Blog
Summer is almost upon us, the evenings are longer and that urge to get back out on the track is starting to win us over. F1 is in full swing, the countdown to Le Mans has begun and the national racing season is underway, with close racing in all categories.
With all the excitement and anticipation of these upcoming events, we have decided to shine a light on the essential top 10 items for race drivers and teams; the folks who put on this great feast for our eyes and ears.
Top 10 Race Items
10: Rotary Fuel Pump
As we all know, motorsport requires money and anything that can reduce wastage and increase efficiency is always welcome. The Rotary Fuel Barrel Pump allows teams to safely fill the car with the required amount of fuel. The benefits are triple fold; greater accuracy when filling can be achieved for those using fuel schedules, the rig also reduces wastage of this highly valuable commodity and thirdly and most importantly, it reduces the risk of spillage of this most flammable of substances. While filing up with greater accuracy, always remember it’s better to have too much of the go-go juice than too little, but this has happened to the best before!
9 : Seats 
So many drivers look for the extra advantage in the engine, suspension and tyres, but fail to see the advantages to be gained from simply being comfortable and having the correct driving position. By having the best seat you can afford, you are increasing your levels of comfort and safety. A good seating position allows you to be in better control of the car and to react to whatever the circuits can throw at you. By being comfortable you can just concentrate on your driving and bringing down those lap times. The most popular seats are the OMP HTE-R range and the Sparco Pro ADV range , as both ranges provide outstanding levels of comfort and protection, with the added reassurance of wraparound padding above shoulder level. These are the seats of choice for anyone serious about their racing in a saloon car, but if it is a single seater which you race, there is nothing to surpass your own custom made seat, which can be made through the use of the Schroth Indi seat kit.
8 : Harnesses 
Good seats are no good without good harnesses. They are the one thing that is there to restrain you in the hopefully rare event of an accident. The latest harnesses from Schroth and Sabelt are designed to provide the optimum in driver comfort and protection, as they are designed specifically to be used with the almost worldwide compulsory FHR devices such as HANS and the Simpson Hybrid. The harnesses of choice would be the Schroth Profi 2x2 and the Sabelt Silver Series Saloon FHR Harnesses, but for those on a modest budget, Schroth also offer the Schroth Clubman 2x2 FHR harness. They have all been designed to the latest FIA homologation and have 2” belts all around. This allows the belts to sit a lot more neatly over the HANS/Hybrid and thus enhance the comfort of the driver, to ultimately give them one less thing to think about and focus on putting pressure on the guy in front or just pulling away from the field.
7: CL Brakes
While going as fast as you can in repetition, it can prove useful to be able to slow down at certain parts in between, if only slightly!! CL Brakes have been at the forefront of braking technology at the top of the sport for the last few years. Any driver serious about finding an advantage has to look at enhancing their braking capabilities, as in the braking zones is an area where there is a lot of time to be gained, and also in outbraking your fellow competitor in the corner. CL Brakes come in 3 grades; RC5, RC6 & RC8, with each pad having a gradual friction coefficient increase as you go up the numbers. It is all explained very well here.
6: Lightweight Underwear
When spending intense periods of time in a race car, it is inevitable that fatigue may set in at some stage. Hydration and diet go a long way to assisting a driver as they battle this cruel adversary in a challenging environment, but technology advances in fireproof underwear go a long way to fighting energy depletion while also protecting the driver and providing excellent levels of comfort. The latest lightweight fireproof garments from Alpinestars, OMP and Sparco often look more like something you would see a footballer or rugby player wear underneath their jersey. This is simply because the same logic is being applied, as these garments are treated as athletic wear for the driver, with enhanced breathability and moisture wicking properties. Or if you want me to put it simply, they don’t make you sweat as much. As they also act as compression tops and bottoms, they enhance the fit of the race suit that goes on over it, making it glide on, in most cases. Personally speaking, I have used the Alpinestars ZX Top, Bottom and Balaclava and the difference is night and day. This added comfort and reduced fatigue in the intense environment of racing can make all the difference when trying to find that advantage on the last couple of laps.
