While many NASCAR drivers face exhaustion during the sweltering summer race weekends, Ricky Stenhouse Jr. credits his upbringing in Mississippi for giving him a distinct heat advantage. The native of Olive Branch believes that growing up in the humid South has better prepared him to endure the extreme cockpit temperatures that challenge others in the field.
The soaring heat that accompanies summer races continues to push drivers to their physical limits, with dehydration and fatigue emerging as common obstacles. However, Stenhouse remains remarkably resilient when others often falter under these demanding conditions.
Choosing to Forego Cooling Suits Offers Stenhouse an Edge
Many drivers rely heavily on cooling suits to regulate their body temperature in the oppressive heat. These suits circulate chilled liquid through tubes in a special shirt, designed to help prevent overheating. Despite their widespread use, Stenhouse has opted not to wear them during races, citing their unreliability.
On his social media, Stenhouse explained his decision, stating,
This is why I don’t wear one,
and adding,
They break more than they work. Hot water on you is no good.
He views the cooling suits as more problematic than beneficial.
In a SiriusXM Radio interview, Stenhouse elaborated on why the heat suits him, saying,
I think for me it was growing up in hot and humid Mississippi,
and continuing,
I love the heat and I hate being cold, so it’s just been who I am for a long time.
Training Techniques That Build Heat Endurance
Growing up in Mississippi’s humid climate has contributed not only to Stenhouse’s natural tolerance but also shaped his unique preparation methods. Unlike many competitors who depend heavily on cooling technology and controlled environments, Stenhouse incorporates heat exposure into his training regimen.
He shared,
I will say, being gone from Mississippi and then going back in the summer a couple of times, it is hotter than I remember. So maybe that really did play a factor into me liking the heat.
This reflection highlights how his roots continue to influence his endurance.
Stenhouse incorporates sauna sessions and deliberately trains without air conditioning multiple days a week to acclimate his body to heat and humidity, explaining,
I do sauna training as well,
and,
I work out in my gym with no AC two or three days a week. So I do things that help with being in the car when it’s hot and humid.
His approach allows him to stay focused and physically prepared during grueling summer races, where cockpit temperatures can be unforgiving.
Implications of Stenhouse’s Heat Resilience in NASCAR Competition
As temperatures rise during the summer NASCAR schedule, driver fatigue caused by heat remains a significant concern. The reliability of cooling suits continues to be questioned after several notable failures, including incidents involving Kyle Larson’s recent race difficulties in Chicago.
Stenhouse’s ability to endure these harsh conditions without relying on cooling apparel distinguishes him as one of the few drivers who can maintain performance as others struggle. This advantage may prove crucial in the demanding chain of summer races ahead, impacting not only his stamina but also his competitive edge on the track.
Ultimately, Stenhouse’s Mississippi background and dedicated heat-conditioning regimen provide a strategic benefit, allowing him to confront one of NASCAR’s most overlooked challenges with confidence and effectiveness.
