Track day gear: 2piece have to attach?

[jtsgsxr]

I have an Alpinestars leather jacket and leather Joe Rocket pants. The attachment zippers are different (naturally). I want to do a track day so will I need to have a set that attaches with a zipper or will they accept leather that do not attach? I want to get A* track pants anyway and ebay out my JR pants but I just want to make sure of this beforehand. Thanks in advance for any feedback on this!

[Mantis]

I've never seen an organization allow a suit that doesn't zip together. I'd start bidding on ebay stuff if I were in your shoes. Have fun!

[anthonym]

i just did a trackday with a 2 piece suit and it had to zipper all the way around the waist , i'm sure they won't let you on the track with something that doesn't zip , plus it wouldn't be safe for you if they did, have fun when you do get on the track

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

I wonder how much it would cost to have the zipper replaced? Maybe an economical option?

[anthonym]

the group i went with also checked that you were wearing a spine protector on every session

[hoaxci5]

I had a zipper added to my pants to match it up with my joe rocket jacket for $30 at a local shoe repair place.

I had more problems finding the other zipper half than I did getting it attached though.

[velocity bmg]

There are alot of TD orgs that don't require you to dress like you are on the starting grid at Brno.

Lone Star Track Days does not require zipped suits.

Ridesmart, my next TD event does require it.

Just have to pick, and choose.

Personally, I think if you are in the novice class, and on a short, slow track, meaning average speed...45-50 mph, it should not be required.

As soon as you start hitting the ton, (100 mph+)...everything should be
required.

But, and yes most probably, thank God, I don't run a Track Day co.

[OreoGaborio]

It's a good idea to have a full circumference zipper but not all track days require it. Tony's Track Days for example only requires that no skin is exposed while in the riding position. See here for an example of what you can expect at some track days as far as rider gear requirements go. - http://www.tonystrackdays.com/riderprep.cfm

My best advice is to contact the track day organization and ask. You may get away w/ using what you've got and you'd probably be just fine in the event of a crash... but it'd be a good idea to get something more substantial if you plan on doing more track days (and I'm sure you will once you get this first one under your belt )

[GSXR RACER MIKE]

Originally Posted by velocity bmg

Personally, I think if you are in the novice class, and on a short, slow track, meaning average speed...45-50 mph, it should not be required.

As soon as you start hitting the ton, (100 mph+)...everything should be
required.

I dropped my brand new '99 GSXR 600 on the street with less than 2 miles on it going about 20 MPH (green tires, cold day, salt on the streets, crossed over a paint line in a turn at an intersection) and I was wearing a leather coat (but it wasn't a riding jacket). When I low-sided I knew not to stick my arm out, instead I put my arm against my side and let my body absorb the very minimal impact forces with the ground. This is when the snap on the wrist of my jacket came undone and the friction with the ground pushed my coat sleeve up to my elbow. At about 20 MPH I recieved the only road rash I've ever had in my life on the top of my forearm, it's 8 years later and I can still easily see the scars. For those who have never had road rash it's not something you want to have, especially in any quantity. ANY exposed skin is vulnerable at any speed - you certainly wouldn't set your bare hand on the pavement at even 5 MPH for 20 feet would you?

Safety equipment is the 1 thing you should never skimp on - unless you've got a pain fetish or something!

[Woodyracing]

if your going on the track, get some decent leathers!

I'm with Mike, that is the one area you never ever even consider skimping on, EVER. PERIOD.

Keep an eye out for a set of used (1-piece) leathers. I bought a $1,500+ set of leathers used (crashed) for $300 and crashed in them myself 3 or 4 times before they even needed repairs. Check out all the racing/trackday forums, ebay, and even try calling some of the leather repair places (barnacle bill, spyder leather works, etc) to see if you can find something used

I can almost promise you that if you do a trackday, you'll be planning the next one before you leave the track that day so don't use "I'm only doing one day" as an excuse.

[velocity bmg]

I got full leathers...and have had road rash...got off at 65mph.

Scars on my legs and one arm..faintly visible.

It really didn't hurt that much. Honestly.

What hurt was my new, (bought brand new 92 ZX-6) now in pieces.

That...was painful.