Skip advert
Advertisement

Best driving gloves for track days

A good set of driving gloves can aid comfort and consistency on track – we recommend a few pairs worth buying

Taking a firm grip of the wheel is important at the best of times and on track where precision is key, even more so. Donning a pair of race gloves won’t endow you with any extra skill or dexterity, but there are benefits to investing in a good pair.  

Racing against others or the clock is an intense activity that requires your undivided attention lap after lap. Such concentration and expenditure of effort can induce perspiring palms, reducing friction between hand and wheel, ultimately impairing your ability to grip it. 

> Book your next evo track day here

Driving a harder-edged track car like a Caterham with no power assistance and a steering wheel devoid of a squishy, forgiving, foam layer may involve an uncomfortable, white knuckle grip on the wheel. A pair of gloves can cushion the reacting impact coming through the helm. 

Advertisement - Article continues below

Navigating the wheel over the course of a long race, dancing round it with quick, sharp movements will take its toll on your hands. The intermediate layer prevents blistering and also soaks up tremors that rumble round the rim that can have a fatiguing effect.  

Also, if you are one of those commendably committed trackday goers who pedal round an open-top car in all conditions, a pair of gloves keep your all-important hands warm and protected. 

> Trackdays: everything you need to know

We’ve delved into the racing glove market place and picked out three options.

Recommended track driving gloves

Turn One FIA 8856-2000 Homologated Race Gloves

The Turn One gloves offer lightweight comfort for amateur drivers. A velcro strap round the the wrist secures the glove well. Suede is used on the palm to maximise your grip of the steering wheel to prevent any slip.

Puma Avanti Race Gloves

The Avanti gloves feature external seams to save any rubbing of your fingers on the inside. The fingers are pre-curved to allow you to wrap your hand around the steering wheel. The fingers and palm have strips of leather to enable a firm grip of the wheel, too.

Sparco Tide RG-9 Race Gloves

The RG-9 gloves are constructed using Sparco-exclusive HTX material. The unique fabric is hardwearing and facilitates a strong grip while absorbing the impact of gripping the wheel. The pair also benefit from external stitching that allows for an easier fit.

Skip advert
Advertisement

Recommended

Don’t miss the last evo Trackday of 2024
evo Trackdays 2024
News

Don’t miss the last evo Trackday of 2024

The 2024 evo Trackday calendar is down to its last event. We’re going out with a bang with a full day at Goodwood on 19 September. Book now
13 Sep 2024
Free Brands Hatch track day for evo readers
Alpine evo trackday
News

Free Brands Hatch track day for evo readers

Join evo and Alpine Cars UK for a complimentary trackday to drive the A110 S
5 Sep 2024
Free Brands Hatch track day for evo readers
Alpine evo trackday
News

Free Brands Hatch track day for evo readers

Join evo and Alpine Cars UK for a complimentary trackday to drive the A110 S
5 Sep 2024
Skip advert
Advertisement

Most Popular

Toyota GR86 Fast Fleet test – three months in the budget sports coupe
evo Fast Fleet Toyota GR86
Long term tests

Toyota GR86 Fast Fleet test – three months in the budget sports coupe

It shines in shorter tests, but what’s the GR86 like to live with day-in, day-out? We now have the answer
1 Nov 2024
Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2024 review – still a foil for the Audi RS3?
Mercedes-AMG A45 S front
Reviews

Mercedes-AMG A45 S 2024 review – still a foil for the Audi RS3?

Big hitting AMG A45 S hyper-hatch gets the mildest of facelifts but still packs a heavyweight punch 
1 Nov 2024
​Porsche Macan Electric review – still the driver’s choice for SUVs?
Porsche Macan Electric – front
In-depth reviews

​Porsche Macan Electric review – still the driver’s choice for SUVs?

The Porsche Macan has gone electric for its second generation, with up to 630bhp and the promise of a rewarding drive
1 Nov 2024