5 : Solo 2
There is nowhere to hide in racing from one thing that tells the truth; the clock. Lap times don’t lie, but with the AIM Solo 2 lap timer, you can download your lap times and analyse each lap and in conjunction with reviewing your onboard footage to see where there is potentially more time to be gained and ultimately, to get you to the top of that podium. Using GPS data and a database of over 3000 circuits, you can review your information either on the display or by downloading to your laptop. Wi-FI connectivity also makes the Solo 2 a fantastic choice for anyone who is looking to improve their performance.
4: Cameras
Onboard cameras have captured some of the most iconic moment in motorsport history; Hakkinen passing Schumacher at Spa, Cleland vs Soper in the BTCC. They used to be the preserve of the professionals and the TV companies, but no more. With the GoPro camera range you can capture your racing exploits from inside the car and edit and view them for your own enjoyment later as you recall and relive that amazing move you made at the outside of turn 3. The other benefit of the on board camera is the ability to not only entertain yourself and others, but also to gather valuable information and review your efforts, as you strive to improve your racing performances. Many championships also require you to carry a camera, in the event of an incident taking place for the race stewards to review the footage. For those of you looking to combine a even more analytical approach with your footage, the AIM Smartycam range provide high quality video capture with real time data on screen. This is the preferred choice of professionals, who are looking to drill down data for cornering speed and to optimise their driving performance through its analysis.
3: Battery 
Whilst engine power is clearly the most pressing issue in a racecar, an often overlooked power area is that of the battery power for the car. A standard car battery really just won’t cut it, so what is recommended is a dry cell race battery, such as one from our range from Odyssey race batteries. These are significantly smaller than regular road style batteries and are more powerful for motorsport applications. The next step is the Super B Lithium Ion race batteries, for the racer who is looking to get the last bit of performance from their machine. These batteries can save up to 80% in weight versus a regular battery, thus enabling optimised weight distribution and setup, not to mention being more compact, an advantage in confined spaces. The technology used also has shown them to have twice the lifespan of a regular battery in many cases, with some lasting over 5 years.
2: FHR Devices 
The seat belt revolutionised safety for the driver and passenger and in much the same way, the advent of the FHR device has taken safety to a new level for motorsport competitors, with many drivers being saved from serious injury by these ingenious devices, which in many case are now compulsory. The Schroth EVO HANS provides previously unseen value for money for a HANS device. This HANS device features a hollow collar, offering improved weight reduction at the fraction of the cost. The reduced weight of the device offers enhanced comfort for the user, whilst there is also a carbon option available for those seeking further weight saving and comfort. This is a 20° HANS device, available in M and L sizing, and is designed for an upright seating position, as mostly found in all sports cars, touring cars and rally cars. This model is also available in a 30° option for single seater racers. For drivers racing in closed cockpit and formula cars, the Adjustable HANS device is also a very viable alternative.
With the Hybrid Device, Simpson has moved the FHR device on to a new level. The added comfort to be gained from this has to be felt to be believed and if you don’t believe me, read my own personal experience of it here. The device provides all the safety and reassurance of the HANS device that preceded it, but with an unrivalled level of comfort. The Hybrid is worn on the outside of the race suit and is attached to the helmet via post anchors; either existing HANS ones or M61 quick release. The importance of these devices is graphically illustrated here.
1: Stilo ST5 FN (Full Face) 
The Stilo ST5 FN has evolved in the last number of years to become the fastest growing helmet in the circuit racing market. Features such as a uniquely designed aperture to allow enhanced cockpit vision, interchangeable visors with tear off facilities and the supply of noise reduction earmuffs have seen the ST5FN race ahead of its competitors to become the helmet of choice amongst top single seater and saloon car racers. The pedigree of the design is validated through success at the highest level with an F1 win for Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and at the Le Mans 24 Hours with Porsche’s Earl Bamber. This helmet is also available in a Carbon variant. For those that require a pit to car electronic option as often seen in GT racing and top touring car series; the version of this helmet that comes with electronics is the ST5F. Saloon racers on a budget who wish to have the same levels of style and safety with the Stilo brand but in an open face option would be strongly recommended to choose the Stilo Trophy DES Jet helmet; based on the highly successful Stilo WRC DES helmet as seen in rallying. This helmet features no electronics but is an extremely popular helmet amongst saloon racers looking for an open face option.
