Where do you get kitted out?

So you've been racing a little while and fancy your chances against the likes of Jenson do ya? Well, you need to look the part first right?

Getting yourself some decent gear is more than just vanity (although we can't promise that there's not some). A full racing kit will give you a bit more protection, a better fit and better feel for what you're doing and maybe even a psychological edge on your competition.

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The Basics

Let's start with the basics, gloves. Most tracks insist that you wear gloves and will provide some but they're generally grotty old gloves that would look more at home pushing a lawnmower with. Bring your own and you'll have something that actually fits and won't have been worn by everyone but your gran (she was pretty quick by the way).

I bring 2 sets to every race, neither are actual karting gloves but they both have their uses. My first set are a pair of Ringers mechanics gloves and these are my winter gloves. I bought these with the factors of rain and windchill in mind. They're quite thick and padded on the inside but still allow a fair bit of movement. I got these from the GrandPrix Racewear catalogue and they cost about £20.

My second set are a pair of thin long gloves for summer. These let the air through as you drive so keep you cool. The padding is much lighter and there's no restriction of movement and they go a fair way up your arms. These came from Demon Tweeks and were about £15

The Lid

Now, you're next buy should probably be your crash helmet, what we call your 'lid'. Whilst everyone's aware that karting isn't the cleanest of sports, there's nothing worse than pulling on a dirty and sweaty crash helmet from the race before. So getting your own lid is something you'll treasure. You don't have to go all out and be the Stig here, you're only karting. I use a Bieffe helmet bought from a local motorbike shop and it cost me about £40. Some lids have nose guards, a little piece of rubber that sits over your nose when in place and helps prevent your visor misting up. It's also good to look for a lid that you can get a range of visors for. You can get clear, black, tinted and for the really flash racer, Iridium coatings. None of these are essentials but its nice to have the option. Whatever lid you choose, it's very important to check that it meets the right safety standards (Blue sticker BS6658 Type A) and it's got no damage (once you damage a crash helmet you should replace it, even if you only dropped it).

Your Racesuit

Your racesuit is probably going to be your favourite bit of kit. Slip this on and suddenly you go from being Joe Average into International Superkarts champion. These aren't all about looking like Ayrton Senna though, racesuits are made to withstand fire and abrasions Ð not that you become invincible mind. Now, if you want to use Jenson Button's wardrobe it's gonna cost ya, but come down a peg or two and you can walk away with a pucker kit for about £150. Sparco are your best bet if your on a budget, and if you have a bit more cash to flash there are some great suits from OMP and Alpine Stars.

Race Boots

Racing boots next, and believe me when you turn up at an arrive and drive track with these you'll get some funny looks. You'll get a lot of stick for having these but they do make a difference. Because they're supple you can feel the pedals a lot more and they're not as wide as your usual shoes meaning you won't get your feet stuck in any metalwork or cables. Take a look at OMPs Competizione (£30) at the budget end or some Alpinestars tech 1-Ks (£60) to look really flash.

Anything Else?

Two small items left, both are quite unremarkable on their own but I swear by them. Knee pads and a back protector. The first will help you protect your knees from the steering column (I've had some serious bruises from that). They cost about £20 and I wear them under my suit, turned inwards to face each other. The back protector may not apply to everyone, but as anyone who has seen my spine after a race it's an essential to my race kit. I have yet to find an actual back protector that does what I need it to and have had to improvise my own, so what I have now is more of a rib protector with some heavy duty foam stitched to the back. This helps keep my spine straight and pushes my weight forward in the kart which helps with cornering. Sparco have launched a body protection vest that looks like it might be worth trying but that comes in at £45 so I'm sticking with my cobbled together effort for the time being.

That's it for now, I expect to see a lot more flashy racers from now on!