MIR, sportswear designer to the kart world

MIR has been a major equipment supplier to the kart world for many years now. Kart drivers everywhere are familiar with this internationally famous designer’s range of shoes, gloves and other accessories.

The MIR name is famous, but how much do we really know about them ? Flash back MIR was created in 1983. That was the year the company’s racing suits were first worn by Nanini and De Cesaris. Working from a base in Tuscany, the creators of MIR cut their teeth as haute couture suppliers to such big names fashion houses as Armani and Versace. But their passion for motorsport soon led them to produce an innovative, customisable line of sportswear. MIR manufactures its complete range of sportswear in manufacturing shops in Arezzo, where it employs about twenty people. 70% of MIR’s output is destined for the karting market, and it is official supplier to Birel, Swiss Hutless, CRG, Top Kart, Alpha Karting, Haase, Merlin, and others. An impressive podium, if ever there was! During the 2006 world championship meeting in Angerville, MIR partnered with KSP to produce minikart driver suits that were worn by the star drivers on the pre-grid. Quite a media coup in front of the Eurosport cameras! Look out more surprises of a similar nature during the 2007 season… Underscoring its ambition to be present in all areas of competition, MIR has become an official partner to the two largest European organisations, the Open Masters in Italy and the FFSA Karting Grand Prix series, for which it will be providing all the apparel for the marshals and technical staff.

The list of famous drivers who wear MIR garments is long. In addition to the notoriety it brings, the company’s association with the top drivers helps ensure that only the highest quality products are supplied. Among the twenty or so world kart champions to have sported the famous M, how can we not mention Fernando Alonso, who remained faithful to MIR all the way up to Formula 1, as were Ralf Schumacher, Nico Rosberg and Kimi Raikkonen. MIR is a household name in motor sport, and its Level 1 and Level 2 ranges meet the most stringent certification standards, including in America. On the international stage this winter, MIR will be exhibiting at shows in places like Frankfurt, Orlando and Chicago.

Underscoring its leadership in the technology race, MIR is offering a range of new materials and innovative motor sports garments. The manufacturer’s great speciality is allying the extremes within its range. So on the one hand we have good quality budget range (from EUR180 for a kart racing suit). And on the other, highly customised garments produced in small quantites or even to order. Arno Santamato race suit for the 2006 World Cup race in Angerville provides a good example.

If you visit MIR’s website, you will find a whole range of options that can be customised at a click of the mouse. It’s fun and so simple! www.mirraceline.com See the website for more information and details of how to get your very own MIR outfit MIR has also just released its new range of sportswear for Birel.