There is a wide choice of helmet manufacturers and types. Motor racing helmets attract VAT, while motorcycling helmets do not. As far as I can see the difference is that motor racing helmets have fire proof linings while motorcycle helmets do not. The latter are acceptable for trackdays (and National races). In general the advice is for open top cars, full face helmets, and for closed cars, open face helmets are acceptable. On trackdays there are no hard and fast rules.
The manufacturers all have different ideas as to size. It is important to try before you buy. Whatever you go into the shop intending to buy, in the final analysis, it is important to buy a helmet that fits. I would recommend a wide aperture full face for the Elise. Unless you intend to go on to competition, a motorcycle helmet will do. I have a Shoei TRX (no VAT), but Arai and Sparco do similar types. I wanted the Sparco, but the Shoei was a better fit. Cost, less than £200, but then of course you need a helmet bag, and smoked visor ... You can get cheaper, but what price safety?
You can go much more expensive, and I would if I were racing an open car. Only shop I know personally is Grand Prix Racewear in Chiswick. 96 Club members get a discount. Another option is Demon Tweeks. You might like to get their catalog.
Overalls are not a requirement for track days, but logic would seem to dictate that if a fire extinguisher is mandatory, then fire resistant overalls would also be at least highly desirable. There are 2 and 3 layer Nomex suits available, and Proban treated overalls. The latter are fire resistant, and require fire resistant underwear, which is also recommended for use with Nomex suits. Nomex suits are available from £180 or so up to £500 (you'd need to be really flush/flash, or have a sponsor for those!). Proban suits are much cheaper, from around £70, but you need to add the cost of underwear, and they neither look, nor, more importantly feel as nice as Nomex. Racewear shops usually offer an embroidering service: since I have an odd blood group, I have that on my suit together with my name.
Race boots and gloves are useful accessories, enabling better control of the car. There is a wide variety of manufacturer and styles. They all seem much the same in construction and performance, so the choice is up to you. However, feet and hands burn readily, so you need the race type with a Nomex lining. Kart equipment looks the same but is not fireproof. Boots cost from £55 up, and gloves £22
You can reach the following contact by e-mail at:
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Vivian Meazza: |
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Grand Prix Racewear: info@grandpri.com |
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Demon Tweeks: sales@demon-tweeks.co.uk |
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