Abstract: An upper body protector is provided primarily for use by off-road racers and is comprised of a substantially rigid louvered polypropylene exoskeleton with a padded lining. Rather than comprising in essence a front and rear body shield held together by shoulder straps, this protector has a shoulder cover that extends completely over the shoulders forwardly and rearwardly to protect the deltoid muscles and the clavicle. The remaining structure of the protector connects to the shoulder cover and includes a lengthwise adjustably connected ventral shield, a dorsal shield, a pair of epaulet pivotally attached over the shoulder articulations and being stopped from pivoting into the neck by a pair of raised ribs defined in the shoulder cover along side the neck opening.