It has been a hot debate whether stock car drivers, particularly NASCAR drivers, are considered athletes. A sports celebrity once heated up this argument by commenting that an individual who just sits inside and drives the car don’t make him an athlete. However, these professional drivers have proven otherwise.
Stock-car racing is not a regular daily drive. Drivers are in the race for four to five hours, and most locations where the competitions are held have extremely high weather temperatures. The temperature inside the driver’s cockpit can reach up to 120 F. Plus, drivers steer and maneuver a 3,400-pound car in a very challenging track with sharp curves and bumps, not to mention avoiding these obstacles with a lot of other vehicles in the way.
Just like other athletes, NASCAR drivers take their physical training seriously. The overall training focuses on strength and endurance. Endurance helps drivers in surviving the extreme conditions during the race. The lack of oxygen in the driver’s cockpit is a major concern. Since the cars are designed for optimum speed, not comfort, the air does not properly circulate inside. The drivers need to adjust with the amount of oxygen available. In their physical conditioning, aerobic exercises are needed to help improve oxygen synthesis in the body.
A strength program such as weight lifting also plays a vital role in drivers’ preparation. This helps them acquire the strength they need for handling the vehicle, steering the wheels, and making those sharp turns. This also helps drivers to bear with strong forces brought about by excessive G-forces.
NASCAR drivers perform these training along with proper nutrition and sufficient rest to reach their optimal physical and mental condition needed for the big chase.
My name is Steve Liefschultz, a part-time Web developer, and full-time NASCAR fan. During race seasons, you could hardly find me at home but you can always connect with me on Twitter.
Image source: fox40.com
Stock-car racing is not a regular daily drive. Drivers are in the race for four to five hours, and most locations where the competitions are held have extremely high weather temperatures. The temperature inside the driver’s cockpit can reach up to 120 F. Plus, drivers steer and maneuver a 3,400-pound car in a very challenging track with sharp curves and bumps, not to mention avoiding these obstacles with a lot of other vehicles in the way.
Just like other athletes, NASCAR drivers take their physical training seriously. The overall training focuses on strength and endurance. Endurance helps drivers in surviving the extreme conditions during the race. The lack of oxygen in the driver’s cockpit is a major concern. Since the cars are designed for optimum speed, not comfort, the air does not properly circulate inside. The drivers need to adjust with the amount of oxygen available. In their physical conditioning, aerobic exercises are needed to help improve oxygen synthesis in the body.
A strength program such as weight lifting also plays a vital role in drivers’ preparation. This helps them acquire the strength they need for handling the vehicle, steering the wheels, and making those sharp turns. This also helps drivers to bear with strong forces brought about by excessive G-forces.
NASCAR drivers perform these training along with proper nutrition and sufficient rest to reach their optimal physical and mental condition needed for the big chase.
Image source: fan4racing.com
My name is Steve Liefschultz, a part-time Web developer, and full-time NASCAR fan. During race seasons, you could hardly find me at home but you can always connect with me on Twitter.
