SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
Issue link: https://read.uberflip.com/i/1533430
GO THE DISTANCE Hydration Strategy And Technology For Off-Road Racers By Micah Anderson Off-road racing is one of the most physically demanding motorsports in the world where racers are punishing and pushing their bodies to the limit in extreme conditions for hours on end. It is a never-ending countdown, enduring hours of relentless terrain beatings, scorching heat, and pounding vibrations. It’s no wonder that maintaining proper hydration isn’t just about comfort. This too is a critical factor in maintaining peak physical performance, endurance, mental fortitude, health, and safety. The hydration challenge in off-road racing varies among competitors. All of our bodies are different, and so are the scenarios. Racers in caged vehicles benefit from being securely strapped into bucket seats, reducing overall strain. Riders on two-wheel motorcycles and four-wheel ATVs face an even greater challenge. Either way, everyone is sweating it out. This means your body is hot and also losing fluids. It is well known that our bodies’ core temperature rises when not properly hydrated. Additionally, studies have found that a 1% drop in hydration can lead to a 12% drop in performance, and a 3-4% hydration loss could mean a 25-50% loss in performance and productivity (Source: PubMed). Effective hydration strategies can mean the difference between a strong finish and a premature breakdown. In this feature, we explore cutting-edge hydration solutions designed specifically for off-road athletes. We consulted with industry experts to break down the science of hydration and highlight the latest advancements in hydration technology. The Hydration Mistakes That Can Cost You the Race Julie Boyer, a nurse practitioner, hydration specialist, and owner of FinishLine IV Hydration, has seen firsthand how dehydration derails even the most seasoned racers. According to Boyer, one of the most common mistakes is waiting until the last minute to hydrate. “Many racers think they can just drink a lot of water the day before the race and be fine,” she says. “The truth is, hydration starts days in advance.” Over-consumption of water is another misstep, as it can dilute sodium levels and lead to hyponatremia, causing nausea, confusion, and cramping. Another pitfall? Alcohol. Many racers indulge in a few celebratory drinks during pre-running week, but alcohol acts as a diuretic, depleting key electrolytes and increasing the risk of dehydration come race day. Boyer emphasizes that hydration planning should be as much a part of a racer’s routine as vehicle prep. The IV Hydration Advantage One of the latest advancements in hydration is intravenous (IV) therapy, a method that delivers fluids, vitamins, and electrolytes directly into the bloodstream for near-instant absorption. Unlike traditional hydration methods, which take time to pass through the digestive system, IV hydration ensures that racers are fully prepped before the flag drops. “We preload racers with a liter of Lactated Ringer’s solution packed with essential vitamins and nutrients like magnesium, potassium, B vitamins, and glutathione,” Boyer explains. IV hydration is particularly beneficial for long endurance races like the SCORE Baja 500 and SCORE Baja 1000, where fluid loss due to extreme heat and exertion is a major factor. A properly hydrated racer has improved reaction time, muscle endurance, and mental clarity—three things you can’t afford to compromise when charging through rough terrain at high speeds. Tailoring Hydration Strategies for Race Conditions There’s no one-size-fits-all hydration plan for off-road racers. Factors like race length, temperature, and an individual’s sweat rate all come into play. Boyer recommends an electrolyte-rich hydration plan, starting with IV therapy 12-24 hours pre-race, followed by 20-30 ounces of fluid per hour during the race. Energy gels and electrolyte tablets taken every 45 minutes can further help maintain hydration and endurance. Hydration isn’t just a warm-weather concern, either. Cold races can be deceptive where racers sweat less visibly, but their bodies still lose fluids through respiration. This is why year-round hydration awareness is critical, no matter the conditions. Key Electrolytes and Nutrients for Peak Performance According to the experts, racers should prioritize essential nutrients in their hydration regimen. Magnesium aids muscle function and prevents cramps, while sodium is crucial for fluid balance and nerve function. Potassium helps regulate muscle contractions and prevents fatigue. FinishLine IV Hydration also integrates Lipo-B injections, a mix of lipotropic nutrients and B vitamins that boost energy and recovery. Additionally, glutathione, a powerful antioxidant, helps neutralize free radicals and reduce muscle fatigue post-race. SJ Advanced Hydration Apparatus Systems for Drivers and Riders Maintaining the fluid intake on the day of the race, is just as important as part of the hydration regiment leading up to the competition. Hydration equipment and methods vary between drivers and riders, with different systems designed for their unique needs. Advancements in hydration technology have led to purpose-built solutions ideal for off-road competitors. FluidLogic is one hydration company that has been at the forefront of developing systems tailored for motorsport athletes. FluidLogic: Smart Hydration Technology for Racers After studying the science of human hydration and what active sweat loss does to the body’s hydration levels, FluidLogic worked to combat the detrimental effects. The company engineers state-of-the-art hydration solutions for both drivers and riders, ensuring they stay hydrated without distraction. Their technology integrates seamlessly into racing gear to deliver hydration at the optimal time. At a high level, the system alerts users when to drink and water is delivered on command through a helmet-mounted water apparatus. FluidLogic GPR50 Smart Hydration Pack – Designed for motorcycle and ATV racers and riding enthusiasts, the GPR50 is a compact, intelligent hydration system that allows riders to stay hydrated without taking their hands off the bars. Its smart sensor technology monitors fluid intake and ensures that racers maintain hydration levels throughout the event. GPR50 Smart Hydration Pack System features: Wireless indicator and activation button for handlebar use Rugged waterproof assembly built for the outdoors Quick-connect magnetic coupling for ease of use in connection to helmet Water boom kit for assembly into any bike helmet (open or closed) Non-drip design Four-segment battery gauge 2500mAh Lithium battery (fill and dispense reservoir 10 times from full charge) Typical Charge time: 1.5 hours Pack size: 14”x 9”x 5” Reservoir capacity: 50 fluid ounces/1.4L Empty weight: 42oz/1.2Kg Fully filled weight: 92oz/2.6Kg High-flow Mesh/EVA back panel 2-way adjustable sternum strap 270° zipper 5 Hook-and-loop locations on straps and back panel totaling 38 square inches 60 cubic inch (1L) external storage pocket Dedicated phone pocket expands to 7”x 3.5”x 0.5” 8 cubic inch accessory pocket with key clip FluidLogic VMR System with MagLock DuO – Ideal for drivers in enclosed vehicles, this system delivers hands-free hydration at the push of a button using advanced hydration monitoring, customizable hydration app, and is paired with steering wheel integrated controls, microphone compatible Aqua Com, MagLock Duo magnetic helmet attachment, making it effortless for racers to drink without disrupting their focus. The VMR System ensures that hydration is both convenient and efficient, delivering fluid intake at optimal intervals to enhance performance. 2025 VMR System features: Upgraded Pump: Automatic priming, even when dry Low Power Draw: Just 0.6 amps for maximum efficiency Extreme Reliability: Built for the most demanding conditions Redesigned Aqua Com: Easier helmet installation, compatible with most microphones Steering Wheel Integration:Use your existing steering wheel drink button. SOURCES: Julie Boyer FinishLine IV Therapy, LLC Finishlineivhydration@gmail.com FluidLogic 1 (855) 463-5843 customerservice@fluidlogic.com