Racing Suits, Jackets, & Pants

How To Choose The Right SFI Rating For Racing Suits

Start with your sanctioning body's rule book, because it sets the minimum SFI rating for your class. If the rules aren't clear, ask a track official before you buy. The required rating is a minimum, so you can always go higher.

An SFI 3.2A/1 suit is typically single-layer and gives you about 3 seconds before a second-degree burn, with a TPP rating of 6. A 3.2A/5 suit uses two or more layers for about 10 seconds, with a TPP around 19-20. A 3.2A/15 suit stretches that to about 19 seconds, and a 3.2A/20 suit reaches about 40 seconds.

RJS Racing Equipment covers entry levels with Elite Series 1 pants at 3.2A/1 and the Elite Series 5 jacket at 3.2A/5. Simpson Drag 5G pants carry a 3.2A/15 rating. Each step up adds insulation, along with weight, heat, and cost. For help ranking your gear purchases, read our race safety equipment buying guide.

One-Piece Suits Vs. Two-Piece Jackets And Pants

Pick a one-piece suit for circle track or road racing, and a two-piece jacket and pants set for drag racing. One-piece suits are common in circle track and road racing classes. Many two-piece suits meet SFI 3.2A/5, which makes them a popular drag racing suit choice.

Two-piece sets are sold as separate jackets and pants, so you can choose the size of each piece. If your class requires 3.2A/5, make sure the jacket and the pants both carry that rating. G-Force offers the GF125 single-layer jacket and pants at SFI 3.2A/1, plus GF505 triple-layer pants and the GF525 jacket.

Sparco gives you both formats with the RS9 suit and Sport Light Pro jackets and pants. Before you decide, check your rule book for any format requirement in your class. Then browse the full lineup of driving suits and clothing to compare options side by side.

Racing Suit Materials And Layer Construction

Most racing suits are built from Nomex or other aramid fabrics, while entry-level suits often use fire-retardant cotton such as Proban. The number of layers matters as much as the fabric, because layers add insulation. Here's how common constructions compare:

• Single-layer suits are typically rated SFI 3.2A/1 and keep weight and heat down.
• Multi-layer suits use two or more layers to reach SFI 3.2A/5 and higher.
• Triple-layer suits, such as the Zamp Racing ZR-31 at SFI 3.2A/5, add insulation for longer exposure.
• Fire-retardant cotton suits, often treated with Proban, cover entry-level needs.

The SFI 3.2A rating applies to the suit alone and doesn't include underwear. Adding SFI 3.3 fire-resistant Nomex underwear adds another barrier between you and the heat. It's especially helpful under a single-layer suit, where you have the least insulation to work with.

How A Racing Suit Should Fit

A racing suit should fit loosely enough that the layers stay uncompressed when you move. Most burns come from heat transfer, and a tight fit presses the layers together and shrinks the air gap. That air gap is part of what slows heat on its way to your skin.

Try the suit on over the underwear you'll race in, then sit in your seat and reach for the wheel and shifter. If the fabric pulls tight across your shoulders, back, or knees, go up a size. Check that the sleeves still meet your racing gloves with your arms extended.

Your pant legs should also reach your racing driving shoes while you're seated. A suit that looks right standing can ride up once you're strapped in. Use the Size filter to narrow results, and compare each brand's sizing before you order.

Complete Your Fire Protection With Matching Gear

Your racing suit works best as part of a full system that covers your hands, feet, and arms too. Gaps between pieces leave skin exposed, so plan your gear as a set. Start with the rating your rule book requires, then match each item to it.

Gloves and shoes close the gaps at your wrists and ankles, so check that each one carries the rating your class calls for. If your class requires them, add racing arm restraints to your list. Fire-resistant underwear rounds out the layers under your suit.

Buying everything together also helps you confirm sizing and ratings in one pass before tech inspection. Keep your rule book handy as you shop so every piece meets the minimum for your class. Shop all racing safety equipment now to finish your setup.