If someone is acclimatized to the intricacies of Formula 1, then they will surely be aware of the cool-down rooms. These rooms help the drivers to wind down after a straining race. But in assertion, motorsports in general are considered to be some of the most physically strenuous sports. The drivers endure a high amount of pressure on their physical and their mental selves. Their heartbeat rises up exponentially and they also lose a significant amount of weight.
Unlike the open-wheel cars in F1, things are different when it comes to racing in close-bound cars in NASCAR. The technicalities in NASCAR vary in multiple ways, even regarding the maintenance of optimal temperature in the cars.
In races like the Cup Series in NASCAR, where the temperature inside the car can rise up to 120-130 degrees Fahrenheit, it is nearly impossible for the drivers to keep their cool. But thanks to modern-day engineering, the cars are fitted with a cooling system to prevent overheating of the car as well as the drivers.
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It is not just the drivers who enjoy this privilege, but also the whole of the grid associated with the drivers who enjoy these technological advancements. However, it is the higher formats of NASCAR, like the Cup Series or Xfinity Series, that enjoy these.
This is evident from Dale Earnhardt Jr’s confession in his podcast episode of Dale Jr. Download.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. reveals the troubles of driving in different formats
Dale Jr who was at the North Wilkesboro Speedway for the CARS Late Model Tour, revealed the ordeals he faced in the scorching heat.
He revealed to his co-host Mike Davis, “It was hot. So they repaved the infield of this racetrack with asphalt. I told him I said, Man, you guys gotta not repave with asphalt don’t do that. Let’s put concrete down. Concrete does not radiate heat as much as asphalt like a brand-new coat of asphalt on an 80-degree day.”
“Around your knees and your waist. It’s about 90 (degrees). Because the heat radiates off the brand-new asphalt. It was so hot down in that garage. All those haulers blocking any bit of wind that might be coming around. I was standing at one point and I was like, man, it’s got to be 90 degrees. And somebody showed me their phone and 79. That’s like it feels miserable down here.”
He also stressed the fact, “But that was I’m not complaining, like which I shouldn’t be, because everything about being there was amazing. But the constant heat and humidity, especially on Tuesday, was really difficult.”
The co-owner of JR Motorsports also disclosed the disparity between the different formats of racing in NASCAR. He asserts, “It reminded me of in the Cup series how pampered we are. We have motorhomes and big O 18-wheeler trailer truck trailers to climb in with air conditioners. Man, we got cool suits when we’re racing and everything’s about comfort. They even have the term ‘driver comfort,’ right?… And I’m sitting there going, man, this is far removed from all those things.”
Even his co-host Mike Davis, in agreement, expressed, “There is somebody whose role is driver comfort.”
Watch This Story: Dale Jr. Follows His Father’s Legacy As He Makes A Massive Reveal, Taking Fans On A Trip Down Memory Lane
The co-owner of JR Motorsports reveals his liking for Late Model Racing
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Nevertheless, the Hall of Famer surely enjoyed himself racing in the Late Model Series at the iconic track. He reinforces the fact, “But that’s what’s great about, I think, you know, grassroots and late model stock racing. it’s a throwback. It’s getting back to those basics of showing up, unloading your car, and racing, and that’s what everybody was doing.”
Even the drivers from Cup Series like Kevin Harvick and Brad Keselowski also joined Junior and competed in the series. But the Hall of Famer did not have a favorable result and finished 16th in the race.
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But it is not the result, but the thought that counts for this veteran driver. It eventually boils down to enjoying the racing or as he expressed in an interview, “I had a blast driving the car and racing everybody, It’s awesome to be part of the All-Star week. The All-Star race is a big moment for the Cup Series and their season. And for the CARS Tour, to be a part of this, this week — it puts us on a big stage.”