Pietro Fittipaldi’s Pre-Race Rituals Get a Revamp Ahead of Indy 500
As Pietro Fittipaldi gears up for another thrilling Indy 500, his pre-race rituals have undergone a significant transformation. Gone are the days of relying solely on music to pump him up, replaced by a newfound appreciation for soaking in the electric atmosphere surrounding the iconic racing events. The 27-year-old Brazilian driver now focuses on the energy emanating from the crowd, drawing motivation from the roar of the spectators.
This season, Fittipaldi will be driving car No. 30 for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, proudly sponsored by 5-Hour Energy. His pre-race nutrition plan is meticulously designed to provide sustained energy throughout the grueling hours of racing. Additionally, he has developed a customized workout regimen to enhance his endurance and better tackle the demanding 500 miles of racing ahead.
Before taking to the track, Fittipaldi will enjoy a shot of 5-Hour Energy, which he credits for an added boost during the race. He’ll also have the energy drink mixed into his helmet-fed hydration system for an extra kick. Every little advantage counts in such a high-stakes competition.
The Thrill of IndyCar Racing
As we caught up with him before a race, Fittipaldi explained the unparalleled thrill of IndyCar racing: “When you’re doing over 240 miles an hour and averaging over 230 miles an hour at this track, it’s unlike any other feeling that I’ve felt in a race car. The adrenaline is at an all-time high.”
Physical Demands of IndyCar
Racing Driver Fittipaldi is no stranger to the intense physical demands of IndyCar. Drivers experience four Gs of force when taking corners, causing heart rates to soar to 180 beats per minute. Cockpit temperatures often reach a scorching 140 degrees, making the mental focus required to navigate the track even more critical.
Focus and Concentration
Fittipaldi emphasizes that the sheer concentration needed to succeed in IndyCar’s biggest races is unmatched, stating, “The focus you need to have on the ovals is, in my opinion, much higher than the road courses. Any little mistake is going to be very costly.”
Preparation and Nutrition
In preparation for the 2024 season, Fittipaldi took an unconventional approach to his gym routine, opting to bulk up and focus on heavy weights and low reps. This strategic decision was driven by IndyCar’s driver-weight minimum and the car’s lack of power steering. As a result, he packed on an additional 15 pounds of muscle, allowing him to better handle the physical demands of racing.
Fittipaldi’s nutrition plan also mirrors that of a long-distance runner, with a heavy emphasis on carbohydrate intake. “Because at the end of the day, that’s what gives you energy, and that’s what you need during a very long and grueling race,” he explains.
Race Day Prep
With his thorough preparation, strategic fueling, and 5-Hour Energy boosts, Fittipaldi is primed to tackle the challenges of the Indy 500 head-on, relying on his pit crew to provide the final push towards victory.
Source
May 10, 2023
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