GHIT 0179: Racing 101 Part 2 @ Safety Related Needs

Published: March 3, 2021, 8:30 a.m.

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We are getting back to our podcast roots and wanted to start a special series Vicki calls \\u201cSo You Wanna Racecar\\u201d that Bill can\\u2019t seem to say correctly.\\xa0 This is part 2 of the series (of ~10). On this episode of Bill is a Pi\\xf1ata, we go into the various safety related items that may be required to get on track or by the racing series.\\xa0 There are a large number of items and many different options and features to take into consideration.\\xa0 We try to summarize each item and area and provide a high level introduction that should help everyone to get started.\\xa0 We have covered several of these areas in detail in prior episodes, but we wanted to review them here for someone\\xa0 new to racing or new to high performance driving.\\xa0 Please let us know if we missed anything that you may want discussed in a future episode of our Racing 101 Series.\\xa0

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The outline for the series is:

Part 1:\\xa0 Building Your First Racecar (and options to not)

Part 2:\\xa0 Safety and Safety Related Equipment Needed

Part 3:\\xa0 Best Entry Points To Start Performance Driving

Part 4:\\xa0 Buying and Selling Cars (With Special Guest Lara Vernon)

Part 5:\\xa0 Going To and From The Event/Track \\u2013 What To Expect

Part 6:\\xa0 Paddock and Pit \\u2013 Best Practices

Part 7:\\xa0 Perspective of a New Driver (With Guest Adam Owens)

Part 8:\\xa0 Tools, Spares, Supplies Needed for a Race Weekend

Part 9:\\xa0 Common Issues All Drivers Will/May Experience in When On Track For the First Time

Part 10:\\xa0 Miscellaneous Topics (& Things We Forget to Mention Earlier)

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On this episode\\u2019s Dominating with Dawson, we go into several Starting Grid and Paddock related tips:\\xa0 One of the potentially intimidating things is arriving at the track for the first time and not knowing what to do.\\xa0 I this episode, we cover what to do to get on the track for the first time including generic gridding and paddock setup and best practices to have a great time and keep everyone safe.\\xa0 After this we hope you will feel like you\\u2019ve been there already even if it is your first event.

You can subscribe to our podcast on the podcast provider of your choice, including the Apple podcast app, Google music, Amazon, and YouTube etc.\\xa0

Also, if you could give our podcast a (5-star?) rating or even better, a podcast review, we would greatly appreciate it and it would help us to grow the passion and sport of high performance driving.

For instance, leaving an Apple Podcast rating\\xa0is very easy.\\xa0 If you go to your podcast library, under shows and click on the podcast you can leave a (5?) star rating and enter your review.\\xa0

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We hope you enjoy this episode!

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PS\\xa0 Please don\\u2019t forget that if you are looking to add an Apex Pro to your driving telemetry system, don\\u2019t forget to use our discount code for all Apex Pro systems you will receive a free Windshield Suction Cup Mount for the system, a savings of $40.\\xa0 Just enter the code \\u201cghitlikesapex!\\u201d\\xa0when you order.\\xa0 We have two systems for our team and Bill is looking to add a third for this season, pending CFO approval from Vicki.\\xa0 They are a great system and truly invaluable in safely increasing your speed on track and/or autocross etc.

Best regards,

Vicki, Jennifer, Alan, and Bill

Hosts of the Garage Heroes In Training Podcast and Garage Heroes In Training racing team drivers

Highlights from this episode include:

1)\\xa0 Apparently Vicki and Jennifer were not familiar with the term \\u201cLuxury Mammal\\u201d which we first heard from Randy Bish.

2)\\xa0 We start off with a section covering racing seats and the use of seat inserts.\\xa0 We did have a full episode with Joe Marko from HMS Motorsports on episode #149.

3)\\xa0 Our Preference is to use a halo type seat with FIA certification and seat inserts to make a secure fit.\\xa0 Ideally without sliders but if needed, please use double rail secure sliders from either Sparco or from a Jeep TJ.

4)\\xa0 Mounting is critical for both comfort and safety, as well as getting into and out of the car, especially when using a halo seat or in smaller cars like a Miata etc.