As we all know, motorsport requires money and anything that can reduce wastage and increase efficiency is always welcome. The Rotary Fuel Barrel Pump allows teams to safely fill the car with the required amount of fuel. The benefits are triple fold; greater accuracy when filling can be achieved for those using fuel schedules, the rig also reduces wastage of this highly valuable commodity and thirdly and most importantly, it reduces the risk of spillage of this most flammable of substances. While filing up with greater accuracy, always remember it’s better to have too much of the go-go juice than too little, but this has happened to the best before!
9 : Seats
So many drivers look for the extra advantage in the engine, suspension and tyres, but fail to see the advantages to be gained from simply being comfortable and having the correct driving position. By having the best seat you can afford, you are increasing your levels of comfort and safety. A good seating position allows you to be in better control of the car and to react to whatever the circuits can throw at you. By being comfortable you can just concentrate on your driving and bringing down those lap times. The most popular seats are the OMP HTE-R range and the Sparco Pro ADV range , as both ranges provide outstanding levels of comfort and protection, with the added reassurance of wraparound padding above shoulder level. These are the seats of choice for anyone serious about their racing in a saloon car, but if it is a single seater which you race, there is nothing to surpass your own custom made seat, which can be made through the use of the Schroth Indi seat kit.
8 : Harnesses
Good seats are no good without good harnesses. They are the one thing that is there to restrain you in the hopefully rare event of an accident. The latest harnesses from Schroth and Sabelt are designed to provide the optimum in driver comfort and protection, as they are designed specifically to be used with the almost worldwide compulsory FHR devices such as HANS and the Simpson Hybrid. The harnesses of choice would be the Schroth Profi 2x2 and the Sabelt Silver Series Saloon FHR Harnesses, but for those on a modest budget, Schroth also offer the Schroth Clubman 2x2 FHR harness. They have all been designed to the latest FIA homologation and have 2” belts all around. This allows the belts to sit a lot more neatly over the HANS/Hybrid and thus enhance the comfort of the driver, to ultimately give them one less thing to think about and focus on putting pressure on the guy in front or just pulling away from the field.
7: CL Brakes
While going as fast as you can in repetition, it can prove useful to be able to slow down at certain parts in between, if only slightly!! CL Brakes have been at the forefront of braking technology at the top of the sport for the last few years. Any driver serious about finding an advantage has to look at enhancing their braking capabilities, as in the braking zones is an area where there is a lot of time to be gained, and also in outbraking your fellow competitor in the corner. CL Brakes come in 3 grades; RC5, RC6 & RC8, with each pad having a gradual friction coefficient increase as you go up the numbers. It is all explained very well here.
6: Lightweight Underwear
When spending intense periods of time in a race car, it is inevitable that fatigue may set in at some stage. Hydration and diet go a long way to assisting a driver as they battle this cruel adversary in a challenging environment, but technology advances in fireproof underwear go a long way to fighting energy depletion while also protecting the driver and providing excellent levels of comfort. The latest lightweight fireproof garments from Alpinestars, OMP and Sparco often look more like something you would see a footballer or rugby player wear underneath their jersey. This is simply because the same logic is being applied, as these garments are treated as athletic wear for the driver, with enhanced breathability and moisture wicking properties. Or if you want me to put it simply, they don’t make you sweat as much. As they also act as compression tops and bottoms, they enhance the fit of the race suit that goes on over it, making it glide on, in most cases. Personally speaking, I have used the Alpinestars ZX Top, Bottom and Balaclava and the difference is night and day. This added comfort and reduced fatigue in the intense environment of racing can make all the difference when trying to find that advantage on the last couple of laps.
