I will add my two cents (from a corner worker perspective) about why it's a good idea to keep all of your safety equipment in place during a cool off lap.
1. Over the years, I've witnessed at least one rollover and three collisions on cool off laps. One resulted in a nasty fire that destroyed one GT 1 car and damaged the other one enough to miss the next season. One of the drivers had to be transported to the hospital.
2. The GCR allows drivers 5 minutes to complete their last lap after the checker falls. If someone has had mechanical problems and needs one more lap to be a finisher, that driver may be at race speed while you're waving at us.
I understand the desire to remove the helmet and gloves, and we see the pros do it all the time. Even if it is okay under the rules to do so, is it really worth an injury?
Bob Hudson
Atlanta Region F&C