FrontEngineDragsters.Org Forum

Drag Racing Discussions => Front Engine Dragsters => Topic started by: wideopen231 on July 19, 2020, 05:28:54 AM

Title: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: wideopen231 on July 19, 2020, 05:28:54 AM
Has been a topic on other sites,figure hey might get some tips from guys here. I also figure we have a older group here than some other sites and has to effect us more than younger guys(lil punks). So what do you do or wear to help handle heat while wearing firesuit and sitting in small oven while straddling a heat filled trans mission.
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: AF150 on July 19, 2020, 07:07:27 AM
Ice cold rag around your neck in your fire suit when you get in car. Keeps your spinal column cool. Might have better reaction times when you feel better...
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: wideopen231 on July 19, 2020, 11:12:56 AM
if nothing else I have better attitude when not dying from heat. Looking at cpl cool vest with cold packs in them.
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: denverflatheader on July 19, 2020, 11:44:28 AM
Umbrella for dragster.
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: THE FRENCHTOWN FLYER on July 20, 2020, 03:33:39 AM
Don't wear a black helmet - wear a white helmet. Black absorbs heat - white reflects heat.
When I'm suited up on a sweltering hot day the guy I want to race is the guy in a black doorslammer wearing a black helmet and black driving suit - especially if he or a crew member is waving the door open and closed to try to get him some circulated air. I know he subconsciously can't wait to get out of that car and I'm more than happy to oblige him.

Keep your face mask up until you're in the water.

I also have a '33 Willys gasser. I put power windows in it to allow breezes to circulate. Well worth the four pounds of weight.
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: AF150 on July 20, 2020, 07:59:31 AM
I agree... Keep that umbrella making shade while you wait and by all means stay hydrated.
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: Calkins on July 20, 2020, 08:37:50 AM
There was a flat (dirt) track motorcycle race over the weekend down in Florida.  Needless to say, it was stupid hot there.  Some of the riders mentioned drinking Pedialyte or something with salt in it, because their bodies were not using the water they were taking in.

When I am out at Bonneville, I do something similar.  I started drinking Propel instead of straight water.  My body seems to 'use' the Propel better/quicker than straight water.  It tastes better, too.
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: skydvrbob on July 20, 2020, 03:48:11 PM
I have a helmet with a fresh air intake on it. I use a small plastic blower just to move some air . It keeps my glasses from fogging up also. I used it at Maxton when we ran at the mile and I also use it at Bonneville.
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: tcoupekyle on July 25, 2020, 07:13:19 AM
Good tips. I usually keep pedialyte around tastes horrible but helps hydration and hangovers lol.
Title: Re: staying cool in summer heat
Post by: xlr8 on July 28, 2020, 01:19:20 PM
I got hung out a couple Saturdays ago for over an hour all strapped in at 90 plus degrees. My umbrella helped a lot. The good news is that I think my claustrophobia (while strapped in and engine off) is gone!   :-\