SCORE Journal - The Official Publication of SCORE Off-Road Racing
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A DRINK TO THE WINNER The Importance Of Hydration In Off-Road Racing By SCORE Journal Staff Photos Courtesy Finish Line IV and Fluidlogic With extreme terrain, fluctuating weather conditions, and long hours behind the wheel, off-road racers face unique physical challenges that make hydration a crucial element for success and safety. During a SCORE Baja race, drivers are exposed to high temperatures, intense physical exertion, and prolonged concentration. These factors can quickly lead to dehydration, which impairs reaction times, decision-making, and endurance. Even mild dehydration can cause muscle cramps, dizziness, and fatigue, putting racers at risk for accidents or poor performance. A study conducted at Michigan State University on the effects of hydration during a motorsports event, used professional-level drivers from all disciplines of motorsports. Using a race driving simulator, the results confirmed the idea that drivers can benefit from appropriately timed and properly delivered hydration via an automated fluid delivery system. Additional 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. It’s been medically proven that proper hydration helps maintain body temperature, supports cardiovascular function, and keeps cognitive abilities sharp. For this reason, many racers start hydrating well before the event and continue to drink water or electrolyte-rich fluids throughout the race. For many SCORE racers, there are two popular options that are commonly used and growing in popularity due to the impressive results. IV HYDRATION Julie Boyer, a nurse practitioner and hydration specialist at FinishLine IV Hydration, has seen firsthand how dehydration derails even the most seasoned racers. “Many racers think they can drink a lot of water the day before the race and be fine,” says Boyer. “The truth is, hydration starts days in advance.” She emphasizes that hydration planning should be as much a part of a racer’s routine as vehicle prep. Providing intravenous (IV) therapy, a method that delivers fluids, vitamins, and electrolytes directly into the bloodstream for near-instant absorption, it 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. The use of IV hydration has proven to be 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. She 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. ADVANCED FLUID DELIVERY SYSTEMS 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 company who has been at the forefront of developing systems tailored for motorsport athletes. 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. The FluidLogic VMR System with MagLock Duo is popular with many SCORE Trophy Truck and UTV racers. The system delivers hands-free hydration at the push of a button using advanced hydration monitoring, a customizable hydration app is paired with steering wheel integrated controls, microphone compatible Aqua Com, and a MagLock Duo magnetic helmet air-hose attachment. This makes it effortless for racers to drink without disrupting their focus while driving. For Moto and Quad racers, the FluidLogic GPR50 Smart Hydration Pack is compact and allows riders to stay hydrated without taking their hands off the handlebars like they would when using a typical water bladder and hose. The smart sensor technology monitors fluid intake and ensures that racers maintain hydration levels throughout the event. 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. Prioritizing hydration, however, is not just about improving performance—it’s about safeguarding health and ensuring every racer can finish strong. By addressing the risks of dehydration, off-road racers set themselves up for safer, more successful competitions. SJ SOURCES: FinishLine IV Therapy, LLC Finishlineivhydration@gmail.com FluidLogic 1 (855) 463-5843 customerservice@fluidlogic.com