Forum: HoseHeads Sprint Car General Forum (go)
Moderators: dirtonly  /  dmantx  /  hosehead

Let's open up the floor to a seldomly talked about subject in motorsports racing.  What do you think is the most worked body part of a driver and why?  

If you were to be on a fitness program focused on improving as a driver, what areas do you think should be hit on the most and why?

Would think the neck, even with the new seats and neck restraint devices.  

I'd start by hittimg the cardio early and often. It'll help to lower your resting heart rate and improve your health in general. As far as strength training, I'd go with core for better stability. After that I'd go with lats, and legs and then everything else.

A lot of pull ups, pull downs, squats, leg presses, shrugs, etc.

You don't hear much about the workout reginmens of sprint car drivers. It seems like the common theme between all race car drivers at the higher levels are very cardio and strength based. Formula 1 drivers focus on overall race fitness with special attention on neck strength to endure the G forces the cars pull. Fernando Alonso, for instance, can crack a walnut with his neck. IndyCar drivers focus a lot on upper and lower body strength in their arms and legs due to having no power steering or power brakes. You hear different things about NASCAR drivers, but cardio most likely has to be the key focus since they're literally sitting in an oven for three plus hours every Sunday.

A good portion of the IndyCar drivers tran at PitFit in Indianapolis. It's pretty interesting to see a gym that is tailored towards fitness for race car drivers.

https://pitfit.com/

Ask Frank

I think as a whole there are more drivers who take exercise more serious but probably isn't discussed a ton. I've heard a handful of drivers discuss their routines including Joey Saldana, Jamie Ball, Wayne Johnson, and Aarons popular bicycle toss program. 

Keep It Real

Logan Schuchart has a workout regiment that's keeps him in excellent shape. 

Wonder what Steve Kinsers workout consisted of?

Most worked body part is the brain. Gotta process things and make decisions so quickly and constantly plus hand-eye/foot coordination. 

It seems like the bicycle toss program may be a little bit more dangerous than beneficial.  

Back in the 60's their exercise regimen was a Marlboro and cold beer after the races.   Today drivers have power steering and fitness club memberships.  I have no point but I just had to type that anyways because I'm old, senile and bored watching the Doty Classic hoping they can get the whiole show in tonight.  Ruetzel is having a hard time staying between the lines in his Heat race.  He bicycled twice in his Heat, no pun intended.

Stan Meissner

" Fernando Alonso, for instance, can crack a walnut with his neck. "?????????????????????

It's true. The ol boy is stout.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uDhNtt9DruM

Ask Frank

Or Tony Stewart.    I remember Tony talking about similarities between himself and AJ Foyt and commenting that neither one of them would ever be a spokesman for Jenny Craig...

As a former racer I can tell you it does give you more of a workout than you'd think especially on a heavy or rough track. Cant really think of isolated body part seems like I felt it evenly throughout my body

The late Steve Smith used to have a bare chassis in his shop with the the steering connected to a shock to create an arm shoulder and upper body workout. I'm pretty sure Stevie used it too. It does help to be in shape when the track is heavy or the temps are in the 90's.

I have seen a few drivers post themselves in the offseason using rowing machines for cardio, chest, and arm workouts. In past years when I have seen drivers out for a run when they have 2 day shows or at events like the Knoxville Nationals. Last year at I 55 I remember Logan, Brad, Gravel, Carson, and others mentioning how wore out they were have their heat races since the layover in competition. I think Logan and Brad had mentioned that they try to stay in shape and workout but nothing really prepares you for how hard you have to work in the car.

Big deal. I can dunk a basketball with my eyebrows......

I've heard rumors that the winningest drivers have over developed right leg muscles...

The BRAIN !!!

Steve was one of the greatest. He was in shape when he was younger and a good former wrestler.

My all-time favorite driver, Doug Wolfgang was also one of the greatest drivers, and he was in excellent shape.

I remember him one weekend at 34 raceways on a Sunday morning for a Sunday night race, after racing Knoxville on Saturday night.

He was there early in his motor home and just got back from a 5 mile run. He was the only racer there that early. I visited with him for about 20 minutes and he was super friendly. A lot of these guys are nice and good to talk to, but they need their space when they are in the pits and racing. Back to the point, I would say the racers need to be in good shape.