What is a NASCAR driver’s suit called?

It’s commonly called a fire suit—also known as a racing suit or driver’s suit—a flame-resistant uniform that NASCAR mandates for all competitors to protect against heat and fire in a crash. The garment is constructed from fire-resistant materials and must meet recognized safety certifications used across professional motorsport.

Common names and what they mean

In NASCAR and wider motorsport, you’ll hear several terms for the same essential piece of safety gear. Each emphasizes a slightly different aspect—function, context, or wearer—but they all refer to the protective suit drivers wear on track.

• Fire suit: The most common shorthand in NASCAR, highlighting the suit’s primary purpose—fire protection.
• Racing suit: A general motorsport term used across series and disciplines.
• Driver’s suit or driver’s uniform: Often used in rulebooks and team communications to describe the complete protective outer garment.

Regardless of the label, these terms point to the same requirement: a certified, flame-resistant outer layer designed to safeguard drivers during high-heat incidents.

What it’s made of and how it’s certified

NASCAR fire suits are typically multi-layer garments made from flame-resistant aramid fibers—most notably Nomex—along with other high-performance textiles that resist ignition and insulate against heat. The suits are tailored for mobility, with stretch panels, gussets, and moisture-wicking liners to manage cockpit heat while maintaining protection. Compliance hinges on established motorsport standards that verify both materials and construction.

• SFI 3.2A (Driver Suit) certification: The baseline specification recognized in NASCAR for fire suits; many suits used in the national series are certified to 3.2A/5 or higher.
• FIA 8856-2018: An international standard; many premium suits carry this certification alongside SFI. Teams may choose dual-certified suits for cross-series compatibility and advanced performance.
• Related gear standards: Complementary underlayers and accessories often follow SFI 3.3 (for underwear, socks, balaclavas, gloves, shoes) or the FIA equivalents to ensure the full kit works together under heat stress.

These certifications ensure the suit provides verified thermal protection for a defined period, helping reduce burn risk while accommodating the intense demands of stock-car racing.

Why it matters on track

A fire suit provides critical insulation against flash fires, fuel exposure, and superheated air following a crash. In combination with other safety systems—fuel-cell design, cockpit fire suppression, quick-release belts, window nets, and on-site emergency response—the suit buys valuable seconds for a driver to exit or be extricated while minimizing burn injuries.

Other required gear that works with the suit

The fire suit is only one piece of the driver’s protective ensemble. NASCAR mandates a coordinated set of gear so that no component undermines the fire protection or crash survival systems.

• Fire-resistant underwear, socks, and a balaclava to protect skin under the suit and around the head and neck.
• Fire-resistant gloves and shoes for dexterity and pedal/steering feel without sacrificing protection.
• Helmet and head-and-neck restraint (e.g., HANS) for impact protection, designed to interface cleanly with the suit and balaclava.

Together, these elements create overlapping layers of protection, allowing drivers to maintain performance while mitigating risk in extreme conditions.

How teams customize the suit

Teams tailor fire suits for fit, cooling, and branding. Drivers typically have custom-fitted, multi-layer designs featuring breathable panels in low-heat zones, strategically placed stretch fabric for range of motion, and moisture-wicking interiors. Sponsors’ logos are applied using flame-safe embroidery or transfers that comply with certification rules, preserving the suit’s protective qualities.

Summary

A NASCAR driver’s suit is called a fire suit—also referred to as a racing suit or driver’s suit. It’s a multi-layer, flame-resistant garment, usually made from aramid fibers like Nomex and certified to standards such as SFI 3.2A (often /5 or higher), with many also meeting FIA 8856-2018. Worn alongside fire-resistant underlayers, gloves, shoes, and head protection, the fire suit is a cornerstone of NASCAR’s modern safety ecosystem.

What are NASCAR driver suits called?

fire suit
A racing suit or racing overalls, often referred to as a fire suit due to its fire retardant properties, is clothing such as overalls worn in various forms of auto racing by racing drivers, crew members who work on the vehicles during races, track safety workers or marshals, and in some series commentators at the event …

What is the difference between a race suit and a kart suit?

Motor sports racing suits protect against fire, kart racing suits protect against abrasion. One is nomex, one is cordura. I have a second hand nomex suit and a newer karting suit in the closet because unfortunately that’s just how it is.

What do NASCAR drivers wear?

NASCAR drivers wear a comprehensive, multi-layered fire-retardant suit system that includes a helmet, fire-retardant underwear, a fire suit, and fire-retardant gloves and shoes. They also use cooling shirts with circulating cold water and a head and neck restraint system for added safety.
 
Outer Gear

• Helmet: Opens in new tabA certified helmet protects the driver’s head, and some helmets feature an air intake connected to a cooling system. 
• Fire Suit: Opens in new tabThe fire suit is made of fire-resistant materials like Nomex or Proban, serving as the primary protection against flames. It also displays sponsor logos, acting as a “walking billboard” for the team. 
• Gloves and Shoes: Opens in new tabDrivers wear fire-retardant gloves and shoes to protect their hands and feet from fire and heat. The shoes also allow for sensitive control of the pedals. 

Undergarments 

• Fire-Retardant Underwear: Under the fire suit, drivers wear fire-retardant underwear, including a shirt, pants, and socks, made of Nomex. This forms a crucial last line of defense.

Cooling and Comfort Gear 

• Cooling Shirts: Opens in new tabA liquid-filled cooling shirt with tubing is worn under the fire suit to help maintain a driver’s core temperature by circulating chilled water. 
• Balaclava: Opens in new tabA fire-proof head sock or balaclava is worn under the helmet for added protection. 

Additional Safety Features

• Head and Neck Restraint (HANS Device): This device is worn by drivers to help prevent head and neck injuries during impacts. 
• Hydration: Drivers stay hydrated before and during the race, sometimes using a pouch in their car for water intake. 

How much does a NASCAR driver’s suit cost?

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Racer 2.0 2-Piece Firesuit – Jacket Only Our Price: $439.95	Racer2020 2-Piece Firesuit – Jacket Only Our Price: $429.95
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Paddock 1-Piece Complete Firesuit Our Price: $369.95	Racer 2.0 2-Piece Firesuit – Pants Only Our Price: $359.95
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