The Evolution of Cooling Systems in Motorsport Racing: ICEPLATE®, ChillOut Systems, COOLSHIRT

Motorsport racing is an exciting and demanding sport that pushes both the drivers and their vehicles to the limit. With high speeds, intense competition and hot engine temperatures, it is crucial for drivers to stay cool and comfortable during races. This is where cooling systems like ICEPLATE® Curve from Qore Performance, ChillOut Systems, and COOLSHIRT Systems come into play. In this blog post, we will explore these three popular cooling solutions for motorsport racing and discuss their features, benefits, and how they can enhance the performance of drivers on the track.

Motorsport racing is a high-intensity sport that requires top-performing vehicles and racers. One overlooked aspect of motorsport engineering is the cooling system for the driver. Without proper cooling, drivers can overheat, losing the ability to focus at best and risking heat injuries at worst. Currently, there are no purpose built cooling racing suits on the market. Instead, multiple cooling systems have been developed to work with a driver's existing full Nomex® racing suits. In this article, we will explore three top cooling solutions for motorsport racing: ICEPLATE® Curve from Qore Performance, ChillOut Systems, and COOLSHIRT Systems.

ICEPLATE® Curve

ICEPLATE® Curve is a versatile cooling, heating and hydration hardcell bladder. It is a lightweight, low-profile, and durable cooling solution that can be easily integrated into any race car. The ICEPLATE® Curve is a conformal plate that can be filled with water and frozen and then placed inside a driver's suit. The ice will melt slowly, providing a constant cooling effect for the driver during the race. The ICEPLATE® Curve is equipped with a Source 90 drink tube, allowing the driver to stay hydrated while staying cool, but also comes in a cooling / heating only configuration.

This innovative cooling system has been used by endurance racing teams and has proven to be effective in keeping drivers cool and comfortable during 6-8 hour races, with depleted ICEPLATE® Curves being quickly swapped out every 2-4 hours as necessary. With the addition of a vest such as the ICEPLATE EXO®-SLK or backpack like the IMS Sport, ICEPLATE® Curve can also be worn by pit crews to stay cool (or warm in winter) and performing at their best on raceways.

Above: Racer puts ICEPLATE® Curve inside of Nomex® racing suit to keep cool during an endurance race.

ChillOut Systems

COOLSHIRT Systems

CoolShirt Systems is a leading provider of cooling solutions for motorsport racing. Their products include cooling shirts, cooling pump systems, and helmet A/C, all designed to keep drivers cool and comfortable during races. CoolShirt Systems also offers a range of accessories, such as insulated hoses and quick disconnects, to make their cooling systems efficient and user-friendly.

Comparing Racing Cooling Options

Your use case, weight requirements, budget and technical expertise will help determine which cooling solution should fulfill your needs, below we compare price and weight of each:

Conclusion

In conclusion, proper cooling is crucial for motorsport drivers, and these three cooling solutions - ICEPLATE® Curve, Chillout Systems, and CoolShirt Systems - are top choices for any racing team. Each of these products offers unique features and benefits, but they all have one goal: to keep drivers cool, comfortable and performing at their best during races. Whether you are a professional racing team or a hobbyist, investing in a high-quality cooling system is essential for the success and safety of your drivers. So, consider these top cooling solutions and choose the one that best fits your needs and budget.

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