NASCAR drivers have to cope with 140-degree heat
Source: USA Today (Original Article)
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BROOKLYN, Mich. — The Car of Tomorrow is making life hotter for NASCAR’s drivers today.
Heat-stricken drivers had just enough strength to rant about the topic earlier this month at the Pocono 500 and the conversation was a hot topic again last week at Michigan International Speedway.
“I heard someone make a comment, ‘They’re race-car drivers, making millions of dollars. They’re hot. Who cares?”‘ Jeff Burton said. “I guess that’s a good point, but at the same time it’s to the point of being ridiculous.
NASCAR technical director Steve Peterson said the new cars can get about 10 degrees hotter - up to 140 degrees - than previous models because exhaust exits on the right side instead of both sides.
“You could certainly cook eggs on it to say the least,” Jimmie Johnson said. “With all the radiant heat from the tubes and the steel around you over the course of the race, you just can’t get away from the heat.”
Peterson insisted there are measures some teams are taking to improve conditions for their drivers such as adding insulation and adjusting the routing of air ducts and vents.
“Some teams are having success by doing those things and some teams are reluctant to add weight or alter the aerodynamics,” Peterson said. “The different way teams are attacking the heat leads to us seeing one guy driving with a floor pan at 140 degrees and another guy at 100 in the same race.
“It’s a difficult area for NASCAR to regulate. Some drivers say it’s not a problem and others say it’s a serious one, so obviously we want to help those guys.”
Brian Vickers is among those asking for assistance.
“We’re killing ourselves,” he said. “We’re going to the infield-care center off the races ANZ Frequent Flyer and that’s ridiculous. NASCAR needs to …continue reading