During the recent race at Circuit of the Americas (COTA), Kyle Larson faced severe heat inside his Next Gen car cockpit due to a malfunctioning cool suit, a device designed to keep drivers’ bodies cool. While Larson endured the sweltering conditions, he plans to adopt a cooling method used by Chase Elliott, his fellow driver, to better manage temperatures in upcoming races.
Kyle Larson Responds to Cool Suit Malfunction
Kyle Larson experienced intense discomfort at COTA last week when his cool suit stopped functioning, leaving him trapped in a hot cockpit that impaired his performance. Despite this challenge, Larson remains confident about using a cooling system again and intends to experiment with an alternative approach favored by Chase Elliott.
“I’m not scared of the cool shirt by any means still. But yeah, this week I’m going to try… so Chase, he runs a cool suit every now and then.”
Kyle Larson described his willingness to continue using such technology even after the failure during the race.
He revealed specifics about the alternative cooling method Elliott uses:
“I think he runs some device called the Chibi, which is like a little like a pad thing that goes over the core, and I think it connects to like a fan sort of thing. So I’m going to try that this weekend just to see what it feels like.”
Larson’s plan to test this device reflects an innovative step in combating the heat during races.
While Larson prepares for the new solution, Chase Elliott clarified that the device isn’t his own invention:
“It was something Jimmie used to run back in the day. I adopted it from something that he did.”
Elliott crediting Jimmie indicates the technique has been used before but is now gaining more attention due to recent challenges.
Function and Challenges of Cool Suit Technology
Cool suits operate by circulating chilled liquid through small tubes embedded in the suit using a compact pump. This cooling system is intended to maintain the driver’s body temperature during races, similar to how a radiator cools a car engine. Recently, Formula 1 also adopted similar cooling suits, especially for high-heat events like the Qatar Grand Prix.
However, NASCAR drivers face amplified heat issues because the Next Gen cars generate more internal heat, and unlike Formula 1, the enclosed cockpits restrict airflow even further. These extremes expose weaknesses in the current cooling technology, leading to failures during races and causing drivers significant discomfort.
Common Reasons for Cool Suit Failures
The simplest yet most frequent malfunction occurs when the pump stops circulating the coolant, which prevents the suit from lowering the driver’s body heat. Without this circulation, the thick, insulated suit becomes a heat trap inside the minuscule cockpit, intensifying the driver’s struggle.
Another problem arises when the hoses carrying the coolant disconnect or bend sharply due to a driver’s seated position. These kinks or detachments block the flow of coolant, rendering the suit ineffective. Such failures, like the one Larson endured at COTA, transform the cooling system from a relief into an additional hazard during the race.
Looking Ahead: Adaptations and Expectations at Phoenix
Following the events at COTA, Kyle Larson is optimistic about preventing similar issues at the upcoming race in Phoenix, where cooler temperatures are anticipated. He plans to try the “Chibi” device to see if it can offer effective body cooling without the risk of catastrophic failure.
This situation has amplified the focus on driver safety and comfort, spotlighting the need for improvements in cooling technology for high-heat venues. Innovations like Elliott’s adapted system could mark a significant evolution, ensuring drivers maintain performance and health during races that push physical limits.
Kyle Larson’s willingness to adopt new solutions speaks to the ongoing quest in NASCAR to blend safety with peak competition performance, with fans and experts watching closely to see how these technologies hold up under pressure.
Kyle Larson on not reconsidering wearing a cool shirt on hot days after his malfunctioned last week. He is going to try something different this week because he doesn't feel it will be as hot. @NASCARONFOX pic.twitter.com/pk3UylbA6H
— Bob Pockrass (@bobpockrass) March 8, 2026
