Post-Race Heat Struggles: Riley Herbst and the Evolution of NASCAR Cooling Systems
After the Xfinity series Nashville Race, Riley Herbst remarked, “I just felt it getting hotter and hotter and hotter and hotter.” His cooling system malfunctioned before the race, presenting a significant challenge as he endured the stifling heat inside his car.
Drivers often spend over an hour at high speeds in what essentially becomes a sweltering metal box. To counter this, they rely on cooling mechanisms within their suits. Stewart-Haas Racing recently demonstrated on Instagram how these systems work.
The Origin of NASCAR Cooling Suits
The concept dates back to July 1964 when Paul Goldsmith introduced a groundbreaking cooling technology to NASCAR, inspired by astronaut suits. This ‘cool suit’ was designed to combat the intense heat generated inside race cars, which burn substantial fuel and have limited airflow due to their low ground clearance. Goldsmith’s innovation aimed to make this environment more bearable for drivers.
If you see a driver heading to the pits with tubes trailing behind, they’re likely wearing a ‘cool suit’. This specialized garment, often a shirt or vest, contains tiny tubes that circulate cold water, absorbing the driver’s body heat and cooling it down again via a refrigeration box. Drivers can adjust the cooling level with a control button, a feature recently highlighted by Stewart-Haas Racing on Instagram.
Beyond Cool Suits: Additional Cooling Methods and Fitness
Cool suits are not the only means of combating heat. Maintaining a driver’s body weight is crucial, necessitating exceptional fitness and rigorous training. Another cooling method involves a tube inserted into an opening in the driver’s seat, directing cool air onto their back. However, this technique is rarely used due to its negative impact on car aerodynamics.
NASCAR racers wear extensive gear, including helmets, fire suits, HANS devices, gloves, boots, and fireproof underwear. These are all essential for racer safety. Do you know about NASCAR’s mandatory fireproof underwear?
NASCAR’s Fireproof Gear and Safety Enhancements
Last year, NASCAR made fireproof underwear and socks mandatory for all drivers, a move following the lead of other racing leagues like Formula One. Previously, this protective gear was only recommended. While NASCAR hasn’t detailed its inspection process, these new rules aim to improve driver safety in the event of a fire.
The fireproof undergarments were part of a broader safety upgrade. The Next-Gen car’s design was modified to enhance the rear crumple zone, better absorbing impacts from rear-end collisions. This change addresses the excessive force experienced by drivers in several 2022 crashes due to the rigid rear bumper structure. NASCAR demonstrated its commitment to driver safety by covering the initial costs of these modifications.
Driver safety and comfort are top priorities for both teams and NASCAR officials. What do you think about the gear used by NASCAR racers? Do you find their cooling systems impressive?
