The “Etc.” in this section is the everlasting wild card. Why? Because in racing there is always an Etc. An Etc. in racing gear, an Etc. in racecar selection (especially after you’ve purchased a racecar), an Etc. in race preparation (you, your car, your engine, your towing method and more), an Etc. in transporting you, your tools and your crew member/helper(s) to the racetrack, an Etc. in pre-race Tech Inspection, an Etc. in learning and driving the specific racetrack…etc…etc…etc.
And the Etc. element is over-and-above the basic “How-To” aspect in all areas of racing pursuit. How and where to find the right gear for you, how and where to find the right racing school for you, how and where to find a suitable and affordable racecar to rent or buy, how to tackle key matters of racecar preparation, transport and paddock set-up and…of course…how to race!
For better or worse, the sport of vintage auto racing has inherently more moving parts in it than most common sports. Some folks view this as a penance, while others view it as necessary process and procedure, and still others view it as all part of a magnificent and challenging adventure.
The sweet paradox of this is that once you’re race ready and positioned on the pre-grid, life becomes supremely relaxed and simplified. You start the engine, follow the pace car and press the accelerator at the sight of the green flag! From there, the concert begins. All thoughts and worries disappear, all judgment is sensory, and life’s objective becomes clear: do the very best that you can in an exciting arena of unpredictability — win, lose or draw.
HOW TO GET READY FOR A RACE
First, let’s concentrate on you. Here are the core items that you need in order to enter a race and compete:
Paperwork (the infamous “Red Tape”)
Vintage Car racing, as in all things, requires a few essential documents to get in the game. Chief among these are:
- Your state driver’s license
- Your racing organization membership and racing license card
Some racers run with more than one club, there have more than one card, and some organizations offer “reciprocity,” i.e. they accept the licenses of other select racing organizations.
- A copy of your current medical form
Required physicians’ sign-offs that permission you to race cars with your organization)
- Copy of your race event registration forms – filled-out, submitted and accepted.
These are most-often digital (i.e. online), so should be on your smart phone or as paper copies, of course.
RACING GEAR
Clearly, there’s more essential “stuff” necessary for going motor racing than just grabbing your surfboard and going to the beach! Here are the basics you can’t do without:
Helmet /Photo: Gil Murrieta
In the USA, a helmet with a “Snell Approved” certification is required. Snell certifications have finite time durations. Your dad’s or your uncle’s hand-me-down helmet won’t be accepted at Tech Inspection.
Balaclava /Photo:Gil Murrieta
This is a Nomex fire retardant head sock, with hole openings for your eyes, nose and mouth.
There are also single-hole types for your whole face. This vital item helps protect your facial skin in the rare but serious event of fire.
Head Restraint/Photo: Guy Motil
The most common type of head/neck stabilization restrain is a HANS device, designed primarily for limiting lateral movement of your head in the event of collision (illegal in vintage racing but shunts can happen).
This will seem like a hassle to fit-up to your helmet and harness straps at first, but you’ll get used to it. It’s a life saver – literally and statistically.
Driving Suit
This is a neck-to-ankles fire retardant driving suit with exceptional heat and flame-resistant proprieties.
It can be purchased from many racing supply sources, either off-the-shelf or made to custom specification. It’ll seem expensive but you’ve gotta have it. Make sure it fits comfortably and is roomy enough for easy arm and leg movement).
Underwear
No, you can’t buy this at your local discount store.
It’s Nomex fire retardant underwear, worn under your driving suit (and usually available from the same source). And yes, Nomex socks also. Again, make sure it fits comfortably.
Driving Shoes
Oddly, old paddock photos of Dan Gurney, Jimmy Clark, Bruce McLaren and other “greats” show these legendary racers wearing things like penny lofers, tennis shoes or boxing shoes for their race driving. Whoa, unthinkable. No fire protection and questionable as tools for “pedal feel.” Gotta hand it to ‘em!
Today, Nomex shoes are required, usually high-top design and of soft material with thin rubber soles for the best possible pedal touch. Many brands are available through the major racing gear suppliers.
