A pit crew keeps a race car running. From the gasman to the tire changers to the utility man, the entire crew hustles to make fast pit stops and accurate adjustments. And not only do these essential team members play an important part on race day, but they also spend time in the garage on off days getting the car ready to run its best. That’s why pit crew apparel must be tough enough to keep up with speed, protective enough to keep everyone safe, and durable enough to hold up under pressure. Explore our buying guide to find protective clothing and racing apparel for your pit crew, including shirts, fueler aprons, garage shoes, and accessories.

Pit Crew Shoes

Whether working in the pit or the garage, crew members need to wear sturdy shoes that can help keep them upright, moving, and comfortable. Traction is essential, and reliable garage shoes with slip-resistant outsoles can prevent accidents on floors and pit road surfaces slick with oil, gasoline, and water. Cushioned shoe insoles support pit crew members when race day runs longer than anticipated or when car adjustments keep them in the garage all weekend. Uppers constructed in breathable materials keep crew members cool under pressure. Additional features that make racing shoes better for the pit crew include moisture-wicking insoles, padded heel collars, and abrasion-resistant uppers.

Safety ratings on pit crew shoes

Both SFI and FIA have safety guidelines in place for driver and pit crew shoes. Pit crew members are not always required to wear shoes that meet SFI or FIA safety guidelines, but sturdy shoes with protective capabilities are essential for optimal performance.

To meet the SFI safety guideline 3.5, pit crew shoes must:

• Include fire-resistant material in the non-sole area, typically the uppers. Shoes can also include other materials if they do not hinder flame-resistance capabilities.
• Measure a medium height in the back from the bottom of the sole to the top of the shoe back that is 0.15 times the shoe length, plus three inches.

FIA standards simply require that shoes consist of flame- and heat-resistant materials and be comfortable enough to wear for extended periods.

Simpson Pit Dominator Crew Shoes

Simpson’s newest Pit Dominator crew shoe is built to withstand the most daunting days in the garage or on the track. Internal laces and a hook-and-loop strap keep equipment and devices from getting caught up accidentally, while the extended toe cap lends an extra layer of protection when kneeling. Extra-padded insoles and collars feel supportive, while an SFI 3.3/5 certification gives them the green light for safety when the heat is on.

Racing & Fueler Aprons

A standard racing or mechanic apron is essential in the garage or when performing non-fuel-related tasks in the pits. A racing apron protects crew clothing from tears and stains, and the best designs include pockets to keep tools and accessories close at hand.

A fueler apron protects the wearer from gasoline and other combustible liquid spills. When time is short in the pit, and a race car needs to be refueled as quickly as possible, gas can easily leak onto the person filling the tank. Choose a protective fueler apron made of heavy-duty flame-retardant materials, such as Kevlar, that offer fluid-repelling capabilities for optimal protection.

Safety ratings for fueler aprons

Fueler apron material, threads, ties, and hook-and-loop closures must pass rigorous requirements for flame resistance before meeting an SFI rating of 52.1, including:

• Thread heat resistance. Threads cannot melt, drip, separate, or ignite when exposed to heat.
• Liquid resistance. Aprons cannot absorb liquids or show any sign of liquid penetration on the inside of the material.
• Flammability. Flames must self-extinguish within three seconds of exposure to a heat source.

SFI-approved fueler aprons will include a label on the exterior surface that is visible when worn by a pit crew member.

FIA testing requirements for crew apparel, including aprons, are similar to SFI testing. Apron threads, materials, and closures must meet flame-retardant and heat transmission tests, but also tensile strength and resistance requirements.

Racing Pit Crew Shirts

Racing pit crew shirts are designed with lightweight, breathable materials to keep team members cool under pressure. Choose the design that fits your crew best; mandarin or standard collar, button-down or half-zip pullover, front chest pocket or flat. Many pit crew shirts can be custom designed with team logos for a uniform look on and off the track.

Gear Bags & Backpacks

Tote pit crew clothing, shoes, and accessories to and from the track in a sturdy gear bag. Whether you’re transporting electronic equipment, a racing helmet, a fire suit, or just a change of clothing, a sturdy gear bag or backpack makes hauling easy.

Simpson Gear Bags

The newest gear bag collection from Simpson includes helmet, road, and formula bags, pit packs, and suit totes made of thick, 600-denier poly/PVC. Simpson gear bags are padded for extra equipment protection and feature rugged zippers and strap carry handles. Cool, updated graphics and Simpson logo embroidery make these gear bags modern and stylish.

Some of the top names in racing, including Simpson, RaceQuip, G-FORCE, and Impact, offer pit crew clothing, garage shoes, and t-shirts that are well-designed and constructed to last long days at the track. Explore the racing safety equipment and pit crew apparel at Behrent’s Performance Warehouse and find everything you need to keep your team safe and supported on race day.