I know I have a lot of DE's to do before I can be in full race mode. While I am doing the DE's what gear will I need? Do I need a fire suit? I know a helmet will be mandatory.

 

fire suit is one of the last things you will need...first you need an up to date Snell rated helmet...then you need a roll bar and 5-6 point harnesses...then common sense tells you that a Hans device is a good idea...you will never go full race at a DE...if you try you will probably be asked to leave...there are many organizers that allow open passing but that is still very different than fender to fender action...take it one step at a time and you can progress safely while developing your race craft

 

I found comfortable driving shoes help a ton - even with my wide big feet.
I went with a camera also (GoPro Hero2), very helpful to compare yourself against other similar videos with better drivers on the same track playing side by side and watching there lines.

 

Thanks guys ~ adding to my list of things to get. Am so excited to get started

 

What about gloves?

 

Some require them some don't...you need to check each groups policies

 

Karen,
Going to the track for the first time is not a big deal. There will be people there to help you. You just need to get your a$$ to the track and then check back with your questions. Just the way it is.........sorry if that seems harsh.

 

No, it is not harsh. This is something I have wanted to do for soooooo long But, I have spent the last 12 months building and moving into a new house, so that has taken all of my focus ~ just finished building the 8'X8' wall of bookcases this weekend. Now that I am almost finished with the house, I can truly focus on my hobby. I don't care about winning or how fast I go, I just want to have fun

 

I am registered ~ wish me luck

 

you go girl...good luck...and i pray you get some sleep the night before...but i have a feeling that won't happen.

enjoy and have fun...cant wait to read your report

 

Great! You will have a ton of fun, spend the first few laps knowing where all the corner workers (flagman) are located - they are signals for what is going on ahead of you, listen and trust your instructor, they will become your parents helping you like the first time you went for a drive on your learners permit. Let us know how you did!

 

Thanks so much for the support I may have to give my instructor a medal for bravery when we're done ~ especially if he lets me drive his car

 

There's a couple good links on the NASA page if you decide to run with them:

http://www.nasaproracing.com/hpde/

 

Thanks for the hook up ~ I want a race car ASAP!

 

Good luck with your purchases. My only advice is that if you order from an online source, that you inquire and/or specify how the item(s) are to be shipped - if there is a deadline. I ordered my last helmet from Racing Direct for an event one week later (more than enough time to get it from AL to CO) and when I asked about when it would arrive they informed me that it would be in about 2 weeks as they ship Parcel Post, and don't get in transit for a couple of days. You can walk from Missouri to Colorado in two weeks. I should have asked up front even though I never thought a company would cheap out to save a couple of bucks. The point is ALWAYS ASK. Don't assume everyone does the right thing.