Watching the post race interviews after the Pocono race this weekend, I noticed how fatigued the drivers all appeared to be. Say for the exception of Kasey Kahne who won the race, all the drivers looked to be suffering from heat exhaustion. Earlier during the week of practice I heard complaints from drivers that even though the COT has more room for the driver to move around, it also has less airflow for cooling the drivers. Jeff Burton, noted for his quick criticisms of NASCAR, claimed that his car was the hottest he’s every driven.

Let me backup and point out a couple of things. These drivers are now driving the safest car autoracing has ever seen. They also have an airconditioning tube that connects to their helmets to give them cool air on their heads and necks.

One thing I am curious about is the fact that the driver ultimately has the conrtol to turn off the interal fans and blowers for the brakes and the AC. I’m wondering if the drivers just choose not to use the blowers and fans becuase it affects their horsepower. I mean, no other track has a straightaway longer than Pocono’s. And where else would you need horsepower more than coming off of turn 3 there?

Granted, I also heard that the hoses for the blowers in the COT are not in a good position inside the car to give the driver cool air. And I can see where NASCAR could maybe adjust a little to the car to help the drivers out with that. But in my opinion, with the summer races still ahead, the teams need to find better ways to keep the drivers cool. I think it has always been a conscience decision of how warm it is in the car and it falls solely on the driver. If you’re too warm in the car, ask for a bag of ice during a pit stop!! These drivers might just be getting a little too comfy out there if you ask me.

Tags: COT, heat exhaustion, NASCAR, racing