SSB Checks Out The Gear That One Pro And One Amateur Choose To Wear. This Month, The Drag Racers Show Their Stuff.
The ProAngelle Sampey
The Pro Angelle Sampey
Helmet
Brand: Impact Racing
(www.impactraceproducts.com)
Model: Custom
Price: N/A
Why: "My teammate Antron Brown and I get our helmets custom made for us. They are not available to the public. Mine has a small shell that is custom fit for my head. It is very light weight which is important when you launch at 3 G's. The back is cut high so I can bring my head back when I tuck and the front window is narrow to focus my attention. Ripples in the back act as a spoiler so it doesn't rise in the airflow. I use a dark shield to help keep me from redlighting. I have vinyl blinders on the side of it because I don't want to see my opponent. You change the way you drive when you do."
Leathers
Brand: Vanson (www.vansonleathers.com)
Model: DRL2 Ladies 2-piece
Price: Base $1095, lettering $1200
Why: "My suit is the same suit Vanson would make for any lady racer except for the lettering and of course the dimensions. They custom make it but there is nothing special for me. The most important thing is the fit. They take dozens of measurements so it fits me perfectly. I need it snug so it is aerodynamic but I also need to move easily. We only have seven seconds so if you need to move quickly on the bike you don't want to be restricted."
Gloves
Brand: Vanson (www.vansonleathers.com)
Model: NITR Drag Race - kangaroo skin
Price: $230
Why: "These gloves are very protective but still really soft. I can really feel the clutch handle and just where the shift button is. That is important because you have to be extremely accurate when you shift."
Boots
Brand: Oakley (www.oakley.com)
Model: Race Boot
Price: $150
Why: "These are car racing boots so they don't offer as much protection as motorcycle racing boots but they are not as bulky. These are light weight, fit great, look great and really let me feel the pegs. They are also fire resistant and I have been on fire before."
Bike2006
Suzuki TL1000 Pro Stock
The AmateurRebecca Kennedy
The Amateur Rebecca Kennedy
Helmet
Brand: HJC
Model: AC-12 Carbon
Price: $377.99
Why: "I first chose this helmet because I liked the way the carbon fiber looked, and it is super-light and very comfortable. I also like the no-fog shield for night racing."
Leathers (Jacket and Pants)
Brand: Xpert
Model: Sport
Price: N/A
Why: "One of my early sponsors gave me these leathers about five years ago. They are a men's model and kinda baggy on me, but I crashed in them and they really held up. They protected my skin as I tumbled down the track and you can't say anything better than that. I need a new set to race Prostar because they require zip-together leathers over 120 mph-I am going 163 mph!"
Gloves
Brand: Joe Rocket (www.joerocket.com)
Model: Atomic 20
Price: $39.99
Why: "They are thin and let me feel the clutch. Also they are very comfortable in any weather."
Boots
Brand: Sidi (www.sidisport.com)
Model: Escape
Price: $140
Why: "These boots are mid-height so they are very comfortable and are easy on and off. They are never too hot or too cold. They survived the crash as well."
Bike2005
Suzuki Hayabusa 68-inch wheelbase