada. http://www.aaispeed.com/ They sell Bell Helmets. As for Arai, Impact, Simpson, or others, I don’t know where you can get them locally.

Painting: Rick Schmidt (Roman’s dad) does helmet painting locally. He posts regularly and is not difficult to find here.

With regard to other equipment, you can check locally and, please, support the local guys as much as possible, otherwise you’ll need to let your fingers do the walking…check w/ Doug at Shockwave, Barry at Billet, Brad at IMI (I think those are the only guys w/ shops…if I’ve forgotten someone, forgive me).

I’ll list several sites for you below. As a rule of thumb, the places which sell equipment on the internet are stocked w/ racers who can answer your questions and help w/ fitting over the phone. Many websites even have fitting guides. With shoes, driving suit, gloves, be prepared to buy several (if you do it over the internet or phone) and send back what doesn’t fit. Shoes should be tight so you can feel the pedals and everything else should be comfortable. Helmet should be a little more tight than you would think…your helmet should fit differently than what you wear when renting. The wind, etc affects it to a degree…comfortable yet tight.

http://www.aimsports.com/index.html – Mychron, on board computer
http://www.bellracing.com/ – Helmets, etc.
http://www.bondurantsuperkarts.com/index.php – Racing School; Anthony Figueredo also runs a school at TTAC.
http://www.internationalkarting.com.au/page/goldspeed.html – Parts & Stuff
http://www.k1racegear.com/ – Protective Gear
http://www.mgspeedsecrets.com/ – Former National Champ, educational books, good for beginners
http://www.ompracing.it/en/homeen.htm – Protective Gear, from Italy
http://www.pegasusautoracing.com/home.asp – All kinds of race related stuff
http://www.pitpal.com/index.php?p=home – Organizational stuff you’ll need
http://www.pittsonline.com/ – Organizational, gear, racing stuff
http://www.smartracepaint.com/ – One of many painters
http://www.sparcousa.com/karting_gloves.asp – Protective Gear
http://www.upr.com/home.php?xid=b43e03d1c771abd854c14e5d0494af38 – Race gear internet sales out of AZ, lots of manufacturers
Others…Alpinestars, Puma, Oakley make protective gear/shoes/suits

To answer your other questions:
You can always buy stuff to go fast later, you can’t go fast if you’re injured. Only buy a $100 helmet if you have a $100 head. It is protective gear, enough said. In general:

$300- $900: A good helmet (store w/ visor up to let it dry).
$40 – $100: Helmet bag…you don’t want your helmet getting banged around in transit.
$99 – $400: Driving Suit.
$35 – $100: Driving Gloves.
$50 – $150: Driving Shoes.
$80 – $150: Rib Protection.
$500 – $?,???: Helmet Painting – certainly not necessary but you asked…
$200 – $400: Starter Tools for Racing
$25 – $35: Fuel Jug

Other Items you may not “need” but would probably appreciate later:
Get some type of undergarments for your suit…something to wick away moisture (sports clothes)…it gets pretty hot out there June – August.
Bag to store all of your gear (don’t want to forget something at home). Doesn’t have to be by a ‘racing manufacturer’.
Balaclava a.k.a. “Head Sock” – get a few if you’re actually going to race; they will keep your helmet dry and you’ll apprecaite this about your 5th session in a day in mid-July.
Spare eye shields…your helmet will come w/ clear (good for rain days). Buy some type of DARK lens due to the bright sunshine here in CO. If you can afford it, keep a spare in case a rock prematurely ends its life cycle.

Other racing consumables:
$20 +/-: Chains
$5 – $15/bottle: Lubricants, cleaners, engine oil
$15 +/-: Sprockets
$180: Tires/set
$200 +++: Other stuff you’ll bend, break or just plain wear out racing.

Happy shopping and don’t get caught wearing everything watching recorded F1 races in your livingroom… :dance:

Call me if you have other questions: 303-995-8910 (m)

Troy

[Sheldon Potter]

@TG Smith wrote:

Sheldon:

I was the one who posted for you last time…let’s try again….

Troy – This information about driver attire, costs and related links is just super!! Thanks also for the additional detailed info re. tools and equipment via PM.

I seem to recall meeting you at The Track or IMI ??? I’ve met a bunch, but still trying to put names and faces in the same memory bank.

Cheers – Sheldon Potter

[Bruce Boman]

Sheldon,

I just got the November 2007 issue of National Kart News it is their “Safety Apparel Issue – 2008” You can find all sorts of info on gloves, collars, helmuts, shoes, rib/chest protectors and suits.

Bruce…..

[Kirk Deason]

I would add a chain breaker and a battery tender to that list.

Maybe a small compressor? I use a ‘pancake’ style compressor and pump it up to 80 lbs or so before I go to the track, that takes care of any tire pressure changes I need throughout the day. In lieu of a compressor, a lot of guys get a nitrogen tank with a regulator from a welding supply shop. I think the tanks come in a few different sizes.

Get a couple extra throttle cables, too, they wear and break frequently and are one of the few cheap items in karting.

ZIP TIES! Lots of them, get different sizes.

I also used my brake bleeder quite a bit. here’s a pic, I bought it from George at CRE.

Most guys at the track have their favorite tire changing equipment…so far I have been able to get away without it. I have an extra set of wheels that I take to IMI to have them mount/dismount the rubber. In a pinch, another racer can help you out with the tires and wheels. (I’m going though my head thinking about my own previous F-ups and trying to pass along what I learned..I had alot of issues but learned from each one.)

Get a couple spare chains to have handy and the same with sprockets. TaG karts eat them, and they will eat your wallet if you dont check the tension after EVERY session.

Get a couple extra credit cards, make sure you give one to me and keep your other one handy…your first year will be expensive.

[Anonymous]

Don’t forget about Action Karting at Bandimere for Suits, Gloves, Rib Vests, etc. 😀

Drew

[Sheldon Potter]

Thanks to all who posted! I’ve got my work cut out for me gathering all this stuff together. Hopefully there will still be time/money left to get out on the track after all this?

🙂

Sheldon Potter

[Jon Romenesko]

If your looking for some quality driving shoes, may i recommend some Pilotis? Best driving shoes on the market if you ask me. Nicest thing about them is they’re super comfortable (most driving shoes arent even remotely), you can wear em all day, no problem! Great pedal feel too. They just released a Karting Boot, which is quite good.

Unfortunately, i don’t know of any dealers around here…Detailer’s Paradise used to carry them, but they are in the process of closing out all their Pilotis. But all their sizes seems to run pretty true to athletic shoes.

[Rick Schmidt]

Just saw this, might be of interest to you. Seems like a great price for a good namebrand driving shoe. They also have some close outs.

http://www.saferacer.com/oakley-2006-mid-top-shoes.html?productid=1161

Rick

[Troy Smith]

I have Oakley driving shoes and have been very happy with them. I will give one piece of cautious advice…buy 1 size smaller than you think you’ll wear. I found them to be extremely uncomfortable for about the first 3 times at the track, then they broke in and feel great, HOWEVER, the suede uppers stretch so be aware when ordering.

[Garrick Mitchell]

You can try Oakley shoes on at their store in Cherry Creek Mall (I don’t recall if any kart shops here carry them). Definitely get them snug because they’ll stretch. I have the Oakley low-tops, and the toes are a little too pointy for me. I got them 1/2 size too big and they feel like clown shoes! If anyone in town still has Shift shoes, take a look.

[Uber Wagon]

I just ordered some Shift Shoes on closeout here:

http://www.accelerationkarting.com/shoes.html#shift

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