Cockpit Temperature as an Indicator of Thermal Strain in Sports Car Competition

Abstract

ABSTRACT Under current Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) rules, the maximum cockpit temperature allowed in endurance sports car racing is dictated by the external ambient temperature (FIA Technical Regulation: 901-1). In the event that cockpit temperature exceeds ambient temperature, the race car driver is required to stop until the temperature has reduced. However, it is not known if cockpit temperature is an accurate measure of thermal strain on the driver. Purpose This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between race car cockpit temperature and thermal strain indicators among race car drivers. Methods Four male racing drivers’ heart rate (HR), skin temperature (Tskin), and core temperature (Tcore) were measured continuously using the Equivital Life Monitor bio harness, and physiological strain index (PSI) was calculated during a hot (ambient temperature of 34.1°C ± 2.8°C) 6-h endurance race. Only data collected during green flag racing laps were analyzed. Results Cross-sectional analyses showed that cockpit temperature did not have a significant relationship with percent of HRmax, Tskin, Tcore, or PSI (P > 0.05) during the race. Cockpit temperature decreased during driving time, whereas percent of HRmax, Tskin, Tcore, and PSI increased (P < 0.05). Conclusion Cockpit temperature does not correlate with measures of race car driver thermal strain. Therefore, metrics to determine driver thermal strain should include direct monitoring of the race car driver.