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TRACK EVENT FAQs

RACETRACK EVENT CLOTHING REQUIREMENTS

As Downforce continues to strive to offer the safest possible environment to experience driving on racetracks, a review has been conducted which includes some changes to the clothing and equipment requirements for events run by Downforce from 1 January 2019 going forwards.

  • In compliance with current Motorsport New Zealand regulations for helmets Downforce advocates for the use of proper Automobile helmets - Motorcycle helmets that are compliant are strongly discouraged.

    Downforce checks helmets that are supplied to staff and participants daily. For helmets owned and supplied by participants, Downforce may refuse the use of participant owned helmets if any damage is present on the helmet, and/or if the helmet features ear protection ‘muffs’ that could cause the participant to be unable to hear their Instructor.

    When driving full laps of any track with an instructor in the car, helmets MUST be worn. Downforce will provide these on the day in sizes ranging from S - XXL. Please feel free to bring your own open face helmet if you have one.

  • Cars WITHOUT a race harness (3 point lap belt) do not require a FHR or foam donut.

    Cars WITH a race harness (5 point or more) require a HANS Device or other Motorsport NZ approved FHR, worn in line with Motorsport NZ regulations.

    Downforce have some HANS devices available for drivers to use as needed

  • The following requirements relate to events where participants will drive MORE THAN 3 sessions of track laps, where most or all of these will require helmets to be worn as speeds are likely to be greater than 160km/h.

    The above requirements are valid at all permanent racetracks and any other venue where speeds may exceed 160km/h. Downforce operates with guidance from the requirements of Motorsport NZ Clubsport Advanced Protective Clothing. See table below for details.

    In Summary, minimum standards are:

    Overalls / Race Suit - Single Layer

    Underwear - Cotton / Woolen clothing to be worn under Overalls

    Socks - Cotton / Wool

    Shoes - Real Leather - Not synthetic

    Gloves - No requirement but suggested

    Balaclava - No requirement

    Downforce will have race suits available from 2019, however extreme body sizes may prove challenging to fit correctly.

    Click HERE to view Protective Clothing Types / Standards Chart

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

Please wear comfortable shoes and clothing. We do ask that you wear enclosed shoes. Be prepared for any weather conditions, and bring warm clothing.

Every vehicle participating in a Downforce event MUST have a valid Warrant of Fitness. Any vehicle that does not display a valid Warrant of Fitness will not be permitted to participate.

Lunch and refreshments may be available throughout the day.

We recommend your normal mechanic service centre check your vehicle prior to arriving at the track. It would be a huge shame for you to arrive and find your brakes or tyres are ready to be changed.

Remember to fill up your vehicle with fuel prior to arriving at the track.

We recommend you adjust your tyre pressures to the highest of the factory settings for your particular model. We can assist you with this if required.

We recommend you contact your insurance company informing them that you plan to take part in a controlled driver training event with Downforce. Many insurance companies will support this. Please make it very clear to your insurance company that the event is for driver training and is not competitive in any sense.

All drivers must sign a waiver of liability prior to driving with Downforce.

Don't be afraid that you can't cope with a Downforce driving event. We always see drivers of all levels, and our team of professional instructors will worth with you to ensure you have an enjoyable day regardless of your previous experience.