Enhancing Driver Performance

Racecar drivers are elite athletes, each need to be prepared to deal with the harsh conditions that are experienced during the race. A driver will have to face extreme heat and sore muscles. The heart rate while driving can get up to 180 bpm.

standard meal composition for athletes

Advice

You need to start hydrating 2 days before you get in the car. Many drivers try to drink as much Gatorade as they can on race day. The body doesn't work this way and proper nutrition needs to be consumed days before. You should be eating meals full of vitamins, carbs, and proteins at least a week before the race. Sleep is imperative; starting 5 days before the weekend, make sure you get a "full nights rest". I consider a "full nights rest" to be where you wake up without an alarm, your not groggy in the morning and not tired during the day.

At the track make sure to drink lots of water, only 1 bottle of Gatorade should be consumed per day. For snacks, you should be eating nuts, bananas, oranges, berries, apples, and granola. Stay away from Soda and junk food. Try to eat the healthiest breakfast and lunch possible, I personally get food from the supermarket. Once again good rest is the main priority, don't stay out late. Make sure your meals aren't heavy, especially dinner and take multi-vitamin tablets all weekend long. Avoiding the sun and getting sick is another key objective.

30 minutes prior to each session, make sure you are out of the A/C. Your body needs to be warmed up but not overly hot. Coaching through video tends to produce the best results. Focusing on the driver will get you more speed than trying to have the best car. When you are driving you should be comfortable in the cockpit and focused on performing to the best of your abilities. If you aren't doing well, don't pay attention to the results. Figure out what is costing you the most speed and work on that area.