The Chicane

Ok, ordinarily we don’t put Sir Stirling at the top of the Best Dressed list. Trackside, however, many vintage racers could use the inspiration. Look at this photo. Dunlop blues and a non-airbrushed helmet tucked under his arm, as the racing gods intended. If you have a BRDC patch for the breast, all the better.

Technically, yes, you could wear your Team M&Ms race suit. And I’m sure it’s fireproof and everything. But then you’d be wearing a Team M&Ms race suit. You’ve spared no expense making your vintage racer period-correct where possible. You’ve probably retained the original color, placed your racing number and sponsor stickers with care. Begrudgingly increased the height of that roll-bar, mumbling about authenticity under your breath no doubt. It’s not a big leap to take that same attention to detail and apply it to the car’s single most important component—the driver.

Of course the racing drivers of old never worried about pesky things like fire. They just straightened their ties and got on with it, just like our fried Mike Hawthorne here. Thankfully, Racewear.co.uk manufacturers and sells a fully FIA compliant race suit in Dunlop Blue. They demonstrate exactly the kind of restraint that modern motorsport has been unable to.

That being said, they’re a bit expensive. For the more budget-minded driver Sparco’s vintage stripe racing suit from last year can be found on sale through many retailers and makes a great substitute.

It’s that time of year again, friends. While I’m sure you’ll have no problem finding a special gift for the vintage racing enthusiast in your life, it seemed like a good time to collect some of our, and probably someone on your list’s, favorites. Perfect for anyone snuggled in bed, while visions of racing cars dance in their heads.

Racing Books

It seems that gearheads never have too many bookshelves. Every year another hundred or so racing books are published; these are a few of our favorites.

Movies

I would hope that the racer on your shopping list would have these films in their collection already. If they don’t, they’re mandatory.

For The Walls

I’m sure there’s still some small piece of bare wall somewhere. No? Not even in the garage? Maybe the master bathroom.

Video Gaming

It’s winter. Chances are, the racer on your list can’t take their car to the local track until spring. These should tide them over until then.

A post on the Make magazine blog this morning regarding using the factory tow-hook mount on modern cars as a camera mounting point led me to this product from GoPro. The Motorsports Hero camera mount package offers options for mounting video cameras in a variety of ways on your car or helmet. I often see cars at the track with cameras mounted to the rollbar, but I know that many monoposto drivers have had trouble coming up with mounting options for their cars. The GoPro site shows cameras mounted on helmets, windscreens, suspension components or bodywork… certainly you’ll be able to find a spot on your racing car.

Video over your shoulder can be a one-step method for improving your track times, especially if your racing group compares videos. You can study the corners you hesitate in, your racing line, and road surface to help your times from day to day, or from race weekend to race weekend.

I think the real possibility for benefit within the historic racing community here is to compile these videos in a central location to help study-up on new tracks, or improve your own times by observing the laps of your fellow drivers in one place you’ve never been able to—the drivers’ seat. So let’s start seeing these videos you’ve been shooting on the web somewhere. Start loading them up, drivers—we want to see them too.

These leather satchels from Caracalla Bagaglio stir the soul. Big enough to carry your helmet and race suit and boots.. or as carry-on luggage for a weekend away, the Commemorative Motorsport collection are handsome and look purposeful. I’ve been seeing these advertised in Octane and elsewhere for quite some time now, but I haven’t been able to put my finger on why I like them so much until recently. Taken as a single piece, they are quite attractive. But in comparison to other racing attire and accessories, they really shine. The vast bulk of racewear is a gaudy mess of logos, bright colors, and other nonsense, with a checkered flag thrown in for good measure. The restraint practiced by Caracalla in designing these bags makes them all the more sophisticated and classic. And desirable. Well done.

It was a difficult task to pick a favorite to show today. The porschefile in me wants to showcase the 550 Spyder inspired #37 commemorating Porsche’s first class win at the 24 Hour of LeMans, but the sheer beauty of this Birdcage Maserati inspired #5 bag won me over. Reliability plagued the team that year at LeMans and the Argentina 1000, but Stirling Moss and Dan Gurney piloted the #5 Birdcage to a win at the Nürburgring 1000km in 1960, despite a broken oil line early in the race. The Maserati repeated the feat the following year. A truly marvelous car, truly marvelous drivers, and a lovely bag.

Take a look at the complete collection. Even better, Caracalla will custom build a bag for you in your race colors with your racing number. Now that’ll look sharp in the pits.

If you’re considering some new racing boots for the upcoming season you could do far worse than these vintage styled Puma Rennbahn 50s. Don’t let the vintage looks fool you, they’re completely FIA compliant, Nomex lined, and will match your Lotus 11 better than any modern looking boot. I’ve known drivers to shell out top dollar for vintage look racing suits and couple them with modern boots and gloves — these Pumas have the looks to match.

Check them out at Subesports.