Stock car racers need upper body strength

A new study reveals that upper-body strength training and cardiovascular conditioning is vital for stock car drivers to be successful on the race track. The study was conducted by William P. Ebben, Ph.D., FNSCA, CSCS*D, of University of Wisconsin-Parkside, in Kenosha, Wis., and the Stock Car Research Center in Lakewood, Wis. The researchers interviewed 40 stock car drivers in 27 states, in order to obtain information on injuries, the physical demands, and other factors involved in stock car racing. In addition, they asked the drivers about their physical training regimens. The majority of the drivers were regionally or nationally ranked. The drivers reported that cardiovascular endurance and heat tolerance were important factors for withstanding tough race conditions, while upper-body strength was extremely important for steering. The researchers found that the drivers did resistance training (strength/weight training) approximately 3 days per week, for an average of 50 minutes per session, and cardiovascular endurance training 3 days per week for an average of 35 minutes per session. Of the three resistance training days, two and a half days were spent on upper body strength. The team also found that reported time spent on resistance training was directly associated with the drivers' track points standings. In addition, track points ratings were associated to drivers' ratings of their own physical fitness. The researchers asked the drivers how they felt after the end of a race and found that the majority of them reported fatigue and upper-body muscle soreness. Furthermore, the most prevalent type of injury reported was upper body injuries, followed by back injuries. In the United States, there are nearly 1,400 tracks and 50 to 150 drivers per track, making stock car racing one of the most popular American spectator sports. Prior investigations have shown that the physical characteristics of drivers is similar to those of high-level athletes in other sports. Until now, there have been insufficient studies conducted examining the physical demands, training practices and injuries among drivers. The researchers write: "Our results can assist professionals in the development of strength and conditioning programs for performance enhancement and injury prevention that are specific to the needs of this population of athletes." Specific recommendations have been put in place by Dr. Ebben in order to help in developing physical and mental performance of stock car drivers.