Stay Cool in the Cab: Comparing Driver Cooling for Motorsports, Delivery, and Logistics

Motorsport racing is an exciting and demanding sport that pushes both drivers and vehicles to the limit. With high speeds and intense competition, staying cool is a matter of safety and performance. However, this thermal challenge isn't exclusive to the track. For final mile delivery drivers, forklift operators, and warehouse professionals working in vehicles without air conditioning, heat stress is a daily reality. In this blog post, we explore three top cooling solutions from Qore Performance, ChillOut Systems, and COOLSHIRT Systems to see how they keep operators performing at their peak, whether on the raceway or in the fulfillment center.

One overlooked aspect of vehicle engineering is the cooling system for the operator. Without proper thermal regulation, drivers can overheat and lose focus or risk heat injuries. While professional racers wear Nomex suits, many delivery truck and forklift operators work in open-cab environments where traditional air conditioning is unavailable, non-viable, or economically inefficient. Below, we explore three top cooling solutions designed to integrate with a driver's existing gear.

ICEPLATE® Gen 3

ICEPLATE® Gen 3 is a versatile cooling, heating, and hydration hard cell bladder. It is a lightweight, low-profile, and durable solution that can be easily integrated into any race car, delivery van, or forklift. The plate is a conformal shape that can be filled with water and frozen to provide a constant conductive cooling effect directly to the user.

A Solution for Non-A/C Vehicles

For operators in vehicles that lack doors or air conditioning, ICEPLATE® Driver Harness provides a way to wear ICEPLATE® Gen 3 while operating, even while dismounted. This is a practical shift for final mile delivery and warehouse logistics where keeping the vehicle cabin cool is often impossible or too expensive. It allows the user to stay cool or warm in winter directly at the core, even when the ambient environment is extreme. ICEPLATE® Gen 3 in the drinkable configuration is also equipped with a Source 90 drink tube, allowing drivers to stay hydrated while staying cool.

Above: A racer uses ICEPLATE® Curve (Previous generation) inside a suit. For industrial use, ICEPLATE® Driver Harness allows for this same cooling power over a standard work uniform.

ChillOut Systems

COOLSHIRT Systems

CoolShirt Systems is a leading provider of ice-water-based cooling. Their products include cooling shirts and pump systems designed to keep drivers comfortable. They offer a range of accessories like insulated hoses, which are efficient for professional racing teams but require regular ice replenishment during a shift.

Conclusion

Proper cooling is crucial for performance and safety. While ICEPLATE® Gen 3, ChillOut, and COOLSHIRT are favorites on the track, their utility in the supply chain is significant. For delivery drivers and warehouse staff, ICEPLATE® Driver Harness paired with ICEPLATE® Gen 3 offers the most mobile and economic way to beat the heat when vehicle air conditioning isn't an option.

Have you used any of these cooling systems in your vehicle? Share your experience in the comments below.