Race Car Drivers’ Intense Workouts Prove Their Athleticism

In the world of motorsports, the perception of race car drivers as mere operators of high-speed vehicles is rapidly changing. The rigorous physical demands placed on these athletes are becoming more widely recognized, thanks in part to individuals like two-time IndyCar series champion Josef Newgarden.

At the South By Southwest conference and festival in Austin, Newgarden showcased a condensed version of his intense workout routine. Attendees experienced firsthand the physical challenges faced by elite drivers.

The Intensity of Newgarden’s Training

Josef Newgarden’s workout is not for the faint of heart. It’s a cross-fit session designed to build both strength and endurance, which are essential for high-speed racing.

Participants at the festival took part in a demanding 35-minute routine that included:

• Weight lifting with 25-pound weights
• Rowing and skiing simulators
• Box jumps
• Core stretches and balance exercises
• Burpees and broad jumping

The workout, led by Newgarden’s trainer Jeff Richter, is a non-stop circuit with minimal rest between exercises. The goal is to simulate the physical strain felt during a race, where drivers face high G-forces, elevated heart rates, and extreme heat.

Understanding the Physical Demands

Newgarden’s routine shows the physicality required in motorsports. *You’re taxing every part of the body, which is what happens in an IndyCar,* Newgarden explained.

Indy cars have no power steering, so drivers must rely on their own strength and endurance to maneuver the 1,700-pound vehicles through various courses. This is far from the misconception that driving a race car is like a casual drive to the grocery store.

Comparing Athletes Across Sports

The debate over the fittest athletes often excludes race car drivers, who are seen as simply sitting and driving. However, the physical training drivers complete in elite series challenges this idea.

Formula 1 drivers do endurance training and reaction-time exercises. NASCAR champions like Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano stress the importance of fitness in their performance.

Endurance and Strength

Joey Logano highlighted the unique fitness challenges faced by drivers: *We don’t want to be big and bulky inside a race car, but you have to be able to do something for a long time, so endurance is a huge thing.*

Newgarden also notes that while fitness alone doesn’t determine race outcomes, it plays a significant role in a driver’s performance.

Public Perception and Awareness

The public’s understanding of the physical demands of racing is evolving. Twenty years ago, the idea that driving could be physically taxing was often dismissed.

Today, fans are more aware of the rigorous training drivers undergo. Newgarden believes this shift in perception is crucial for the recognition of race car drivers as elite athletes.

Experiencing the Strain

At the South By Southwest event, participants from different backgrounds—fitness coaches, biotech entrepreneurs, actors, and journalists—tried Newgarden’s workout. The experience left many with newfound respect for the physical demands of racing.

Actor Austin Nichols, known for his roles in *The Walking Dead* and *Walker*, remarked on the harshness of the workout, especially the neck strength test simulating braking and turns.

A New Era of Recognition

Fans and the general public are becoming more aware of the physical challenges of racing. As a result, appreciation for drivers’ athleticism is growing.

This shift is about more than just recognizing the sport’s difficulty. It also celebrates the dedication and hard work needed to become a top-level driver.

The physical demand is extremely high. Fitness alone doesn’t win races, but it is a critical factor in a driver’s performance.

For more insights into Josef Newgarden’s workout routine and the physical demands of IndyCar racing, you can read the full article on Newsday.