QUOTE(drew365 @ Jul 14 2004, 05:12 PM)
I've always wondered why I bother wearing Nomex socks when the engine is behind me.
because as you stand there, fire extinguisher in hand, as the burning fluids begin to seep toward you, you will thank youself that you had the foresight ...
when i bought my Simpson lowtops i really had no other suitable competition driving shoes, so i had to buy -something- anyway. i just don't like the idea of buying stuff twice, and as i expect that someday i will be in an environment that requires the Nomex, it just made sense to buy them the one time. i do have some Nomex Pilotis that i like pretty well.
the thing about racing shoes at an Autocross is that they really suck when it's your turn to go work the course, standing on the hot asphalt for hours at a time. they work for driving, but not for that ... the Pilotis are much more versatile in that regard.
and while it's not required, i do in fact have and wear Nomex turtlenecks at AX and DE events. longsleeve is required at DE, and i like the additional sun protection at the AX - again for those hours working the course. i have never been exposed to serious fire, but i understand skin grafts are painful, and proper protective clothing is not that expensive...