[Norm Lenhart]

Every racer I ever saw getting out of a car (or truck) was soaked in swear and clearly ‘exerted’ if not outright tired. Even the local limited lap events are pretty demanding. It gets pretty hot in there with no insulation on the floor/firewall.

Years ago one of the off-road magazines ran a series on one of the sport’s biggest name stars of the day, Ivan “Ironman” Stewart and his physical training routine. Most race fans have probably heard the name somewhere along the lines - Toyota truck commercials, video games etc. It was pretty much Olympic caliber training stuff. Stewart got the name from racing, and repeatedly winning, the Baja 1000 solo.

He was far away from ‘not an athelete.”

[PA Engineer]

He was far away from ‘not an athelete.”

I would kid my driver (friend) on the fire suit (black) being stained in sweat. He wore it as a baptismal badge. I would marvel on track signing day that he would stand out there in the hot sun signing the long line from t-shirts to hats. I would hunker in the air conditioned featherlite.

Foot injuries were the most damaging. They were very prevalent and debilitating. I could not imagine driving that way. I did adjustment laps. I enjoyed it, but only if I did not have to share with 20+ cars.

With all due respect to the female drivers I gained an appreciation for the brass ones needed to compete in this sport (not to mention the technical aspects).