| So does NASCAR driver physical conditioning matter? | | | | driver physical conditioning will include aerobic |
| Some would debate that NASCAR drivers are not | | | | exercises so as to optimize the processing of |
| athletes but one must consider the conditions inside | | | | oxygen by the body. |
| of a NASCAR stock car race vehicle. The interiors of | | | | Part of any good physical athletic training is the |
| these cars are not designed for driver comfort with | | | | proper amount of nutrition and rest and NASCAR |
| air conditioning and surround sound. Everything about | | | | driver physical conditioning is no exception to this. By |
| a NASCAR stock car is focused on speed--not on | | | | including the proper amount of nutrition and rest in |
| comfort. So NASCAR driver physical conditioning | | | | NASCAR driver physical conditioning, the driver can |
| must be such that it builds a driver's endurance to | | | | maintaining alertness and quick reflexes which are |
| withstand some harsh conditions and G-forces. And, | | | | crucial to a safe drive. Not getting the proper amount |
| the NASCAR driver physical conditioning is very similar | | | | of rest can cause a driver to make mistakes which |
| to athletes in other sports except different areas are | | | | at 200 mph could be dangerous and even fatal. |
| built up. | | | | Without the proper nutrition and rest in NASCAR |
| The temperatures in the driver's cockpit of a | | | | driver physical conditioning, a driver can become |
| NASCAR race car can reach around 120 degrees | | | | confused and disoriented during the race. This is |
| Fahrenheit. Combine this temperature with a 500-lap | | | | especially true when combining the lack of air in the |
| race at 200 mph along with lack of air flow and you | | | | cockpit mixed with carbon monoxide fumes and |
| will see that NASCAR driver physical conditioning to | | | | tremendous G-forces (which cause disorientation as |
| build in endurance is critical. Plus, a NASCAR driver will | | | | well). G-forces can also affect vision but proper |
| need to steer and maneuver a 3,400 pound vehicle | | | | nutrition and vitamins combat against their effects. |
| around curves, other cars, and over bumps. This can | | | | NASCAR driver physical conditioning also includes |
| cause a lot of impacting against the driver plus just | | | | weight training but not in order to build mass. The |
| the strain of controlling the steering wheel. Then | | | | weight training performed by a NASCAR driver is to |
| there are the G-forces that will result from banking | | | | build up strength for steering and breaking. It is also |
| turns at speeds close to 200 mph causing pressure | | | | so that the driver's body can withstand the abuse |
| on the driver's torso as it presses against the side of | | | | from bouncing around and getting slammed from |
| the vehicle. | | | | excessive G-forces. |
| Oxygen is a problem too. Since the cars are very | | | | NASCAR driver physical conditioning separates those |
| aerodynamic so as to increase speed, the air is | | | | who can make it for an entire racing event and |
| guided around the car but does not reach the inside. | | | | those who would wear out during the qualification |
| The driver's cockpit is not pressurized like an aircraft. | | | | races. It is very important and the sport should be |
| So, the driver has to be able to process what | | | | taken just as serious as any other professional sport. |
| oxygen he gets very efficiently. Therefore, NASCAR | | | | |