Hi newcomer info wanted

[rich1]

Afternoon all.

I am entering into the 2009 xr series and was just looking for a bit of info. I have already purchased a car from ICR, and am just looking to get the rest of my equipment in order. I need a new suit and helmet for the new year. Is there any where particular to go wvwn for something second hand?

I have had a look but couldnt seeanything so any help on tis matter would be great.

Also when the race weekend comes about how is the paddock set up? What do you need to provide on the day as far as shelter of whatever?

Thanks and hope to meet alot of you soon

Rich

[XR2 Baz]

Hi Rich,

Nice to have another car on the grid, which car have you bought?

You can get some second hand race gear from e-bay, but watch the standards on them, and the condition. Don't know of any other second hand places. Whatever you do, buy a new lid. You don't have to spend a huge amount, but make sure you get the right standard (BS6658 TypeA). For new, Google 'racewear' and you'll get plenty shops.

I presume from your question you're running the car yourself. If so, you turn up, find a space in the paddock and that's what you get, a space. The SMRC tried to organise the paddock in some way, but it's first come first served and paddock 1 is usually full by the start of testing on Saturday. There's no shelter so if you want some, bring your own but be warned, it gets pretty windy at Knockhill and many a cheap gazebo ends up in the skip before lunch time!!

Baz

[Blair]

Hi Rich, like Baz says nice to have another person in the XR2's for 2009. If the interest shown on this site is anything to go by it should be a good year..

I wouldn't personally buy your suit or helmet second hand - I know how sweaty mine has got this year.

When I bought mine I went to Demon Tweeks in Wrexham in person as I was going to Oulton the next day, it gave me a chance to try everything on. Them or Grand Prix Racewear seem to be the two main motorsport suppliers in the country.

[dragonfly33]

Hi rich, at knockhill you will normaly see any thing from a 17.99 gazebo to a full cutom built marquee with flooring and lighting. but its all down to your budget all you do is find a space thats not blocking access and set up .there aren't any electrical hook ups so a generator is handy if your going to need power. paddock two tends to have more room . good luck ian.

[rich1]

Hi thanks for info. I already have a suit but only designed for karting which is annoying. My gloves and shoes are fine though which is always a bonus. I bought the pale yellow car from ICR cant remember the number it ran under in 2008. Im well adapted to the weather at Knockhill with the touringcars and what not over the years so a bit of rain and wind never hurt anybody. What standard to the suits need to be as well as the helmets and does anyone have a rough estimate? I have seen lots but the prices "vary" to say the least.

Thanks Rich

[rich1]

Hi what standard does the suit need to meet?

Thanks Rich

[Blair]

Rich, needs to be FIA 8856-2000 spec suit.

Good car you've bought also - was the car Scott Morrison won the Newcomers in 2007 and Ian Forrest had a race in it this year.

[XR2 Baz]

Ah, so it was you who bought that car, I'd heard it had sold. Nice.

Have you got your race licence yet? If so, the blue book details the standards everything needs to be. Helmets need to be BS6658 TypeA (or A/FR), or alternatively Snell 2005 but the Snell standards seem to expire every few years whereas the BS one has be standard for many years now.

There's a saying, "if you've got a hundred quid head, buy a hundred quid helmet". Thing is, they all meet the same standard so what's the difference? Comfort is one, look another, and apparently dearer lids exceed the standard and provide greater protection...but there's only one standard so who's to say by how much...if any! (Though A/FR are fire resistant) Personally I've never tested any that thoroughly

Some of the more expensive race suits are more durable and will last longer. As a guide, lids go from 100 quid to 1000+ and suits from 200 to similar. Check www.demon-tweeks.co.uk, they seem to carry the most comprehensive range but are a few quid dearer than others so shop around once you know what you want.

Baz

[rich1]

Hi thanks for everyones help on this matter makes things much easier. Going to have a look just now and see whats about.

Thanks Rich

[oversteer]

If you're not a diva fashionista there are racewear bargains to be had at this time of year. Email your sizes, budget and a base colour (ideally black/dark) to [e-mail] and he'll give you some options.

[norm]

If it is the right size, then my suit is still for sale:

scotracing.proboards4.com/index.cgi?board=sales&action=display&thread=1208