race car drivers?

Question

Do you have to be in good physical condition to be a race car driver?

Answer 1

Alot will depend on the specifics of the race car and series. As a generalization, it does require a level of physical fitness. At the most grueling, you will need the strength to hold your head upright while under regular 3-4G side loads, going on for a couple hours. You will need to be able to precisely exert 300-400lbs of pressure on the brake pedal to less than a pound exactness many times per lap over than same couple hours. You will need to keep the car balanced with exact, and sublte, input in 100+ degree temperature while wearing 3 or more layers of clothing, and do so with no margin for error.

Of course, not all race situations will be so demanding. But better physical condition tends to make a driver better able to hold up to the mental aspects, which can be completely exhausting. While instructing at open track events, I've found most enthusiasts venturing out onto a track for the first time tend to discover that a few15-20 minute sessions can often times leave them feeling completely drained and worn out. This is mostly due to the fact that driving on a race track is much more focused both physically and mentally than simply driving as most of us do day to day (also worth going down to any local karting tracks if you have them and see how sore a first time driver will be from just 15 minutes!).

The fact that there are some drivers that may not appear to be in great shape, that are able to have some success often leads people to believe that it is not a physically demanding sport. Some are less physically demanding than others, and experience often reveals ways to accomplish more with less physical excertion. But it is far more physically demanding than most realize.

Answer 2

Micheal Waltrip 55 Napa Auto Parts Car.

Answer 3

To be a racecar driver, you don't HAVE to be in good physical shape. Just like to be a football player you don't HAVE to be in good physical shape. Remember the Refrigerator, William Perry?

But to be the one of the BEST racecar drivers you DO have to be in good physical shape. Tony Stewart found that out last year. He's been losing weight in the off-season and working with a personal trainer. Drivers like Mark Martin and Carl Edwards have been training for years.

So, just like in baseball or football, you might be able to be out of shape and rely solely on talent. But you'll go farther if you have talent AND a good physical fitness routine.

Answer 4

yes you do, imagine driving around a track with a 52 lb healmet on your head, thats what some race drivers feel like on some of the turns, not to mention ive heard of racers loosing 20 lb of water in the course of a 3 hour race

Answer 5

race car drivers

Answer 6

In single seaters, drivers can experience multiple G forces, where the body feels many times heavier that it actually is. Also, many drivers complain of sore neck muscles after races.

Yes you do have to be physically fit

Answer 7

yes. stamina and endrurance are esstenial, also iv heard some race drivers have vision better than 20/20.. which means they can read fine print from more than 20 feet away in both eyes

Answer 8

open wheel racers are in great condition, working out is part of their routine, just look at them!!! unlike some of the Nascar drivers.

Answer 9

For your average weekend racer, no not really.For the professinal, top notch athlete...yes.

Answer 10

Yes of course you have to be