Drivers and Heat

[Fred Elsass]

I agree with all that Mr. Bennett said in his post.


I have had much exposure to savage heat. There are not many places that get as hot as Little River race track in central Texas. High temperatures and humidity will eat your lunch. Also several years ago working the pits at Summitt Motorsports for Bill Bader Sr. with a track temperature of 140 was terrible.


Here are a couple things that you can do that are not expensive. Wear a wide brimed hat for starters. Then look at your body and ask where are the four places that you can lose heat. They are the top of your head, your neck, your hands and your feet.


Take two hand towels and soak them in ice water, every one has a ice chest, put one around your neck and place one on the top of your head and cover with said hat. Place your hands into the ice water for several minutes. Also, take your shoes off and put your feet in the ice water. Also if you have access to running water soak your shoes and feet in cold water.


No need for a high dollar cool vest. That is for Formula 1.



Have never had any after effects from heat.


Still racing at 83, see all of you at Norwalk next weekend.



Sarge

[R. Thorne]

Good advice, Fred.

[Ralph A Powell]

Do not put cold towels around your neck! It slows blood flow to the brain!

[rboyle]

I used the cooling towels that you soak in ice water, worked pretty good. Also used a windshield visor when pitted and tried to keep the car in the shade or under my awning or tent. I used my fire suit jacket on the roof in the lanes to try and keep the roof from getting hot in the lanes too. Inside my helmet I bought these velcro sweat bands they make for hard hats. Kept the sweat from dripping in my eyes.
Lastly, for humid nights, I had industrial size bags of dessicant, the little sugar packet size ones come in most electronic packages, they absorb moisture and used anti fog by Rainex on the inside of all the windows to keep them clear when the dew rose at night.
Stay hydrated and safe

[1320racer]

what we do is a warm weather, sun shining sport. If racing in the heat bothers you that much stay home with the AC on.

[nickh]

Originally Posted by Ralph A Powell

Do not put cold towels around your neck! It slows blood flow to the brain!

Absolutely Ralph, just a cool wet towel, ice water towel can send a person into shock very quickly!! Great Point!

Worked in a shingle factory for a few years, you hydrate the day before, and maintain your hydration throughout the next day. If you are thirsty it is too late!

[RNNChrisbarnes]

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