Concerns Over Cockpit Heat in NASCAR's Next Gen Cars

Chase Elliott, a prominent NASCAR driver, has raised significant concerns regarding the increased cockpit temperatures in the current Next Gen cars. This issue became particularly evident during the NASCAR Cup Series race at the Circuit of the Americas, where several drivers experienced extreme heat conditions. Notably, AJ Allmendinger faced a critical situation when his cooling suit system malfunctioned, necessitating medical attention after he exited his vehicle. This incident has reignited discussions about driver safety in high-temperature environments.

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Elliott attributes the heightened cockpit temperatures to modifications in the car's airflow, exhaust placement, and heat evacuation systems compared to previous models. He explained that the redesigned underbody and airflow management limit heat dissipation, leading to uncomfortable conditions for drivers. “I don’t know what you do. I mean, these cars are hot,” Elliott stated, emphasizing the stark difference in airflow between the older and newer models. He noted that while driving the older cars, fresh air could be felt by simply extending a hand out the window, a stark contrast to the warm air experienced in the Next Gen cars.

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The changes in exhaust layout have further exacerbated the heat issue. Elliott pointed out that the new design channels exhaust on both sides of the car, redistributing heat and limiting the amount of cool air available to drivers. “There’s just a lot of hot air coming out of the way the hood scoop thing works and how it exhausts warm air over the car,” he explained. This redesign results in drivers enduring hotter cockpit conditions for extended periods, particularly in warmer climates.

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To combat the extreme heat, drivers often rely on cooling shirts, which have become more prevalent in NASCAR garages. Elliott acknowledged that while these systems have been available for many years, they were historically avoided due to their tendency to fail during races. “But certainly, you know, back in the day, the cool shirt thing has been around for a really long time,” he noted. However, advancements in technology have improved their reliability, leading more drivers to utilize them.

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Despite these improvements, Elliott cautioned that cooling systems still struggle in extreme heat conditions. “Anything that works like that, that has taken a really warm environment and cooling it, is subject to failing in an environment that’s really saturated with heat,” he stated, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by drivers in managing cockpit temperatures.

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Chase Elliott has been vocal about the need for improvements in cockpit cooling systems and the overall design of Next Gen cars to enhance driver safety. His insights reflect a growing concern among drivers regarding the impact of extreme heat on performance and health during races.

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While Elliott's concerns are shared by many in the racing community, some critics argue that the focus on cockpit temperatures may detract from other pressing safety issues within NASCAR. They emphasize the need for a comprehensive approach to driver safety that encompasses various factors beyond just heat management.

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• “I don’t know what you do. I mean, these cars are hot. You know, if you’re going down the straightaway, the best example I can give is: if you’re in the old car and you stick your hand out the window, it’s cool and fresh air. Whereas now you’re going down the straightaway at any track, but particularly like Speedways are a great example because when you stick your hand out the window, if you didn’t have your gloves on, you’d probably burn it.” — Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver

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• “There’s just a lot of hot air coming out of the way the hood scoop thing works and how it exhausts warm air over the car.” — Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver

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• “But I think anything that works like that, that has taken a really warm environment and cooling it, is subject to failing in an environment that’s really saturated with heat.” — Chase Elliott, NASCAR Driver

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