Poll - New Skippy Racing Suits - Hit or Miss?

[cdh]

I like design, only change I would make is maybe make the belt black, needs something on front to break up the red, but I say a definite improvement, seem like higher quality materials as well

I didn't wear one though, any comments on fit, flexibility or lack thereof?

[Jim Pace]

Providing suits for the masses is tough! Doing it cost effectively is even tougher. Over the years every suit change has brought about this discussion...some good some not so good.

For the latest new suit, the legs frequently are too short relative to the trunk for most drivers. Also the inner cuff takes some getting used to if no previous experience (who has previous experience when they come to Skippy?). Quality of the zippers in early units were an in house issue being dealt with by upgrading the zipper.

Additionally the demands from a "school" suit are very different from what one would demand from a "race" suit.
A good answer beyond the school is provide your own safety gear and provide the best, like helmets. That gives you the most options of how to"grow" into your suit as your racing grows.
JP

[Slowhands]

Jim is to the point as usual. I didn't like the old suit, don't like the new suit, but understand the problems with providing so many suits and helmets at the lowest possible cost. So I wear my own suit unless its raining.

[chsutherland]

I like the suits. They are free and so are the helmets.....so the price is right. It is great that SB offers them. Some of us are hard pressed to pay for the racing let alone a costly suit and helmet. No one has to wear them, so I see no fault in their design. Honestly I kinda like em. I didn't have a problem with the old suit either. It isn't a beauty contest, at least not for me, maybe for Harsha but he has a full head of hair and an MD!

[Slowhands]

Originally Posted by chsutherland

It isn't a beauty contest, at least not for me, maybe for Harsha but he has a full head of hair and an MD!

Not necessarily in that order. Are you assuming I was referring to how it looked and not how it fit? Hmmm. To quote Lord Vader: search your feelings, Craig. Could be a beauty contest in there somewhere....

[chsutherland]

My soul is still upset I didn't get out on the dirt with you. Then Rob posted the video and my heart went black with envy! Perhaps next year I will get to race on the dirt, or maybe your shameless plugs for jager will pay off with some sponsorship money and you can share the wealth!

[PFS]

I like the suits better. They have a nicer quality look to them, there's expansion panels in the lower back and upper arms, and the sponsors are embroidered on instead of sewn-on patches. They just plain look more like a suit should look. I don't, however, like the leg cuffs--too NASCAR.
Pete

[John Greist]

This suit too, shall pass.

Sorry I found and turned in my oldie but goodie blue bottom white top with Goodyear Tire logo - a personal favorite.

Still, SBR provides what we all needed to get started and I thank them for that.

[dalyduo]

After wearing one for 3 days in the rain at LRP I liked the feel, fit and quality of the material and found them slightly higher in quality than the suit they replaced.

Like John, I prefer the "vintage" Skippy suits.

[cdh]

Originally Posted by dalyduo

...Like John, I prefer the "vintage" Skippy suits.

I wasn't around for blue suits but I also prefer the older red/black/white. Third color makes a big difference.

WGI 2002

[Moxie]

Moxie's question of the day is, where did Skip Barber get the original fashion inspiration for the new red driving suits? Was it Armani? Valentino? Versace? Ferrari? Or was it ...

[dalyduo]

Answer: E All of the above.

Great stuff Lee

[LimeRockRacer]

It scares me that you had time to compile all those famous celebs in their red suits....Why is Liberace so happy in that picture?

[dalyduo]

When have you ever seen a picture of Liberace not smiling?

[LimeRockRacer]

His smile is bigger than typical. Must be because he is under Elvis who is holding his big microphone!

[Moxie]

Originally Posted by LimeRockRacer

It scares me that you had time to compile all those famous celebs in their red suits....Why is Liberace so happy in that picture?

Chris, it took no time at all. I just opened Google Image and typed in, “Skip Barber new red racing coveralls fashion victims cultural icons famous infamous beloved adored worshipped performed in Vegas lost in America controlled substances confused misunderstood hygiene issues psychology troubled gender unclear sexual preference bizarre,” and these 5 photos came up. Plus, for some reason, pictures of you and me.

[dalyduo]

Now that's funny...

Originally Posted by Moxie

Chris, it took no time at all. I just opened Google Image and typed in, “Skip Barber new red racing coveralls fashion victims cultural icons famous infamous beloved adored worshipped performed in Vegas lost in America controlled substances confused misunderstood hygiene issues psychology troubled gender unclear sexual preference bizarre,” and these 5 photos came up. Plus, for some reason, pictures of you and me.

[PFS]

Originally Posted by John Greist

This suit too, shall pass.

Sorry I found and turned in my oldie but goodie blue bottom white top with Goodyear Tire logo - a personal favorite.

Still, SBR provides what we all needed to get started and I thank them for that.

John,
Here's a variant of that cobalt blue suit and the parchment with cranberry accent version, both circa 1990. (Sorry, been looking at the LL Bean catalog too much lately.)

Remember the old Jeb's helmets?

Pete

[John Greist]

Pete,

Great suit and isn't that an even older Skippy brown suit to your right?

Best of all oldies but goodies, the Formula Fords in technicolor! Great cars then and now with the Dodge ...er...Mazdaesque engines. And for heaven sakes, Goodyear bricks mounted all around.

Confirmation that all suits pass in time.

John

[PFS]

Yeah, I think it is, and when I dug this photo out, I thought for a minute that it was Jim Victor in that brown suit. I don't think it is though.

Those cars were a ton of fun to drive, but they certainly had they're own issues, most significantly, sans alternator. I remember the push starting began around 2pm. "Clutch in, no brakes, 2nd gear, and when I say GO!, let the clutch out and give it some gas." Brings back fond memories--well, memories.

