Racing Gloves- A comprehensive buying guide for selecting the best motorsport gloves
When purchasing motorsport protective clothing, racing gloves require special consideration.
No true driver selects a pair of race gloves without carefully considering the grip, the feel, and the texture of all the materials used in the manufacturing of that particular set of racing gloves.
There are many other practical considerations as well, such as which safety regulations you need to comply with. These FIA regulations, therefore, focus on setting the level of fire resistance the racing gloves must adhere to for eligibility.
No matter if you’re an occasional track day enthusiast who likes to blow off some steam in your track car occasionally at the Goodwood, Brands Hatch or one of the many great circuits here in the U.K. a proper set of gloves will be a must.
Alternatively, perhaps, on the other hand, you’re a seasoned professional like Sébastien Ogier, who drives one of the amazing Toyota Yaris Rally 1 cars in the WRC, or Lando Norris in his Maclaren F1 car; all will require the perfect set of racing gloves to perform at their best
True motorsport enthusiasts are therefore likely to spend many hours online mulling over their options- this is where a dedicated motorsport retailer, such as Nicky Grist Motorsports, can help you to find the proper safety equipment at the right price.
What makes racing gloves different from conventional gloves?
Racing gloves serve two primary purposes: fire resistance and steering wheel grip.
Without good-quality racing gloves, our hands will naturally perspire and during the heat of competition you will perspire much more. A race glove manages this and allows the grip of glove on steering wheel is optimum.
Absolute control of the vehicle is critical, the right glove helps a driver to deliver exactly what they need, at the right time, to the correct precision. Staying on the correct line and on a rally stage missing the dangers at the side of the road with complete control.
Selecting the right motorsport gloves is therefore essential, as is choosing the right racing steering wheel. Specialist artificial fibres, such as Nomex cloth with silicon grip pads, and even natural materials, such as leather, are consequently needed so that man and machine can be at one.
What is Nomex?
Nomex is simply an artificial material; it's used across a range of motorsport safety equipment.
From the racing boots you wear to the racing suit and racing gloves, and even sometimes used in the inner lining of race and rally helmets, Nomex will be used—an excellent, positive invention in modern-day fabric engineering that offers driver comfort, but most importantly, fire resistance.
Are there FIA regulations that govern how racing gloves should be designed?
The FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile) are here to protect drivers and co-drivers in a wide range of motorsport disciplines. Therefore, perhaps you are just getting started in the world of drifting, touring car competitions or taking part in your first competitive rally event.
In which case, safety equipment is, of course, necessary; however, you must make sure that the equipment that you purchase satisfies specific safety certifications. This may seem to some as “red tape”; however, it truly is not. These safety certifications are there to protect you, with the aim that, if the worst were to happen, you have the right equipment in place.
Racing gloves and the FIA 8856-2018 regulations
Have a conversation with our sales staff today; they can assist you in selecting the appropriate safety homologation for the motorsport event you will be entering.
In terms of racing gloves, race organisers here in the U.K. and in Europe, including Ireland, often specify that they want the gloves to comply with the FIA 8856-2018 regulations. With this specification of glove, you will not be turned away from an event.
What do the FIA 8856-2018 regulations actually specify in terms of improving racing glove safety?
Flame resistance
Whether it’s a GT racing event or rallying, the flame resistance of the gloves is the primary consideration for the FIA in assessing the gloves' overall safety. This, however, is not the only consideration.
FIA Hologram Labelling
Labelling is critically essential; therefore, you need to look after the FIA hologram label that states its safety standard, loose this and your gloves will not be eligible.
Abide by the washing instructions to keep the glove in good condition
For example, the hologram label on the inside will show the FIA standard and is the same hologram that is also used for underwear. On the exterior of the glove is a white FIA label showing the relevant standard, the manufacturer, the homologation number and the date of expiry of the gloves.
Before a competition these are all checked by a scrutineer, label by label, not just your gloves, your helmet, the fireproof underwear and balaclava must all be in date and eligible before you start. Quite often these are also checked at various times during an event.
Construction/materials used
The materials used are also a key consideration for the FIA, and are controlled for fire resistance, all areas of the glove must comply even the grip areas of the gloves.
Gloves come in different price points, all designed to allow someone on a budget get the correct protection but have the benefit of real grip on the steering wheel. The more you pay the better the materials used to offer breathability and optimum grip and increased comfort levels.
This is why when you come to a dedicated motorsport safety apparel and equipment retailer, such as Nicky Grist Motorsport, we only stock top brands. The main lines of racing gloves that we see are by P1 Racewear and Alpinestars. The reason we stock these lines of racing gloves is simple: they both have true racing heritage, and both companies are deeply passionate about handcrafting quality goods.
Which racing gloves are best for rallying
For specific rally competitions, the FIA 8856-2018-compliant gloves are required by a driver, a co-driver does not require them because of the nature of their role during an event. Turning the pages of a pacenote book with gloves on is not ideal
However, do check with the individual rally event organisers to confirm this. Alternatively, our sales staff, with their extensive rally knowledge, will be able to guide and advise you on: 01981 241 040.
External seams in a racing glove offer the best comfort levels, this is a major consideration on long events, like Dakar, or the long sections of a Safari Classic Rally where you will wear the gloves for hours at a time.
The external seams stop chafing and allows you to concentrate 100% on the road ahead. A snug fit is vitally important, no excess material in the palm is critical, too much loose material affects grip dramatically, when you consider the rough and rocky terrain of a rally stage and you can understand the grip you need to control these extra forces through the steering wheel.
