Fancy yourself a bit of sideways action? Drifting is an exhilarating motorsport that demands skill, precision, and—most importantly—safety. Whether you’re a seasoned drifter or just starting out with a bash car, investing in the right safety gear is crucial for protecting yourself on the track. In this guide, we’ll cover the essential safety equipment every drifter should have for either competing or just getting out for a bash or two throughout the year. 

1. Helmet: Your First Line of Defence

A high-quality helmet is the most critical piece of safety gear you can own. Look for a helmet that meets safety standards such as Snell or FIA ratings. Key features to consider: 

Full Face vs. Open Face: Full-face helmets provide more protection but may feel restrictive. Choose what suits your comfort and needs. The most popular full-face helmet for competitive drifting that we sell is the OMP GP-R

Padding and Fit: Ensure that the helmet fits snugly and has adequate padding for comfort during long sessions! 

2. Racing Suit: Fire Resistance is Key!

A racing suit is essential for protecting your body in the event of a fire. When selecting a suit, consider the following: 

Material: Look for suits made from Nomex or similar fire-resistant materials. 

Fit: Ensure it allows for full range of motion without being too loose. 

A great starting point for an affordable, lightweight, fireproof suit would be the Sparco Sprint.

3. HANS Device: Protect Your Head and Neck:

A Head and Neck Support (HANS) device is crucial for preventing injuries during high-impact situations. This device limits the movement of your head in the event of a collision, significantly reducing the risk of serious neck injuries. Contrary to what some may say, it will not limit your head movement when in a drift and when moving your head side to side. 

Compatibility: Make sure your HANS FHR Device fits well with your helmet and is compatible with your racing harness.

4. Racing Gloves: Grip and Protection:

Racing gloves may seem like a minor detail, but they play a vital role in maintaining control of your vehicle, especially when drifting and catching the wheel under constant rotations. Look for gloves that provide: 

Fire Resistance: Similar to your racing suit, gloves should be made from fire-retardant materials. 

Grip: Textured palms help enhance grip on the steering wheel, especially during long drifts. 

Shop our Sparco, OMP and Alpinestars racing gloves here 

5. Racing Shoes: Comfort and Control:

Your choice of footwear can greatly affect your control over the pedals. Racing shoes are designed for optimal grip and comfort. Look for: 

Thin Soles: A thinner sole allows for better pedal feel and sensitivity. 

Lightweight Materials: Opt for shoes made from breathable materials to keep your feet comfortable. 

Shop our Sparco, OMP and Alpinestars race boots

6. Competition seats: Comfort and Stability.
When it comes to drifting, having the right setup can make all the difference in your performance and comfort. One of the most crucial components of your interior is the bucket seat. Let’s explore why these competition seats are essential for drifting and how to choose the best one to suit your needs:

• Size and Fit
  Racing seats come in various sizes, so it’s essential to choose one that fits your body type comfortably. Ensure that the seat allows for easy entry and exit from the vehicle and offers adequate legroom. Check our size charts on our website to determine which seat would be best for you. 
• Compatibility with Harnesses
  Check that the seat has built-in provisions for harnesses. A good bucket seat will feature slots for 4 or 5-point harnesses, allowing for a secure fit. All our FIA seats at Murray Motorsport are compatible with racing harnesses. 
• Weight
  A lightweight seat can improve overall vehicle performance by reducing weight. However, ensure that the seat doesn’t compromise on strength and safety. 

Shop our Sparco and OMP racing seats

7. Harnesses: Secure Yourself Properly!

Upgrading your factory seatbelt to a racing harness is one of the best decisions you can make for safety and especially within drifting where you will be constantly shifting weight from side to 

side. Our 6-point harness systems will keep you securely in place during high-speed manoeuvres. When choosing harnesses, always look out for the following: 

Certification: Ensure they meet FIA or SFI standards. 

Proper Installation: Always follow manufacturer guidelines for installation to ensure maximum effectiveness. Sparco and OMP harnesses are our most popular harness brands. 

Shop our Sparco and OMP harnesses 

8. Fire Extinguisher: Be Prepared for Emergencies!

While we all hope for the best, it’s essential to be prepared for the worst. A fire extinguisher should always be within reach in your vehicle. 

Type: Depending on requirements, you may need either a plumbed in extinguisher system, or a handheld unit. Sometimes, you may even need both, so always check before rocking up on track. 

Mounting: Securely mount it within easy reach, but out of the way of the driver’s space. 

Shop our  Lifeline extinguisher systems  

Conclusion: 

Investing in safety gear is an investment in your well-being on the track and it will also give you confidence to push your car that extra bit more with peace of mind. As you gear up for drifting, prioritise your safety by ensuring you have all the necessary equipment. Remember, drifting is about having fun and pushing your limits, but never at the expense of safety. Stay protected and enjoy every slide! Get in touch with us anytime if you would like to learn more about our safety equipment for drifting. 

Written by Tiernan Fahey