Upcoming races - Need drivers?

Motorsports
#1

I had a passing conversation with Chuck about some races coming up and that y’all were short on drivers. I mentioned I’d like to drive and would be willing to contribute elbow grease and whatnot.

Chuck said the major qualifications were
Have a valid drivers license - check
Can drive a manual (and actually be proficient at it) - check (daily drive a manual for last 3 years to and from work and “spirited driving” when I can get alone on roads)

I think there was a third but it may have just been acquire safety gear.

I’d like to know more about what all I need to do to get involved including any upcoming maintenance stuff you’d like help at, what kinds of specs the racing suit / helmet / hans stuff needs to meet, waivers or anything I’d need to sign, or anything else I’m missing etc.

Also, I’m assuming there’s some amount of practice involved so info on that would also be helpful.

Even if driving isn’t in the picture, I’d love to help out in any way I can.

Thanks!

2 Likes
#2

Like would this work for safety gear: https://www.racedaysafety.com/lemon-chump-drivers-package1.html

#3

I have used racesuitrental.com for several races. They’re super responsive and I haven’t had any problems with getting my gear prior to the race or sending it back.

2 Likes
#4

Try before you buy. Nice!

#5

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/

Has pretty good pricing on race gear I’ve seen almost anywhere.
A 3 layer suit will get you racing almost anywhere

1 Like
#6

Easiest way to get involved is to come to the motorsports committee meeting next Thursday. No experience necessary. We welcome new drivers and anyone who wants to participate in any part of racing. We’ve had four drivers with no track experience drive in the last two races. They practiced on Friday and raced on Saturday!

https://calendar.dallasmakerspace.org/events/view/9493

We just had a race last weekend, so we’re all kind of in recovery mode. Next prospective races are in September and November. We will be making some changes to the roll cage and a few other things before the next race.

The suit you linked to will pass tech, but it’s the minimum allowed. Most people get an SFI 3.2/A5 rated suit. I used racesuitrental several times and they always provided good-quality, clean gear. We still use them to get the HANS device, even if we don’t rent anything else from them.

4 Likes
#7

Here’s a list of suits from Speedway.

https://www.speedwaymotors.com/Search?Facet=GA_SuperMarket%3ARacing&query=racing+suit

Ideally, a one piece suit is what you want.
When fitting one, be sure to sit down in it before picking your size.
At the very least, you’ll need to be able to raise your hands straight up in the suit without any discomfort elsewhere.
The fit you’re looking for is different from every day clothes.
You don’t want to wait until race day to discover that your suit gives you a wedgie every time you sit down, or restricts your movement is some other fashion.

2 Likes
#8

Yeah, a suit that’s too short in the body is no fun!

#9

If you’re looking to buy a suit, make sure to check out raceimage.com. They have lots of used racing suits, mainly ex-NASCAR, but also some Indy and IMSA. I’ve gotten 3 suits from them and have been thrilled with them every time.

3 Likes
#10

Cool link! Who wouldn’t be stoked to use/own ex-works gear.