Racetrack Event Clothing Requirements

BACKGROUND

As Downforce continues to strive to offer the safest possible environment to experience driving on racetracks, a review has been conducted which includes some changes to the clothing and equipment requirements for events run by Downforce from 1 January 2019 going forwards.

HELMET

In compliance with current Motorsport New Zealand regulations for helmets. Downforce advocates for the use of proper Automobile helmets, ie Motorcycle helmets that are compliant are strongly discouraged.

Downforce checks helmets that are supplied to staff and participants daily. For helmets owned and supplied by participants, Downforce may refuse the use of participant owned helmets if any damage is present on the helmet, and/or if the helmet features ear protection ‘muffs’ that could cause the participant to be unable to hear their Instructor.

FORWARD HEAD RESTRAINTS (FHR)

• Cars WITHOUT a race harness – ie 3 point lap belt – no FHR or foam donut required

• Cars WITH a race harness – 5 point or more – HANS Device or other Motorsport NZ approved FHR required, worn in line with Motorsport NZ regulations.

Downforce have some HANS devices available for drivers to use as needed

NEW CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS

The following requirements relate to events where participants will drive MORE THAN 3 sessions of track laps, where most or all of these will require helmets to be worn as speeds are likely to be greater than 160km/h. The above requirements are valid at all permanent racetracks and any other venue where speeds may exceed 160km/h.

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PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Downforce operates with guidance from the requirements of Motorsport NZ Clubsport Advanced Protective Clothing. See table below for details.

In Summary, minimum standards are:

• Overalls / Race Suit - Single Layer
• Underwear - Cotton/Woollen clothing to be worn under Overalls
• Socks - Cotton / Wool
• Shoes - Real Leather - Not synthetic
• Gloves - No requirement but suggested
• Balaclava - No requirement

Downforce will have race suits available from 2019, however extreme body sizes may prove challenging to fit correctly.