[StevieDe]

Pete,
Awesome photo and Hell yes that is for sure a young Jim Victor.

I think he still has that suit!

I also remember the radio calls that cars 38, 47 and 52 are "pushers".

Meaning if they spun and stalled it they were dead in the water...

Placed a stronger emphasis on "when in spin-both feet in".

Good spinners would be blipping the throttle (three feet in) the whole time they were locked up!

SD

[cdh]

Originally Posted by StevieDe

Pete,
Awesome photo and Hell yes that is for sure a young Jim Victor.

Which is Jim? Far left?? Dang! Guy seated in last car looks like Roland Isra but I don't know if he was racing SB yet....

Thanks to all you 'old timers' for posting the vintage SB pics. I will add them to the pictures forum.

More please!!

[cdh]

Originally Posted by Moxie

Moxie's question of the day is, where did Skip Barber get the original fashion inspiration for the new red driving suits? Was it Armani? Valentino? Versace? Ferrari? Or was it ...

Moxie

Funny you chose the Tickle me Emmo pic used in April.

[John Greist]

Originally Posted by StevieDe

Pete,

I also remember the radio calls that cars 38, 47 and 52 are "pushers".

Meaning if they spun and stalled it they were dead in the water...

Placed a stronger emphasis on "when in spin-both feet in".

Good spinners would be blipping the throttle (three feet in) the whole time they were locked up!

SD

Another proof that the Formula Fords/Dodges/Mazdaesques were and are better teaching machines than the RT-2000s. Fun to see Stevie D. and other instructors driving them when they're out for testing

[Jim Pace]

Great old photo Pete. This was when we "lapped" with a fleet and "raced" the other. That kept the race fleet fresh. Note the bolt in forward down tubes on the roll bar! For really big guys you could remove the right rube so he could breath & shift. Progress for sure!
And those Jeb helmets...yikes! "Skip, Try this helmet on!!!" will be a long time classic dinner statement from Harry Reynolds.
JP

[Slowhands]

GREAT old photos, (including the ones Watts and others posted under Y2K thread) and I second and third the requests for more, so us old-school newbies can get a sense of our "roots."

Don't know anyone except Peter, so I feel safe in making the following comment:

Sure looks like Jim Victor (brown suit to Peter's right) is trying to keep the 70's alive with the cut of his suit (ouch, isn't that a bit, er, constricting? ) but then again, not out of line with the inspiration from ol' Elvis and Eddie up top! Maybe it helps with sphincter support in those flat sweepers with no runoff....

[John Greist]

Originally Posted by Slowhands

Don't know anyone except Peter, so I feel safe in making the following comment:

Sure looks like Jim Victor (brown suit to Peter's right) is trying to keep the 70's alive with the cut of his suit (ouch, isn't that a bit, er, constricting? ) but then again, not out of line with the inspiration from ol' Elvis and Eddie up top! Maybe it helps with sphincter support in those flat sweepers with no runoff....

Jim's older and grayer - who isn't - but still racing Formula Continentals and doing well - was in SCCA runoffs again this year.

[donv]

I sold Jim V my stand 21 red suit back in 92-93 and I hear he still has it. I have pics older than those below including one of JP in our rookie year at Sebring 1988-89. He went on to rookie of the year and me well forgettaboutit)

Originally Posted by StevieDe

Pete,
Awesome photo and Hell yes that is for sure a young Jim Victor.

I think he still has that suit!

I also remember the radio calls that cars 38, 47 and 52 are "pushers".

Meaning if they spun and stalled it they were dead in the water...

Placed a stronger emphasis on "when in spin-both feet in".

Good spinners would be blipping the throttle (three feet in) the whole time they were locked up!

SD

[PFS]

Originally Posted by cdh

Which is Jim? Far left?? Dang! Guy seated in last car looks like Roland Isra but I don't know if he was racing SB yet....

Thanks to all you 'old timers' for posting the vintage SB pics. I will add them to the pictures forum.

More please!!

I think Roland was a few years later. You asked for more and here you go. Not sure in what order these will post, but

That's me in the white 99 car with my first win in '94 I think

Another iteration of a Skippy suit circa 1991

The old classroom in Tech Barn 3 at RA. Check out the sexy shorts on Paul Brand...nice.

Gateway in '95 before renovation.

My daughter, Gracie, and Flan Danigan to the far right in the blue suit.

A foggy morning looking out from Tech Barn 3.

Sacrificing self and personal vehicle to get into a position (outside of the carrousel at RA) to give the best posssible feedback. (BTW, 4wd low, reverse and a tad bit of momentum does it every time.)

[John Greist]

Pete,

Those surely were good old days with time-warp costumes; fairings on nose cones - they're still there on the school cars and we can tell the youngsters that's why they draft so well; Paul Brand wasn't grey, was a good bit thinner, but no funnier; Dan Flanigan was a regular and Gracie wasn't grown up; and we ran the short-course much more than the long one.

Thanks for the memories.

John

[PFS]

Originally Posted by Jim Pace

And those Jeb helmets...yikes! "Skip, Try this helmet on!!!" will be a long time classic dinner statement from Harry Reynolds.
JP

I hadn't heard that story, JP. Was it similar to Robin Nance's request for dessert when Skip and all others at the table had declined?

After I hit the "submit reply" button, I figured I should have started a new thread. If I knock the dust off of any other photos from the vault, I start a fresh thread. Didn't mean to hijack this one. It is fun though.

Remember Dan waving every time he crossed start/finish? Just having a good time.