Helmets are mandatory on any track day and most organizers require (or strongly advise long sleeves and pants made of cotton). Eye protection is also a must, whether shatter proof lens or just run-of-the-mill sunglasses.
One thing I skimped on early was a helmet, thinking an open face was okay since I had an excellent brand that offered great protection, should I hit my head. While this was very important, I came to realize nothing was protecting my face. Driving an mildly modified Z06, I regularly top 110 mph 20-40 times during a track day. While chances of being hit in the face are slim, why risk my ruggedly-average looks?
As I spend more time on the track, I'm looking at slowly acquiring these items, in this approximate order...
- Full face helmet, probably this one from G-Force, lightweight and reasonably priced.
- Balaclava (Nomex of course) for fire resistant protection for my face and neck, plus to help keep sweat out of the helmet lining. Your helmet won't fit in the washer, but these will.
- HANS device like this one from Necksgen (why protect my brain, but not my neck?)
- Roll bar or at least a harness mount bar and 5-pt racing harness (get a HANS device if you use a harness, because your body (read: neck) will absorb a lot more in a crash
- Dual layer racing suit (if there's a fire, I'd rather avoid being cooked)
- The recommendation here is a one piece suit, as a two piece can separate and that's bad
- Also, if you add any patches, Mobil, Thrush, Ford, etc., use Nomex thread. People have had patch-shaped burns, but I guess it is another way to show off your Ford Oval ;^)
- Dual-layer gloves to go with the suit above
- High-top racing shoes (again fire is bad for skin, so don't expose any)
- Nomex undergarments, they're made to breathe well and add another layer of protection
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