The Driver Suit Blog

By David G. Firestone

Well, my 2019 summer vacation is officially over. I had a lot of fun over summer break. I didn’t really do much. I did watch a lot of racing, as usual. I worked on a series of projects, and I went to a wedding.

Watching racing is always fun! I enjoy taking my weekends and just lying on my couch, and watching NASCAR, NHRA, IndyCar, F1, IMSA, Formula E, or whatever else is going on. Many times while I’m watching, I do some website work, but just not having to do that is so much better.

The racing this summer was great. Though I do have a couple bones to pick. I’ll start with the NHRA. Stop trying to reinvent the wheel with your telecasts! I want to watch Top Fuel, Funny Car, Pro Stock, and Pro Stock Motorcycle. I don’t want to watch the nitro categories in one live telecast, and the rest tape delayed until later in the evening. Also, could you bring Pro Stock back for the entire season? The fans want it.

Now on to IndyCar. At the the time of this writing, the Mid-Ohio television ratings have not been released. But if there is an improvement, you can bet that IndyCar will brag about them on their website. I get that you want your ratings up. I get that you are happy when the ratings go up. But bragging about your ratings makes you look desperate. First off, compared to other forms of racing, your television ratings are still bad. Second, these “improvements” in these ratings aren’t as great. If ratings are up across the board, stating that your ratings are improving isn’t that much as you think it is.

OK, with all that said, I did go to a wedding this year. My friend Van got married to his sweetheart, and our group of friends got together to attend his wedding.

My only complaint was that this wedding took place in the midst of the July heatwave, so we all had to wear suits in 98 degree weather. The humidity didn’t help at all. Still, we had a great time. Matt, Josh and I also hung out, and spent a long time playing cards. It was great seeing the guys again.

I also spend time making review videos. I made several sampling videos, including cider,

a series of beer,

and Turkish delight.

In the end, all good things come to an end, including my vacation, so starting now, things will be back to normal.

Next week, I revisit the concept of “Phantom Sponsorships.”

By David G. Firestone

Editor’s note, I will be away on vacation until August. Here is a Friday Feature to tide you over.

This week, we take a look at a suit feature that is unseen by most race fans. Every suit has one, the so called “Liability Tag. ”-Every piece of racing equipment has some form of “liability tag” which basically states that anything that happens to the wearer of the item is the wearer’s fault and not the company’s fault. The Simpson tag, which has remained virtually unchanged since the 1980’s reads as follows:

“Warning-Auto Racing is Hazardous-this Article is sold without warranty expressed or implied. No warranty or representation is made as to this product’s ability to protect the user from any injury or death. This garment is made of Nomex and other flame retardant materials. Even with the high quality of this garment there could be fires or circumstances where this garment will give only minimal protection. Nomex underwear should be worn under this garment. This garment is manufactured to comply with the rules as set forth by S.C.C.A., N.A.S.C.A.R. , S.F.I., F.I.A., and other regulatory bodies.”Cleaning Instructions” Dry clean only. Dry clean alone. Specify using perchloroethylene only.”Sparco’s tags are located behind the zipper andhave two different statements. Older suits have this tag:

“Although this product is manufactured from special materials that satisfy certain safety standards and may carry the approval of various authorities for its use in specific circumstances the manufacturer or supplier can not be held liable for its protective qualities under all activities, circumstances, and conditions.”Newer Sparco tags have this warning in both English and Italian:

“It is important to carefully read the user’s handbook concerning the care of the garment. This suit will offer protection from fire and the transmission of heat for a limited time, but it does not offer total protection against any kind of hear or fire. The fabric used to make this suit is subject to aging. It is recommended that the suit is inspected frequently for any signs of wear or damage that may result in a loss of protection to the wearer. If the suit has been worn extensively and shows signs of war or damage it is recommended to wear another suit. Sparco is not responsible for any damages the suit incurs from improper use of the suit bu the user, or any third party. Through improper care of the suit, misuse of the suit, or discoloration of the suit from perspiration, or any use of the product after the expiration date, as described in the instruction manual. Do not leave this garment under sunlight, or any artificial light. This suit is not intended for use in go-karts.”Impact! Suits use this simple warning:

“Motorsports are dangerous. the user of this product assumes the risk of injury or death. No warranty or representation is made that this product will protect the user from injury or death”

This is by no means unique.  Almost all sports equipment to a certain extent has this type of warning.  This example is from an XFL helmet.