How do NASCAR drivers manage nature's call during a race?

How do NASCAR drivers manage nature's call during a race?

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at November 5, 2023 at 3:26 PM

Amidst the roaring engines and screeching tires of NASCAR races, there is a burning question that sparks curiosity: "Do NASCAR drivers poop in their suits?" It is a daring inquiry that unveils the uncharted territory of these high-speed races, where wheelmen face unforgiving racetracks and the relentless pressure of nature's call.

Do NASCAR drivers poop in their suits?
Ross Chastain (1), Martin Truex Jr. (19) and Austin Dillon race during the NASCAR Cup Series 4EVER 400 on October 22, 2023, in Homestead, Florida. Photo: Sean Gardner (modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

The world of NASCAR racing is a thrilling, high-speed spectacle that captivates fans worldwide. Amid the adrenaline-pumping action and high-speed manoeuvres, there is one question that has piqued the curiosity of many: Do NASCAR drivers pee and poop in their suits? In this comprehensive article, we will dive deep into the fascinating world of NASCAR to explore how racers handle nature's call during a race.

Do NASCAR drivers poop in their suits?

Let us start by demystifying the age-old rumour: Do NASCAR drivers wear diapers? The resounding answer is most of them do not.

However, a few wheelmen have claimed to opt for wearing diapers during races. It is a decision left to the driver, considering it involves an additional layer of clothing. Most of these race car drivers do not wear diapers or suffer from the dreaded "poop their pants" scenario during a race.

These elite athletes undergo a meticulous pre-race regimen to ward off such uncomfortable situations. Their diet is carefully monitored to minimise stomach issues, and they usually make a pit stop at the restroom before hitting the track.

How do NASCAR drivers poop?

Do NASCAR drivers wear diapers?
Kevin Harvick, the driver of the Budweiser Ford (4), waits on the grid before the NASCAR Cup Series 4EVER 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 22, 2023, in Homestead, Florida. Photo: James Gilbert
Source: Getty Images

Before the race begins, the drivers pay close attention to their diet and bodily functions. They steer clear of foods that might lead to discomfort during the race and ensure they are in the best possible physical condition beforehand. This meticulous pre-race preparation significantly reduces the likelihood of needing emergency pit stops or pooping on themselves.

Suit technology

NASCAR racing suits are not ordinary garments but technologically advanced outfits designed primarily for safety and comfort. These suits protect racers from fires and extreme heat but are not equipped with the functionality for drivers to relieve themselves. The primary focus here is to ensure the wheelmen can perform at their peak without the distraction of bodily needs.

What do NASCAR drivers do if they have to poop?

Most NASCAR races last several hours, providing racers ample time to control their bladder and bowel movements. In cases of a dire emergency, drivers can communicate with their pit crew for a pit stop. However, such stops are exceptionally rare and can significantly impact a driver's race position.

The psychological aspect

Racing at speeds of up to 200 mph demands intense focus and concentration. The adrenaline rush is so intense that drivers often report not even thinking about bodily functions during the race, making emergency pit stops even less likely.

Do NASCAR drivers pee in their suits?

What do NASCAR drivers do if they have to poop?
Ross Chastain, the driver of the Kubota Chevrolet (1), enters his car during qualifying for the NASCAR Cup Series 4EVER 400 at Homestead-Miami Speedway on October 21, 2023, in Homestead, Florida. Photo: James Gilbert
Source: Getty Images

NASCAR racers do urinate in their race suits on occasion. While it is a rare occurrence and not openly discussed, drivers may relieve themselves in their suits when they cannot hold it any longer. They prioritise racing performance over concerns about smelling like urine at the race's conclusion.

Do NASCAR drivers employ special techniques to stave off nature's call?

In general, they rely on physical conditioning, training their bodies to endure extreme conditions, including holding back the urge to go during a race.

Throughout NASCAR's history, there have not been widely publicised incidents of racers having to relieve themselves in their suits during a race. Most drivers take precautions to avoid such uncomfortable situations.

Managing dehydration

Dehydration is a significant concern for NASCAR wheelmen due to the high temperatures inside the car and physical exertion. While it can reduce the need to urinate, dehydration poses its own health risks. Teams employ various strategies, including special hydrating fluids, to keep drivers adequately hydrated without inducing the urge to go.

In an interview, Dale Earnhardt Jr was asked how they managed to poop while racing. This is all he had to say:

“If you can hold it, you hold it. If you cannot hold it, you go. “It is not too often that this happens because the car is real hot, and you sweat a lot, and you basically lose all your water weight through sweating, So your bladder never fills up.”

The role of adrenaline

What do NASCAR drivers do if they have to poop?
Aric Almirola, driver of the Smithfield Ford, drives during practice for the NASCAR Cup Series 4EVER 400 on October 21, 2023, in Homestead, Florida. Photo: James Gilbert
Source: Getty Images

Adrenaline, the "fight or flight" hormone, plays a pivotal role in racing. It prepares the body for intense physical exertion and can suppress non-essential bodily functions, including the need to relieve oneself. While not a long-term solution, it provides temporary relief that can last the duration of the race.

Nature's call across sports

Now, with people asking if the NASCAR racers pee in their suits, we can now ascertain that the sport is not the only one where athletes may contend with inconvenient restroom breaks. Marathon runners, cyclists, and triathletes face similar challenges.

Athletes in these sports adopt dietary practices and timing strategies to minimise the need to relieve themselves during competition. Some even use medications to delay bowel movements.

Do NASCAR drivers have air conditioning?

NASCAR wheelmen do not have air conditioning in their race cars. Unlike typical passenger vehicles, race cars prioritise weight reduction and performance, making air conditioning systems impractical. Instead, drivers rely on a limited supply of fresh air that is filtered with carbon monoxide filters, ensuring a supply of clean air for breathing during races.

While the question of whether NASCAR drivers poop in their suits may be an intriguing one, it is not a common occurrence thanks to their physical conditioning, rigorous preparation, and unwavering focus on the race. So, the next time you tune in to watch an exhilarating NASCAR race, you can appreciate the dedication and discipline these drivers bring to the track without being sidetracked by this somewhat unusual question.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.