What is Nomex?

Over the years, the lessons learned at the track - literally trials by fire - have helped the racing industry improve every aspect of managing the threat of fire and protecting the people who provide the drama and spectacle of racing. Racing apparel made with NOMEX^® is at the core of this safety improvement.

That's because racing apparel of DuPont^® NOMEX^® brand fiber plays a pivotal role in providing the valuable seconds racing professionals need to escape and survive flash fires that result from both on-track collisions and pit accidents. And, this protection is long lasting. Whether it is found in protective NOMEX^® suits, NOMEX^® underwear, NOMEX^® socks or NOMEX^® gloves, the exceptional flame resistance provided by NOMEX^® cannot be washed out or worn away.

Racing gear of NOMEX^® is inherently flame-resistant, which means its resistance to flame is built into the fiber. It also will not sustain combustion in air or melt when exposed to flame. Because NOMEX^® carbonizes and becomes thicker when exposed to intense heat, it forms a protective barrier between the heat source and the skin. This unique reaction to intense heat provides valuable escape time when flash fires occur and protects wearers against them. NOMEX^® delivers confidence while managing heat and flames head on.

When protective apparel is tested on THERMO-MAN^®, all systems are go
THERMO-MAN^® is one of the most advanced test methods for evaluating burn injury potential and measuring protective apparel performance. This scientific evaluation system for thermal burn injury is a six-foot, one-inch-tall manikin equipped with 122 heat sensors. THERMO-MAN^® can be exposed to various fire hazards through controlled burns to test burn protection properties of garment constructions, fabric weights, material types and garment design styles. Results predict the amount, degree and location of burn injuries that would be sustained by the wearer in a flash fire. DuPont^® scientists use this information to help apparel manufacturers develop optimum designs in lightweight, flame-resistant suits that equip drivers, pit crews, rescue teams and track officials with garments that are comfortable and provide the best thermal protection possible.

And, suits are just part of these professionals' protection. One of the most effective ways they enhance their safety on the track is to increase the number of layers they wear with NOMEX^® gloves, NOMEX^® socks, hoods etc. Because it provides thorough body coverage from neck to wrists to ankles, long johns of NOMEX^® is one of several layers driver and pit crews put on before race time.