Safety Gear
Being safe on the track is of primary importance to anyone who tracks their car. Spend 30 seconds on the track and you will see why. The track is a dangerous place, and as enthusiasts we take it very seriously. As a novice, only basic safety gear is required, but as you advance, there are other options to consider. Below we will start with the mandatory element and then showcase other options that will likely apply to more seasoned drivers.
Helmet
MANDATORY
Every person who goes out on track must wear a helmet. Some organizers may have other requirements, but this is one that will be on the list. If it is your first time running with a group, they will likely want to inspect your helmet (they may even mark it for future identification). Helmets need to be SA certified, either SA2015, SA2020, or SA2025. Motorcycle helmets will not suffice!
Tow Hook
MANDATORY
A mandatory requirement prior to being let out on track, you must have a tow hook affixed to your car in the event your car is immobile and needs to be removed from the track. If you do not have a tow hook on your car, the track crew will look for anything they can hitch to in order to move your car immediately, and you may not like what they grab. Most cars come with one, but you can also purchase aftermarket options as well.
Hans Device
OPTIONAL
An optional, but effective safety device, the purpose of the HANS device is to keep the head from whipping in a crash, preventing excessive rotational movement as a secondary protection, without otherwise restricting movement of the neck. In other words, it allows the wearer's head to move normally, but prevents or restricts head movements during a crash that would exceed the normal articulation range of the musculoskeletal system and cause severe injury. (source: wikipedia)
Driving Gloves
OPTIONAL
A completely optional piece of kit, driving gloves can improve overall grip on the steering wheel and shifting gears while driving manual transmission cars.
Although what is pictured are proper racing gloves, which are fire resistant, more traditional vented driving gloves are also appropriate, as there is no requirement to have these. You will likely see about 1/5 HPD drivers wearing gloves, so it is personal preference.
Driving Shoes
OPTIONAL
Another optional piece of safety gear are driving shoes. These often come as high tops, like the sample pictured here, or in a low top sneaker. Features of driving shoes include flatter, thinner sole, often with rounded heels. These features enable you to be able to better feel the pedals as well as enabling smoother pedal control via the rounded heel. Although arguably more of a performance feature, sanctioned shoes will be fire resistant.
Driving Suit
OPTIONAL
Also optional, another piece of safety gear for consideration is a driving, or racing suit. Wearing a driving suit will provide you with protection in the event of a fire, as well as remove any possible points within your clothing that could get caught during an extraction, or get in the way of your driving. Although rarer at an HPD day, you will see a few folks, likely running time trials and/or in more advanced groups, wearing this type of equipment.
Multi-point Harness
OPTIONAL
As a beginner, your OEM belt and seat will be sufficient to meet your skill level. However, as you progress, your demands for a more secure seating position, and needs for restraint will increase. This is wear a multi-point harness can help. Some OEM seats can accommodate a multi-point harness, but most cannot. It is worth researching this piece of equipment further when you are ready as there are many considerations to evaluate which are beyond our scope here.
Track Day Insurance
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Although it may be a bit strange to see this under "safety", this is likely the best place to talk about how you can protect your financial investment. Track driving is inherently dangerous, and unfortunately accidents do happen. Most insurance policies do not cover track driving, meaning getting coverage is all the more important. We recommend checking out Open Track Insurance and Hagerty Insurance for your track day insurance needs.
