NASCAR Drivers Highlight Importance of Cool Suits

Dale Earnhardt Jr. and Denny Hamlin discuss the critical role of cooling systems in NASCAR racing

Mar. 3, 2026 at 7:26pm

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NASCAR drivers have been facing issues with their cooling suits during races, leading to dangerous situations like AJ Allmendinger collapsing on pit road. Dale Earnhardt Jr. emphasized the "wildly effective" nature of cool suits, saying he would not race without one unless temperatures were very low. Denny Hamlin explained that the cool suits often fail during caution periods when the air flow stops, causing the systems to overheat. NASCAR has strict rules around airflow that limit potential solutions to the problem.

Why it matters

Malfunctioning cooling systems pose serious risks to driver health and safety, especially in the high-heat environments of NASCAR races. Finding ways to ensure these critical systems function properly is crucial for the well-being of the drivers and the integrity of the sport.

The details

Multiple drivers have experienced cool suit failures during recent NASCAR races, including AJ Allmendinger collapsing on pit road due to the malfunction of his cooling system. Dale Earnhardt Jr. explained that the cool vests can provide a 40-degree difference in core body temperature, making them essential for driver comfort and safety. Denny Hamlin attributed the failures to the cool units overheating during caution periods when the air flow stops, trapping heat inside the car.

  • On Sunday, March 3, 2026, multiple cool suit systems failed during the NASCAR Cup Series race at COTA.
  • Earnhardt Jr. discussed the importance of cool suits in a Tuesday, March 5, 2026 episode of "Ask Jr. Live".
  • Hamlin provided his analysis of the cool suit issues on the "Actions Detrimental" podcast.

The players

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

A former NASCAR driver and current NBC Sports analyst who emphasized the critical role of cool suits in racing.

Denny Hamlin

A current NASCAR Cup Series driver who explained the technical reasons behind the recent cool suit failures.

AJ Allmendinger

A NASCAR driver who collapsed on pit road due to a failure of his cooling system during a recent race.

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What they’re saying

“The Chillout is wildly effective. I raced forever with a little shell fan in my helmet, we didn't have any cool vests, and you were not comfortable but it was what it was. Then we got little cool boxes that blew cool air in the helmet and that was just a little better, not a lot. This box in the car and it's doing all it can to get the air instead of 120 degrees, it's making the air maybe 95 or 90 degrees.”

— Dale Earnhardt Jr.

“Once the car goes to caution, all the heat gets trapped inside because you're not cutting through the air. You're not having the air push that hot air. It's like having a fan on an ice cube. You're driving, it's blowing and that gives your cool air. Well once you go caution, your car stops going fast, you shut the fan off. Then you don't have that cube pushing air onto you anymore.”

— Denny Hamlin

What’s next

NASCAR officials are expected to review the recent cool suit failures and explore potential solutions to ensure driver safety, though the sport's strict rules around airflow may limit options.

The takeaway

The importance of reliable cooling systems for NASCAR drivers has been highlighted by the recent issues, underscoring the need for innovative solutions that can function effectively even in the high-heat environments of race conditions.