The Sparco Pista balaclava. Part number SPA001409.
Fireproof, with ultra flat lateral seams, a cable eyelet and a microphone slot, in the open face cut rather than the full face one. The pattern is derived from their Formula One balaclava.
The standard
Approved to FIA 8856-2018 with SFI 3.3, the current racewear standard. If your regulations name a specific standard, check it against the label on the item when it arrives, as you should with any approved kit.
Open face or full face
An open face balaclava leaves an eye opening and covers everything else. It is the usual choice for car competition, and it is more comfortable than a full face cut because there is nothing across your nose and mouth. A full face balaclava is what karting regulations tend to ask for.
Why it matters
A balaclava does two jobs. It adds a protective layer between your head and the helmet lining in a fire, and day to day it keeps the sweat and the hair oil out of the helmet, which is what stops a lining going hard and smelling after a couple of seasons. The second reason is why people who do not have to wear one still do.
Black or white. Take the size that fits close without pulling, because a loose balaclava rides up over your nose in the car.
Do I actually need FIA underwear?
If your championship requires it, this is the layer scrutineers ask about, and it is strongly recommended under any suit regardless. These balaclavas are homologated to FIA 8856-2000, the previous FIA standard. Many championships still accept it, but check your regulations before buying for competition. They also carry SFI 3.3 approval. Our guide on whether fireproof underwear is mandatory covers the rules championship by championship.
What size should I go for?
This is a one-size-fits-most piece, cut to sit close to the skin without pinching, so it stays smooth under the suit.
Will it fit under my helmet?
Yes, it is cut thin specifically so your helmet still fits as it should. This one is an open-face design, which leaves the face opening clear and works under any helmet, full face or open face. If your helmet is already a snug fit, a thin single-layer balaclava like this changes nothing about the sizing.
How do I wash it?
Underwear layers are the one bit of racewear you should wash after every use: cool and gentle, no bleach or fabric softener, air dry. That keeps the suit itself needing far fewer washes. Full routine in our racewear care guide.
At GSM Performance, our priority is to maintain the utmost hygiene and quality standards for the benefit of our customers. To that end, we have instituted a policy that all purchases of long johns, balaclavas, tops, and underwear are final and non-returnable. This policy is necessary due to the personal nature of these items, which are worn in close contact with the body. This protocol is intended to guarantee the health and safety of all our customers.
This policy adheres to the best industry practices and safeguards both our customers and our staff. It's important to clarify that this policy does not affect your statutory rights as a consumer. This policy does not apply if you receive damaged or defective products. In such cases, our customer service team is available to promptly address your concerns and arrange a replacement or refund. We greatly appreciate your understanding and adherence to our hygiene policy and thank you for your continued confidence in GSM Performance. For further information please see our terms and conditions which are agreed on checkout.