5 : Solo 2
There is nowhere to hide in racing from one thing that tells the truth; the clock. Lap times don’t lie, but with the AIM Solo 2 lap timer, you can download your lap times and analyse each lap and in conjunction with reviewing your onboard footage to see where there is potentially more time to be gained and ultimately, to get you to the top of that podium. Using GPS data and a database of over 3000 circuits, you can review your information either on the display or by downloading to your laptop. Wi-FI connectivity also makes the Solo 2 a fantastic choice for anyone who is looking to improve their performance.
4: Cameras
Onboard cameras have captured some of the most iconic moment in motorsport history; Hakkinen passing Schumacher at Spa, Cleland vs Soper in the BTCC. They used to be the preserve of the professionals and the TV companies, but no more. With the GoPro camera range you can capture your racing exploits from inside the car and edit and view them for your own enjoyment later as you recall and relive that amazing move you made at the outside of turn 3. The other benefit of the on board camera is the ability to not only entertain yourself and others, but also to gather valuable information and review your efforts, as you strive to improve your racing performances. Many championships also require you to carry a camera, in the event of an incident taking place for the race stewards to review the footage. For those of you looking to combine a even more analytical approach with your footage, the AIM Smartycam range provide high quality video capture with real time data on screen. This is the preferred choice of professionals, who are looking to drill down data for cornering speed and to optimise their driving performance through its analysis.
3: Battery
Whilst engine power is clearly the most pressing issue in a racecar, an often overlooked power area is that of the battery power for the car. A standard car battery really just won’t cut it, so what is recommended is a dry cell race battery, such as one from our range from Odyssey race batteries. These are significantly smaller than regular road style batteries and are more powerful for motorsport applications. The next step is the Super B Lithium Ion race batteries, for the racer who is looking to get the last bit of performance from their machine. These batteries can save up to 80% in weight versus a regular battery, thus enabling optimised weight distribution and setup, not to mention being more compact, an advantage in confined spaces. The technology used also has shown them to have twice the lifespan of a regular battery in many cases, with some lasting over 5 years.
2: FHR Devices
The seat belt revolutionised safety for the driver and passenger and in much the same way, the advent of the FHR device has taken safety to a new level for motorsport competitors, with many drivers being saved from serious injury by these ingenious devices, which in many case are now compulsory. The Schroth EVO HANS provides previously unseen value for money for a HANS device. This HANS device features a hollow collar, offering improved weight reduction at the fraction of the cost. The reduced weight of the device offers enhanced comfort for the user, whilst there is also a carbon option available for those seeking further weight saving and comfort. This is a 20° HANS device, available in M and L sizing, and is designed for an upright seating position, as mostly found in all sports cars, touring cars and rally cars. This model is also available in a 30° option for single seater racers. For drivers racing in closed cockpit and formula cars, the Adjustable HANS device is also a very viable alternative.
With the Hybrid Device, Simpson has moved the FHR device on to a new level. The added comfort to be gained from this has to be felt to be believed and if you don’t believe me, read my own personal experience of it here. The device provides all the safety and reassurance of the HANS device that preceded it, but with an unrivalled level of comfort. The Hybrid is worn on the outside of the race suit and is attached to the helmet via post anchors; either existing HANS ones or M61 quick release. The importance of these devices is graphically illustrated here.
1: Stilo ST5 FN (Full Face)
The Stilo ST5 FN has evolved in the last number of years to become the fastest growing helmet in the circuit racing market. Features such as a uniquely designed aperture to allow enhanced cockpit vision, interchangeable visors with tear off facilities and the supply of noise reduction earmuffs have seen the ST5FN race ahead of its competitors to become the helmet of choice amongst top single seater and saloon car racers. The pedigree of the design is validated through success at the highest level with an F1 win for Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas and at the Le Mans 24 Hours with Porsche’s Earl Bamber. This helmet is also available in a Carbon variant. For those that require a pit to car electronic option as often seen in GT racing and top touring car series; the version of this helmet that comes with electronics is the ST5F. Saloon racers on a budget who wish to have the same levels of style and safety with the Stilo brand but in an open face option would be strongly recommended to choose the Stilo Trophy DES Jet helmet; based on the highly successful Stilo WRC DES helmet as seen in rallying. This helmet features no electronics but is an extremely popular helmet amongst saloon racers looking for an open face option.