The Case for Driver Science in Motorsport: A Review and Recommendations

Abstract

When discussing sports and the athletes who participate in them, it has long been recognized that fitness is a prerequisite for optimal performance. The goal of training to improve fitness levels in athletes is ultimately to minimize the stress that the body experiences during competition. When it comes to the topic of racecar drivers, however, drivers and their trainers have largely been left to their own devices to figure out the stressors and the areas of specific training focus. Unfortunately, racecar drivers have battled the stereotype that they are not athletes, and with little regard for them as athletes, drivers are seldom the focus of scientific research related to their performance. Like the cars they drive, driver-athletes are complex, but from a physiological perspective. However, unlike the cars they drive, driver-athletes have not been examined, evaluated, and tweaked to the same degree. The purpose of this review is two-fold: first, by examining the available literature, to make the case for new research into the driver's role in the driver-car system (i.e. driver science) and the stresses experienced; second, to make the case for more extensive use of microtechnology in the real-time monitoring of driver-athletes. With the miniaturization of sensors and the advent of portable data storage devices, the prospect of quantifying the stresses unique to the driver are no longer as daunting, and the relative impossibility and difficulties associated with measuring the driver-athlete in real-time no longer need to be as challenging. Using microtechnology in the assessment of the driver-athlete and with a more public discussion and dissemination of information on the topic of driver science, the scientific community has the opportunity to quantify that which has been largely assumed and speculated. The current article will offer the following recommendations: first, rather than examining a singular physiological stressor, to examine the interaction of stressors; second, to examine variables/stressors that are more representative of the changing driver demographics; third, to measure drivers in real-time during actual race events; lastly, to work to develop training programs that more accurately apply to the driver and the stresses experienced. In uncovering this information, there is an opportunity to contribute to racing becoming that much safer, that much more competitive, and that much more comprehensive for the driver, the team, and the sport.

Speed ratio but cabin temperature positively correlated with increased heart rates among professional drivers during car races

“…Drivers maintain driving positions and the position of the head and helmet against high gravitational loading [1] primarily by isometric contraction of the neck, abdomen and legs. Therefore, increased energy requirements might be associated with increases in HR.…”

“…Drivers often experience thermal stress because safety regulations require them to wear full-face helmets, racing suits, inner wear, shoes and gloves, all of which are fireresistant [1] and impede heat diffusion by sweat. Core temperature might increase during summer races [5,10,11].…”

“…Due to increases in automobile performance caused by advances in leading-edge technology, professional race-car drivers are enduring greater physiological stress than ever before [1]. Based on a few case reports and preliminary reports, heart rate (HR) increases during car races [2][3][4][5][6].…”

Differences between racing and non-racing drivers: A simulator study using eye-tracking

“…The goal of a racing driver is typically to achieve the fastest possible lap time by driving the vehicle at the limit of tire grip in an optimal manner [ 3 , 4 ]. Unlike the extensive body of knowledge on the technological aspects of racecars, comparatively little is known about the motor, perceptual, and cognitive skills of athlete performance in motorsports [ 5 – 7 ]. Knowledge of these skills may aid in designing training methods for racing drivers and improve driver-vehicle interfaces for not only motorsport applications but also road vehicles (e.g., [ 8 – 10 ]).…”

Fit to race: Identifying the balance, type and sources of knowledge in fitness for Motorsport

“…3,4]. Despite this, however, drivers have rarely been subject to scientific research [5]. This could partly be due to data from elites not making its way to refereed journals, or filtering down to other levels.…”