Simpson Racing Equipment

Founded in 1959 by Bill Simpson, Simpson Racing Equipment has spent over six decades pioneering motorsports safety innovations that protect drivers from grassroots track days to professional NASCAR and Formula One competition. After breaking both arms in a 1958 drag racing crash, the 18-year-old Simpson dedicated himself to developing safety equipment, beginning with the world's first drag racing parachute and evolving into a comprehensive manufacturer of race-critical protection gear.

A Legacy Built on Innovation

Simpson's breakthrough came in 1967 when Pete Conrad introduced him to DuPont's Nomex material, which Simpson used to create the first fire suit used in racing—worn by 30 of 33 drivers at the 1967 Indianapolis 500. This spirit of innovation continues today across Simpson's entire product line. The iconic "Star Wars" helmet line has been in production since 1979, while modern offerings incorporate the latest safety certifications and materials technology.

Comprehensive Head-to-Toe Protection

Simpson's product range reflects decades of real-world racing experience. Their helmets combine aerodynamic design with advanced impact protection, manufactured at their Italian facility in Pedrengo with engineering that prioritizes both safety ratings and driver comfort. The company's harness systems and HANS head restraints are manufactured and tested at their New Braunfels, Texas headquarters, ensuring every safety harness and head and neck restraint meets rigorous SFI certification standards.

Beyond the cockpit essentials, Simpson equips drivers from racing shoes to racing gloves, delivering fire-resistant protection that doesn't compromise dexterity or pedal feel. Each product category reflects Simpson's understanding that safety equipment must perform flawlessly under extreme conditions—whether enduring high temperatures, sudden impacts, or the physical demands of multi-hour endurance races.

Manufacturing Excellence Across Multiple Facilities

Simpson operates manufacturing facilities in New Braunfels, Texas for harness systems and HANS restraints, outside Los Angeles for firesuits and crew uniforms, and in Pedrengo, Italy for helmet production. This multi-facility approach allows Simpson to maintain quality control while specializing each location in specific product categories.

Why Racers Choose Simpson

Today, Simpson is one of the most recognized names in motorsports, protecting drivers and crews from head to toe. The brand's reputation stems not from marketing claims but from proven performance in the harshest testing ground imaginable: professional motorsports competition. Simpson products are marketed to racers ranging from participants at local track days to international Formula One and NASCAR teams, demonstrating that championship-level protection is accessible across all levels of competition.

When choosing safety equipment, racers look for certifications, proven track records, and brands that understand the unique demands of high-speed competition. Simpson delivers on all three fronts, combining SFI and FIA certifications with real-world validation from professional racing series worldwide. Simpson has developed over 200 racing safety products, ensuring that whether you're building a weekend warrior or a professional race car, the right protection is available.