Do you wear the full kit?

[Sheila M]

I was at Mallory today - glorious weather wasn't it?

Prior to one of the races (can't remember which one) I wandered into the Assembly Area to help checking belts, helmets and overalls done up, pins out of extinguishers, etc., etc. I noticed one young man zipping up his 3 layer Nomex overalls over a bare chest. Now I know Nomex is cosy in the winter, which is one reason why I have a full set of Nomex undies (the other reason is because in the event of a fire in the pit lane I'm relatively safe if I have to put it out).

The Blue Book (Section Q.9 relating to overalls) states that "Competitors are also strongly advised to wear Flame Resistant gloves, socks, balaclavas and underwear"

So why don't you? It's your skin don't you think you should give it the best protection you can?

I did speak to the young man concerned - it was his first race and he hadn't considered Nomex (or even Proban) underneath his overalls. He thought that the 3 layers would give him enough protection. I hope he didn't think I was having a go at him - I wasn't; I was just expressing my concerns for his wellbeing. If any of you hear of a young man complaining about a dragon roaring at him, please will you tell him that I am paranoid about safety?