Racing Suit Certifications

We receive quite a few technical questions from racers regarding Racing Suits. While not overly complicated, it can be confusing when the time comes to purchase. There are multiple specifications, materials and price points to choose from. Hopefully, this brief summary will provide the racer with some good information.

Racing Suits, Race Suits or Fire Suits, worn by drivers in the USA and Canada are typically certified by the SFI Foundation. The SFI Foundation conducts stringent, random testing on race suits that are submitted by the manufacturers. Any garment that advertises itself as an auto racing suit and does not have the SFI patch attached, has not passed the testing needed to meet SFI specifications.
Once you have identified that the Race Suit displays the SFI patch, there are certain levels of rated protection.

• The first level is classified as SFI 3.2A/1 or also referred to as SFI-1. These are usually single layer suits constructed from a Fire Retardant Cotton (FRC) material or Nomex. When exposed to a direct flame or direct radiant heat source, SFI-1 racing suits will protect the user for approximately 3 seconds before 2nd degree blistering of the skin will occur. SFI-1 Race Suits are probably the most popular level worn by race drivers and are legal for most forms of auto racing (check your rulebook!).

• The second level is SFI 3.2A/3. Race Suits in this category are not widely produced and many of these suits, simply were not able to pass the testing for the next level, which is SFI 3.2A/5.

• SFI 3.2A/5 or SFI-5 Race Suits are worn by the broadest range of drivers. From IndyCar, Sprint Cup and NHRA to the local ovals, road courses and drag strips. Also constructed from a Fire Retardant Cotton (FRC) material or Nomex, consisting of 2 to 3 layers. The suits made from FRC can be half the cost of a suit made from Nomex, yet still have the same protection values. Although, the FRC suits do tend to be slightly heavier than the Nomex. When exposed to a direct flame or direct radiant heat source, SFI-5 race suits will protect the user for approximately 10 seconds before 2nd degree blistering of the skin will occur.

• SFI 3.2A/15 and SFI 3.2A/20 Race Suits are used almost exclusively by pro Drag Racers. These are the ultimate in flame and heat protection, but are usually too bulky and heavy for other forms of auto racing. Unlike the other levels, SFI-15 and SFI-20 Race Suits need to be re-certified every 5 years. Drag racing sanctioning bodies have complex rulebooks, based on multiple factors, which determine the SFI certification value a driver must wear. Make sure you verify your gear is legal before you arrive at the track.

Obviously, this is just a general overview of Racing Suit Specifications. Hopefully, I have simplified some of the terminology to make your gear purchase easier. Feel free to respond to this blog and consider checking out some of our Racing Suit selections, at http://www.racedaysafety.com/.