8 replies to this topic

[Jonathan Ng]

I've read various posts about how driver patches should be attached. The main arguments have been:

1) use Nomex thread to secure the patch to the outer most layer of the suit
2) use Nomex thread AND Nomex cloth, to back the patch (to prevent hot spotting if it catches on fire), then sew the patch on
3) use unwaxed, cotton cloth that will burn away so the patch falls off
4) use fabric glue to attach the patch

Then I've also read stories like this:

A few years back, I saw a person get serious 2nd almost 3rd degree burns from a flash fire of racing gas(brake lights sparked the fumes in the car). There was nothing wrong with the suit after the fire, all of his burns came from the heat transfer thru the suit and the little pin holes around the required SCCA patch!

Rich

I'm curious what you all think?

[Keith Novak]

There is definately not a consensus based on the number of different opinions.

Definately get a good suit and only sew through the top layer so the inner layers don't have a path for heat or burning cotton/melted plastic to penetrate.

Definately don't glue it on. You're adding more fuel stuck to your suit that could release toxic chemicals if it burns...right under your face.

The safest option of all is don't sew the patch on unless it's made of fireworthy materials and attached with fireworthy thread. There are pros and cons for each attachment method although if using nomex thread I can't see a con to adding a nomex underlayer.

Beyond that, you could argue the pros and cons of different methods at length. It's all mostly conjecture. If sewn carefully onto a good suit though, I think the patch itself is a small concern compared to other potential hazards in a car fire.

[Jim Boemler]

I'm guessing there's a good reason there's no rule about it.

[Qik Nip]

I'm guessing there's a good reason there's no rule about it.

Rule #1..Do not catch fire!
Rick

[Johnny D]

If you follow Rule #1, some use velcro to change from one club patch to another.
Sometimes you don't follow Rule #1, so have excellent fire suppression.
Wasn't really thinking at the time if I use nomex thread or not.

Note: Make sure your pin is pulled on the bottle before you go on track, every second counts.
J~

[Qik Nip]

Johny:
Just curuious. Noted the flames coming from what appears in the video to be the shifter boot. Where was the fire actually located?
Rick

[Jonathan Ng]

Hmm, what do you all think about a high temp velcro to attach patches with?

[Johnny D]

Qik,
Engine blew, Hot oil/flame went up tranny and caught boot on fire.

Jonathan,
I didn't say it was safe, fire retartant or anything, just that some people do it.
J~

[Johnny D]

That's were the whole debate come in, mentioned above.
Is the patch really fire retartant?
Is that glue on the back of the patch?
Does sewing it on screw up your protection?
Depending on how many layer you want of protection, some wear a 2 layer suit and underwear for a 3rd.
So the underwaer will protest you at least 1 layer if the 2nd 2 fail because of the patch/sewing.
J~