5)\\xa0 Bill reminds Jennifer and Vicki of the broomstick test as an example of how much gap there should be above your helmet and the roll bar/cage.

6)\\xa0 Jennifer comes up with potential alternatives to help with fitting several different size drivers in a car.\\xa0 She has a future on \\u201cTop Chef\\u201d.

7)\\xa0 Our next discussion area is the racing helmet.\\xa0 It protects your melon.\\xa0 If it is a certified helmet, the only thing that really matters is that it fits you properly.\\xa0 If you can try it on before you buy, please do so.\\xa0 (Any movement is not good, and very tight areas can be a problem, especially in endurance racing.\\xa0 Puffy cheeks as a good sign)\\xa0 Also, if someone has a \\u201cSimpson head\\u201d, that does not imply the way they look.\\xa0 At the time of this recording, 2010 helmets are cycled out, 2015 helmets should be \\u201con sale\\u201d and 2020 is what you should be looking for.

8)\\xa0 We discuss Greek desserts and the use of a balaclava with your helmet.

9)\\xa0 Racing suits, different types, and options, as well as underlayers and a few tips and things to do or look out for and several resources to find potential deals.\\xa0 As with the Helmets and seats, it is best to try them on before buying.

10)\\xa0 We finally found a reason to listen to our podcast.\\xa0 Don\\u2019t miss it.\\xa0 Lol.

11)\\xa0 We also cover several different types and brands of head and neck restraining devices to help protect you neck in case of an accident.\\xa0 There as several different types and additional complications when racing as a team and sharing H&N restraint devices.\\xa0 Simpson offers a hybrid system that can be used with 3-point belts that are in stock/OEM cars.

12)\\xa0 Flame resistant gloves and racing shoes are another item that may be required in most series and are a good addition to your driver bag.\\xa0 Gloves and shoes see a lot of wear and tear so expect to replace them more often than the above items.\\xa0 Also, conserve the wear of your fire resistant racing shoes by not wearing them around the race track and paddock, as well as not drying them in a dryer.\\xa0 Don\\u2019t ask how we know.\\xa0

13)\\xa0 Also, most series will require fire retardant socks within your shoes.\\xa0 They disappear in the laundry just as well as normal socks, so be prepared.\\xa0

14)\\xa0 One items that is often not thought about is underwear etc.\\xa0 Please stick with natural fibers like cotton.\\xa0 Most synthetic materials like nylons, spandex, etc. will melt and fuse with your skin if exposed to the heat of a fire.\\xa0\\xa0

15)\\xa0 Jennifer brings up the use of glasses and contact lenses in a race car.\\xa0 Bill has strong opinions related to his laboratory background in this area.\\xa0 Perhaps they may change your mind/opinion.

16)\\xa0 The use of ear protection, in car/helmet radios and helmet speakers etc.

17)\\xa0 There are several types of rear view mirrors available and we try to discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each type, as well as our team preferences.

18)\\xa0 Fire extinguishers and Fire Suppression systems are often required and a great addition to your car and team.\\xa0 There are a few types and options that have distinct advantages.

19)\\xa0 Other items discussed include the emergency stop switch, auxiliary lighting, and brake light systems, cages and roll bars, and safety harnesses/seat belts and the various options and features available along with a few of the tips and tricks we have learned so far.\\xa0 Still in training.

20)\\xa0 Also, at some races or series you will be using the hot pit or potentially setting up a home base/camp area on the pit.\\xa0 Each of these require different setups and equipment, as well as team member behavior and movement.\\xa0 We try to summarize the two most common pit area behaviors, but each series and track may have different rules or requirements.\\xa0 Always check prior to the race to make sure your entire team is familiar with the rules of the series and track.

21)\\xa0 Rob Krider is Called Brilliant.\\xa0 Not the first time.

22)\\xa0 Vicki wants to be clear that you should likely buy your first race car, just in case it wasn\'t clear after the last episode.

23)\\xa0 Start now.\\xa0 It is so much fun!

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Used Racing Suits:\\xa0 Race Image:\\xa0 https://www.raceimage.com/

Rob Krider\\u2019s Magnetic Towels to prevent fuel spills:\\xa0 https://nasaspeed.news/toolshed-engineer/magnetic-fuel-spill-towel/

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