Which gloves are best for racing for circuit racing?
The same FIA homologation, that is, FIA 8856-2018-approved gloves, will be needed, again, the emphasis here will be on the flame and heat resistance of the gloves.
Racing, while on a smooth tarmac surface, that offer far more grip levels in vehicles optimised to use these grip levels and will apply high forces through the steering wheel on the long corners.
Silicon pads on the palm and a snug fit is important for you to get in your race glove.
Karting gloves
The world of karting is quite different from other forms of motorsport, not just because the vehicle is smaller and, of course you are open to the elements. While a fireproof glove is not required in karting, there are other considerations to be considered.
The latest FIA8877-2022 standard requires abrasion resistance, these are available in either Grade 1 or Grade 2 levels and generally the higher rated races and championships require the highest Grade.
Do check with the individual kart race organisers of your championship; for exactly what is required.
Abrasion is a major consideration if ejected from a race kart at speed, naturally our hands will be put out in front of us to brake the fall. Therefore, karting gloves, as is all karting equipment, required to be exceptionally well-crafted and provide adequate abrasion protection.
Waterproof gloves with protection against the cold
When the weather turns and you are faced with a wet and rainy day, then a waterproof glove is also required for your racing. These are three layered with a waterproof abrasion layer on the exterior and a light fleece on the inside to make sure your hands stay dry and warm. These are also to the latest FIA 8877-2022 standard.
How can I ensure I purchase a racing glove that fits correctly?
A racing glove should have a close, snug fit; however, not so tight that it feels restrictive. It is vital that there is not any excess material in the palm when wearing them, this causes a lack of grip in a pressured situation.
Natural materials like leather, often used in the grip areas on cheaper gloves, may indeed loosen slightly over time; so do take this into consideration.
However, do keep in mind racing gloves that are too tight can make the driver feel restricted, contributing to driver fatigue over many laps when the competition is in progress.
Therefore, choose a glove that is neither loose-fitting nor overly tight. Each racing glove manufacturer will have their own size chart, take note of this, as you can accurately measure your hand before you buy.
Breathability and sweat absorption
Motorsport gloves made cheaply, whether for karting through to rallying, can get clammy, sweaty, and uncomfortable if the materials are incorrectly selected. Therefore, a good race glove, a glove made by, say, P1 Racewear is designed completely differently.
P1 Racewear will often use many different materials in the construction of their Italian made gloves. The materials used are chosen for breathability but to the exacting requirement of being fireproof, this allowing airflow and helping keep sweat to a minimum.
A racing glove may seem a straightforward piece of safety apparel; however, when you see the work a tailor put into making a hand-crafted glove, you can often appreciate why a hand-crafted race glove commands the price it does.
Which brands of racing gloves would you recommend?
There are many different brands of racing gloves; however, a standout for us is the Alpinestars range and the P1 Racewear range.
The reason throughout our website we stock everything from P1 Racewear gloves, race suits and footwear is simple, these products are handcrafted in a dedicated manufacturing facility in Italy. Enrico Glorioso, the company's founder, has decades of experience in motorsport and manufacturing Italian-made motorsport safety equipment.
Then there’s the price point of P1 Racewear's goods: they're priced very competitively, making premium-quality racewear accessible to all.
Take the P1 Fast Racing Gloves, with a price tag with us of below £70.00- this therefore has become a “go-to” brand for entry level rally, GT, touring car competitors and many other motorsport drivers here in the U.K.
I need assistance selecting everything from race shoes to a helmet. Can you help?
We can most certainly help. Perhaps you would like us to make some bespoke recommendations for racewear?
We are available on 01981 241 040 if we can assist you over the phone.
One of the main reasons customers from around the world come to us is our in-depth product knowledge. Therefore, we can help you select your perfect race helmet and choose a custom-made race suit.
As a major partner to P1 Racewear in the UK, we have all the stock to allow colour and size options, and generally on a next day service. Buying with confidence is important, but Nicky Grist Motorsports can guide you through the pitfalls and direct you to what you need at a price that suits you.
P1 have produced more than 300,000 FIA-approved suits. When companies produce racewear at this scale, you know you will be selecting a brand that has a wealth of experience hand-crafting beautifully made products that are made to last.
I want my race gloves to be unique- can you help me obtain unique/bespoke racing gloves?
P1 Racewear can produce bespoke racing suits, underwear and racing gloves. This is important, as it gives your business or your sponsors' business that extra opportunity to advertise a brand, or just the driver’s name with national flag.
This personalisation of the race gloves makes them, and you feel more special.
These are also available in plain white or black which allows you to modify the whole surface, other than the mandatory P1 logo of course. These gloves are only available in the top of the range glove.
Why choose Nicky Grist Motorsports to purchase your race gloves from?
It’s always best to purchase motorsport goods from businesses that have lived and breathed the sport.
This is why thousands of drivers each year come to Nicky Grist Motorsports: each product line is carefully selected, as we know the items are of quality.
When you're reading pace notes on a gravel road being propelled at high speeds, you quickly learn what makes good racewear.
Quality is what you can rely on when you truly need it. Quality is what we sell.
No matter what motorsport discipline you are competing in as a serious competitor or practising as a fun driver in track days, whether you are in the UK, Ireland, or further afield, we can get you the kit you need with fast delivery times.
