Safety Equipment & Clothing
Racing has an excellent safety record due in part to the high standard of equipment and clothing. Standards are changing all the time so keep up to date.
Helmet An approved helmet and visor is compulsory. Approved helmets are marked with an ACU gold stamp. The helmet must fit well and be properly fastened. Never buy second hand. Visors should have the latest and highest BSI kitemark. You cannot use a damaged helmet or visor. Scrutineers may confiscate them.
Leathers You must wear a one-piece leather suit. Two-piece suits are not allowed in races. Race suits are normally made to measure and A M leathers at Barnard Castle are an excellent and reputable supplier of leathers. More advice about suits is available in the ACU handbook.
Body Amour is designed to provide some protection by absorbing energy from the impact of hitting the track. Some leather suits come with it as part of the suit or you can buy it as separate pieces. Using additional body amour is a personal choice. You can race without it.
Gloves You must wear a pair of good quality leather gloves. They may contain another material that the maker’s claim offers additional protection. Look for a pair of gloves that fit well and offer good feel. You are riding a race bike and loose flapping gloves that are too thick will not help bike control.
Knee Sliders Using knee sliders is highly recommended. Most race leathers come with touch fasteners on the knees ready to attaché the sliders.( Titanium are not allowed )
Boots You must wear good quality leather boots or boots made from approved substitute materials. They must be at least 200mm high. When is use there must be no exposed skin between the top of the boot and the bottom of the suit leg. There’s a massive range of boots available. Buy a pair that are easy to use while riding.
The CE mark This denotes that the clothing complies with a European Community Directive on Personal Protective Equipment. However, you can race using clothing that is not CE marked although it must meet the ACU regulations. As safety is important it is recommended that you buy the best safety equipment you can afford.
Identification Disc You are required to wear an identification disc whilst practising and racing. This carries your Full Name and Date of birth
