Brutally hot day road racing, questions about keeping the body cool...

SoCal Rebell

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Went road racing at WSIR and Buttonwillow this weekend and it was HOT. 110 degrees at both tracks, add to that long pants and sleeves, a helmet and gloves and having to run the heater to keep the car cool and it sucked. I drank alot of water and Gatorade but still got literally sick to my stomach after one session.

Does anyone run a cooling vest? Luc, maybe you can chime in on this. Viper racer John Grieco was there and he had one also but I was too hot to talk to him about it. Can one of these systems be set up in a street Viper? What's involved? What's the cost?
 

Tom Glenn

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Ron, The first thing I would do is install a larger radiator so you don't have to run the heater. Ron Davis makes one that is a perfect drop in and I think Fluidyne makes one also. Additionally I recommend an "Up and Coming" soup star in the passenger seat fanning you!
 
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The link in the previous shows the typical "cool suit" many race supply shops carry them. They work great and if you are creative you can make your own. The 12 v pump can be purchased from a Marine supply store (bilge pump).

I strap the cool suit box to the spare tire post with the box supported by the spare tire. It fits perfect(GTS). Then run the 12v line from the cig lighter and your are set for cool driving.

I use quick connect fittings on the 12v supply at the water box so it is easy to remove the box and refill with ice/water.

Be sure to secure the box lid with the tie down or you will need to use tape around the lid to keep water from spilling.

Keep Kool!
 

CAS

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I read somewhere that an effective way to keep yourself cool is to use ice-bags and stuff them in your drivers suit. You can use those blue-ice packs too..

Clint
 
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SoCal Rebell

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Chuck 98 RT/10

There is nobody on this board that sweats as much as I do

[/B]<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Chuck please tell me this is NOT your opening line when you try to pick up ****** girls
laugh.gif
 

Chuck 98 RT/10

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by SoCal Rebell:
Chuck please tell me this is NOT your opening line when you try to pick up ****** girls
laugh.gif


<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hmmm, you think maybe I should change it???
 

Fast Viper Dan

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Fred is right, You can buy a cool suit from wine country motor sports at sears point for under $300.I don't know there web site
but it should be easy to find. I look forward to using mine this week end!
Dan
 

ACR Larry

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Ron,

The daughter of a woman that works for me drags a top fuel dragster. She was just telling me about low cost water cooled vest. I will get the details for you.

Larry

P.S. Please don't drive naked. That is a very scary picture.
 

Chuck 98 RT/10

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<BLOCKQUOTE><font size="1" face="Verdana, Arial">quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Venom Lover:
The answer is....just take it like a man....

<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

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Ron, I'm so disappointed with you. I thought you could tough it out. There is nobody on this board that sweats as much as I do here in the land of oppressive humidity and I don't need no stinking cool suit. But Gary Lashinsky in Orlando wears one for his tender butt. His crew chief Larry Macedo can give you some advice.
http://www.performancemotorsportsllc.com/
 

99t1

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I sweat more than Chuck. I too have heard great things about the cool suits and hope someday to try one...but just some VW flexible vent tubing (@2-3 inches diameter) with a wire tie around the mirror can help vent the air in the window and you might "feel" cooler especially when wearing a full face helmet.
 

Paul Fischer

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In Texas we know a little something about heat, 110 just isn't fun unless you've got at least 90% humidity thrown in as well. The best advice I could give is keep yourself in good physical condition. Hit the gym at least 4-5 times a week, eat well, no alcohol for at least 24 hours before an event, get a full night's sleep, no caffine, carbonated beverages, cigars or sugar in your system by grid time (or as little as possible, sugar is the enemy of judgement, ever read the label on where those carbs in sports drinks come from?). Want to pick a sucker? Find the guy up late in the bar with a stogie and a few drinks in him the night before an event and bet pink slips. You'll need a trailer for his car before you leave the track Sunday.

Heat is your friend if you are used to it. Train into it and when it fatigues the others you clean up. Not that a cool suit isn't a great idea, there's a reason they are so popular. My favorite is a cool down shower between heats, and sticking your hands in an ice water bath to radiate heat. Just like skiing or skin diving the hands and head radiate a lot of energy. An ice water towel on the face is very refreshing. And never forget to keep your mental attitude in the best of shape. Check resentments and distractions at the gate, the body follows the mind and attitude is everything. Greeting your fellow drivers with a cheery "Good morning! Who's coming in second?..." always sets the proper tone
wink.gif
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Make sure your car is ready too. Differential coolers, upgraded power steering coolers set in the fascia intake, vented hoods are all insurance that you won't have to trailer home what you drove to the track. If you've added horsepower under the hood there's a good chance you've added heat as well. Change fluids after every event, or during if it's a long hard weekend. That goes for the car too.
 

Bernard

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Pauls advice is the best I've seen. He is totally on the mark. I was exhausted at WSIR and the thermostat red lined after 6 laps. On Monday I resumed training at the gym and will purchase a new radiator for the car.
 

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