The Pro Alcohol Drag Racing Series has released updated Drivers Fire Suit Rules. All Drivers that wish to compete in PADR events should be aware of these updated rules.
The PADR Driver Suit Regulations are as follows:
Driver’s suit meeting current SFI Spec 3.2A/20, gloves 3.3/20, boots 3.3/20 mandatory. All jackets and pants or one piece driver suits that meet SFI Spec 3.2A/20 must be inspected at every race and recertified at a five-year interval.
Glove inner-liners made of flame retardant material and socks meeting SFI 3.3 are suggested (but not mandatory).
When utilizing a two-piece driver’s suit, long sleeve underwear shirt meeting SFI 3.3 and long underwear pants meeting SFI 3.3 are suggested (but not required).
All clothing containing metal or plastic is prohibited.
All Undergarments that are worn in addition to those mandated should be made of flame-retardant material.
All jewelry should be removed. Wedding rings and religious pieces can be worn at the driver’s sole discretion and with the driver’s understanding of injuries that could be caused by the placement of that jewelry.
A One-piece driver’s suit meeting the SFI Spec 3.2A/20 may be utilized (but is not mandatory).
Kevin Hool, Director of Operations for the (PADR) Pro Alcohol Drag Racing Series, commented on the Driver Fire Suit updates and future PADR Driver Safety Plans.
Last Season the NHRA released updated driver Fire Suit regulations based on undefined criteria and racing activity or events. Without explanation, the NHRA chose to implement a set of Driver Fire Suit rules that caused financial hardship on teams with smaller racing budgets.
The NHRA has never defined or elaborated on the actual events or conditions that caused these changes to the Drivers Suit Regulations. Therefore we see no reason to drastically change the protection drivers have used and been safe with for decades. We believe a well-constructed, well-maintained, and properly fitting two-piece pant and jacket combination can protect a driver in any situation they may face in or out of the car.
No driver or team input was ever considered on the Driver’s Fire Suit issue within the NHRA. Instead, teams were handed a ($500) fire retardant underwear bill and informed drivers wearing a two-piece fire suit would have to purchase a new ($2500) one-piece fire suit for the 2023 season.
Pro Alcohol Drag Racing has chosen a different approach to update fire protection for drivers. The PADR will be moving forward with safety equipment manufacturers, both here and in Europe, to update safety rules that make practical sense and are financially achievable for all teams and drivers.
(2 Piece Fire Suit) Design Change Option 1 – A (quick connect/disconnect) buckle system between the jacket and pants that allows for free and unrestricted movement by the driver – but does not allow the jacket to get pulled up and expose the stomach and lower back areas of the driver. (Anticipated cost to driver ~ $150)
(2 Piece Fire Suit) Design Change Option 2 – A lightweight bib system incorporated into the driver’s pants that covers the stomach, chest, lower back, and shoulder areas of the driver – held in place by a simple and secure clip-on suspender system. (Anticipated cost to driver ~ $350)
(Glove & Boot) Design change 3 – A complete redesign of gloves and boots worn by the driver. The technology currently exists with fire retardant fabrics and gels to create a glove that is lightweight, flexible, and extremely effective at protecting a driver’s hands and feet. The PADR will work with safety manufacturers to produce a lightweight driver-friendly glove and boot capable of protecting a driver for an “extended period” of “direct fire contact” with no injury to the driver’s hands or feet. (Anticipated cost to driver ~ $300-$500 each)
We believe concentrated efforts starting with those 3 simple recommendations will enhance fire safety designs for drivers that prefer the 2 piece suits at a cost all teams can afford.
We will use all relevant safety standards, requirements, test methods, and certification procedures used in the science and racing industry today. We will explore various standards, certifications, and testing criteria from SFI, ISO, EN, ASTM, ASME, and NFPA.
Many times there are products, methods, and procedures outside of the mainstream technology bubble that have been produced and performance tested for other industries that will fit perfectly into advancing our safety goals here. And, because the testing and performance data may already exist, the product can be brought to market and placed into service at half the cost and time.
We will continue to seek and obtain input from the drivers and safety industry professionals. We will publish any information that we are able to obtain to let the drivers know where the industry is headed in product design and material science.
About the PADR:
The PADR is an organization dedicated to the expansion and enhancement of opportunities for 1/4 Mile Professional Alcohol Drag Racing in every region of the United States. The PADR will present the Methanol Burning, Screw Blower, Clutch Driven Funny Cars, and Dragsters as a Professional Category. The PADR is actively developing programs to heighten the level of media attention, revenue streams, and promotional opportunities for participating Race Teams, Sponsors, and Race Tracks.
Pro Alcohol Drag Racing is simply: The Best Drivers In Drag Racing – in the Toughest Cars To Drive In Drag Racing.