ABSTRACT
Despite the unique opportunity race car driving provides to study exercise in extreme conditions, the sport of racing is under-represented. A better understanding of how racing changes physiological measures combined with driver demographics may help reduce driver risks and expand the field of driver science. This study charted the changes in heart rate, body temperature, blood pressure, static oxidation reduction potential (sORP), and antioxidant capacity in drivers before and after racing (n=23). The interaction between racing and driver characteristics on physiological variables were evaluated. Heart rate, body temperature, and sORP were elevated after racing (P<0.05). Age, cockpit temperature, experience, and speed did not correlate with physiological or oxidative measures (P>0.05). Elevated post-race sORP values were associated with higher pre-race systolic blood pressure and lower antioxidant capacity (P<0.05). We conclude that racing alters the redox response in drivers and that drivers' pre-race systolic blood pressure and antioxidant capacity can further alter it. A better understanding of the physical and oxidative changes which result from racing may help minimize the unique risks.
