I/O Port Racing Supplies @ Lafayette...Highway 24. Helmets & race gear..
 

In search of a new local vendor of racing supplies - particularly helmets, gloves, and other miscellaneous items, I was referred to I/O Port Racing in Lafayette. Lafayette is a town just west of Walnut Creek off of Highway 24. I finally found the time to stop by I/O Port today so I thought I'd just share some pictures and comments about I/O Port. TBH, it wasn't until I was there when I realized I/O Port manufacturers some of the products I have seen elsewhere on racecars, other stores, and East Bay car meets/shows. The business owner, Ken, was a previous racer and is currently very involved with NASA.

Contact info:
http://www.ioportracing.com Email: sales@ioportracing.com
I/O Port Racing Supplies
14 Juniper Drive
Lafayette, California 94549-3321 USA

9am to 5pm, Monday - Friday
Selected Saturdays - call ahead
After hours by appointment

http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...pshs7gtjju.jpg

Storefront. Remodeling is in progress to potentially add more store space. It is a residential store however useful with a good stock of helmets, Hans and other restraining devices, and other track apparel and hardwares.
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...psgpixstzl.jpg

Helmets!. I was shared vast information regarding the most popular brand Bell, Simpson, and Pyrotect helmets. These are DOT and SA2010 helmets while SA2015 are expected to arrive. If you are new to purchasing a helmet, number one rule is fitment!! Pyrotect is least expensive. Tried a couple models and I have my eye on a new helmet...
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...psgvzechp8.jpg

...and unless I'm lying, it would be this carbon Devil Ray by Simpson (right helmet). Noticeable weight savings compared to my current Bell M4 as well as pretty much everything within [my] reasonable budget.
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...pshbahnzce.jpg

Hans devices and other restraining devices available for fitment. Educated on the differences in performances as well as comfort in a race seat, OEM seat, and functionalities.
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...psxc8hmrxi.jpg

Replacement visors with tint and helmet bags. Lower end helmets only come with a giant sock to hold your helmet and other gear. These bags provide more function and protection for your investments.
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...psybqzicsx.jpg

Harnesses, nets, and hardware for any racecar!
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...pshd0xr6ab.jpg

Electronics (radio stuff), multi use gauges, and other hardware!
http://i1066.photobucket.com/albums/...pseuglc3nh.jpg

First impression I received was a great one. Of course we had spoken over the phone prior to the visit and just like on the phone, the visit was an extension of his welcoming, cool demeanor. We talked racecars, experiences, products, and of course the greatest community of enthusiasts.

So, if you are in the market for a helmet, gloves, racesuit, or any other track/race apparel where fitment is critical, I/O Port is conveniently located just East of Oakland/Berkeley or West of Walnut Creek/Concord. Southbay guys may have to trek but you guys love to drive anyways. Don't expect a Bass Pro Shop/Cabela's size inventory but he can order what you need. Just another option of a shop for folks who may not want to drive very far or buy blindly online.

Thanks for reading :party0030:

I/O Port is interesting. I bought my Bell helmet from them a few years ago. Prices aren't cheap, but it's good to support a local business.

Glad to have another local alternative like LPI used to be. I always found it very difficult to shop for helmets online since fit and comfort is so crucial. Having somewhere to try them on is great and will earn my business.

"Used to be"? What happened to LPI?

closed up their physical location. Think they still are operating online though

I believe their local store is now closed, but their online store us still open.

The owners retired to Montana, but still drop ship. Awesome guys. They gave me all the furniture in my office.lol

I've got an account with them and can get just about anything from them, I just don't have the capital they did to stock as many products...yet :)

That was a fun and sad day for me :eyebulge:. You still have my blankets but if you're using them, keep them. Also, if and when I/O Port moves location, he may find use for the extra racks you're not using/wanting.

It was fun and a bit sad.lol

I do still have your blankets! I'm going to throw them in the trunk of the FRS so next time I see you I can finally give them back! :party0030:

I need to go check this store out anyways, so I will definitely offer the extra racks to him.

I/O Port Supplies and company will be at Thunderhill East this coming weekend Sat/Sun with NASA. He will be racing a Spec-944 Porsche 944 all weekend long. If you are around, make sure to come by his I/O Port trailer and say hello. And watch some racing action!

By this 86 community or not, I'm happy to report there has been movement in his inventory of helmets and other racing gear. It's always great to hear that this community can help local businesses and local racers. I/O Port fabricates some of their own products surpassing the quality of some higher end brands in the market. Any questions on helmets and other gear, shoot him an email.

Coincidentally, Norcal 86Cup 2nd round will this Sunday at Thunderhill West (2miles) with SpeedSF! If I'm lucky and time permitting, I may linger on the east side having my FR-S diagnosed...an ongoing issue that I thought I fixed by replacing a plug and couple other electronic components BUT those were just band-aids.

I/O Port Supplies and company will be at Laguna Seca for NASA racing over the weekend. Stop by the track and I/O Port trailer if you're around. If you've never heard Laguna Seca with an UNLIMITED sound restrictions, it's pretty cool!

FWIW, 86Cup and many other trackdays at Laguna are very restricted by the 90/92db limits, basically 'OEM' cars going fast. UNLIMITED sound days brings in so many more racecars to go flat out and not worrying about sound restrictions.