There is another side of NASCAR where certain things are not discussed on TV—topics like how NASCAR drivers pee. The drivers have to face a unique challenge in a situation like this. They are restricted to their cars for a long, especially during longer races like the Daytona 500, which lasts 3-5 hours. So it is only natural that they have the urge to relieve themselves.
Some drivers opt to use a catheter. It is a tube that is inserted into the bladder. This catheter is usually attached to a bag. It allows the drivers to urinate while racing. This ensures that they do not have to get out of the car or stop their race. This is an easy way for NASCAR drivers to relieve themselves.
While some drivers use a catheter, others use relief bottles. It is a small container the drivers use to urinate while racing. The bottle is discarded later, this way, the drivers do not have to make a pit stop and waste time. In other cases, certain drivers may choose to make a pit stop and have a bathroom break. Though it won’t take long, it will cost them time. Some drivers also use salt tablets to avoid dehydration, and loss of fluid, which also helps to reduce the urge to urinate.
Do NASCAR drivers wear diapers?
the decision about whether to use a catheter or not varies from driver to driver. Most people think that NASCAR drivers wear adult diapers while racing. However, this is not the case. It has nothing to do with medical issues and has to do with safety. Diapers are dangerous as they are highly flammable. They can catch fire quickly. It leads to safety concerns. The drivers will not choose to wear it even if they had a choice, it is unlikely that they will want any flammable material on them as it compromises the fireproof clothing.
The drivers can go in their race suits when nature calls. This is to avoid wasting time during the race. More often than not, the drivers plan and avoid such circumstances. Having to urinate during a race can be distracting. The race car drivers prioritize the event. The teams demand a clear driver’s mind for success. The drivers each have different opinions.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. was blunt and candid on this subject
The Peein question is one of the most common questions drivers encounter during fan interaction. Retired Cup driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. was quite open about how the drivers relieve themselves. He once revealed that he had done it in his racing suit while racing.
Well, you do go to the bathroom, Yeah, so if you can hold it, you hold it. If you can’t hold it, you go. It’s not too often that this happens because the car is really hot, and you sweat a lot, and you basically lose all your water weight through sweating.
Earnhardt Jr gave a clear explanation;
So your bladder never fills up. If it’s a hot day and you get really nervous before the race and you drank too much water because you think you are going to dehydrate, you typically end up having to go to the bathroom before you even get the green flag.
In 2014, the NASCAR legend answered a few Twitter questions. A little boy had asked him how often he peed during the race. Dale Earnhardt Sr.’s son replied, saying it was one or two times per year. While some drivers are shy to speak about it, others do not mind. Awkward questions like these are often thrown at drivers.
Two-time Cup champion Joey Logano once addressed the peeing question and said:
That efficiency combined with a large bladder definitely helps, though, I haven’t had to do that [pee in his car] in a few years. I just store water. I’m like a camel, I never have to go to the bathroom. So, I don’t know, but for some, it’s not a good situation to be in.
How do NASCAR drivers drink during the race?
The drivers are advised to stay hydrated during a race. As they are restricted to their car for a long time, they lose a huge amount of fluids. However, there are certain ways to keep themselves hydrated. Most NASCAR drivers use a drinking system. It is similar to how Formula One drivers drink water during the race. There is a small tube that is attached to the bottle on one end and the driver’s mouth on the other end.
It is either a water bottle or a small pack. The racing driver can also make pit stops to hydrate themselves. But they would not opt for this as it would cost them time. They usually drink during caution periods, in case of an accident or some other issue on track.
The drivers need to keep themselves hydrated. Whether it is relieving themselves or hydrating they often do it while racing. They avoid any other distractions. At the end of the day, the focus is to win.
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