Helmets, gloves etc in the North West
Discussion
I've only recently started doing regular track days and wasn't going to buy a helmet until next year but on my last visit to Oulton Park it was £15 or £20 to rent a helment from the track day organiser so I nipped into the onsite shop (QRSport) and bought a cheap open face helment for £29.99.
If you're in an open top car / 7-type I wouldn't recommend an open face one. The cheapest full face helment from the QRSport shop at Oulton was £49.99.
If you're in an open top car / 7-type I wouldn't recommend an open face one. The cheapest full face helment from the QRSport shop at Oulton was £49.99.
You've probably heard all this before, but it really isn't worth doing "cheap and cheerful" when it comes to helmets -- especially if you're in a road car which doesn't have a proper harness.
Your head is the second most precious part of your body, protect it to the absolute best ability of your wallet...
Your head is the second most precious part of your body, protect it to the absolute best ability of your wallet...
If you're doing Oulton, stop off at J&S Accessories in Northwich, you'll drive past the town on the way anyway. They're a large motorcycle clothing warehouse, well known, reasonable prices to suit all budgets, and no I don't work there, just a local.
https://secure.jandsclothing.co.uk//
https://secure.jandsclothing.co.uk//
tbh - if you have a motorbike helmet then take that. There is no helmet scrutineering at td's like there is in racing so any helmet will do so long as you are happy with the protection it provides.
I would be inclined to not bother with gloves if you are not used to them either for your first td. Stick with what you are used to.
I would be inclined to not bother with gloves if you are not used to them either for your first td. Stick with what you are used to.
Gloves are indeed a matter of taste, but I have been using them since my first track day and would thoroughly recommend them. I use a pair of Sparco karting gloves and they are great (20-25 quid : you don't need fireproof FIA racing gloves for a trackday).
For helmets I bought a £150ish open face one that I am very happy with, but as has been said - for occasional trackdays any kite-marked motorcycling helmet will be ideal. No need to spend a fortune (after all - do you think that all of the nations kart tracks and track day organisers provide £600 racing helmets... erm : No), just look for a good fit that you are comfortable in that meets your budgetary constraints.
For helmets I bought a £150ish open face one that I am very happy with, but as has been said - for occasional trackdays any kite-marked motorcycling helmet will be ideal. No need to spend a fortune (after all - do you think that all of the nations kart tracks and track day organisers provide £600 racing helmets... erm : No), just look for a good fit that you are comfortable in that meets your budgetary constraints.
mmm-five said:
Demon Tweeks in Wrexham - should only be 15 miutes away.
Although if you're only doing the one day, you might be able to hire/borrow one from the TDO?
they have everything in the one place ...... best place to go easy to get to from elsmereportAlthough if you're only doing the one day, you might be able to hire/borrow one from the TDO?
Edited by mmm-five on Thursday 19th June 10:33
I use my old FM helmet I bought a few years back when I had a scooter, I'd wait until you've done your first track day before spending your cash.
As for gloves, they're not required for trackdays so unless you're concerned that you'll get blisters I wouldn't worry about it. I use them in my OH's Striker, but don't bother when I'm using my car.
As for gloves, they're not required for trackdays so unless you're concerned that you'll get blisters I wouldn't worry about it. I use them in my OH's Striker, but don't bother when I'm using my car.
fergus said:
kirsty-SC said:
As for gloves, they're not required for trackdays so unless you're concerned that you'll get blisters
Mainly for grip on the wheel, rather than blisters!!! If you're clinging on that hard, I think some instruction may be in order! 
fergus said:
kirsty-SC said:
As for gloves, they're not required for trackdays so unless you're concerned that you'll get blisters
Mainly for grip on the wheel, rather than blisters!!! If you're clinging on that hard, I think some instruction may be in order! Gassing Station | Track Days | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff