G force nascar drivers#

The driver's cockpit is not pressurized like an aircraft. Since the cars are very aerodynamic so as to increase speed, the air is guided around the car but does not reach the inside. Then there are the G-forces that will result from banking turns at speeds close to 200 mph causing pressure on the driver's torso as it presses against the side of the vehicle. This can cause a lot of impacting against the driver plus just the strain of controlling the steering wheel. Plus, a NASCAR driver will need to steer and maneuver a 3,400 pound vehicle around curves, other cars, and over bumps. Combine this temperature with a 500-lap race at 200 mph along with lack of air flow and you will see that NASCAR driver physical conditioning to build in endurance is critical. The temperatures in the driver's cockpit of a NASCAR race car can reach around 120 degrees Fahrenheit.

And, the NASCAR driver physical conditioning is very similar to athletes in other sports except different areas are built up. So NASCAR driver physical conditioning must be such that it builds a driver's endurance to withstand some harsh conditions and G-forces. Everything about a NASCAR stock car is focused on speed-not on comfort. The interiors of these cars are not designed for driver comfort with air conditioning and surround sound.

G force nascar drivers#

So does NASCAR driver physical conditioning matter? Some would debate that NASCAR drivers are not athletes but one must consider the conditions inside of a NASCAR stock car race vehicle.