In the NASCAR Cup Series, heat management is a critical challenge for drivers pursuing peak performance. Brad Keselowski highlights that while a driver’s preference still plays a role in choosing whether to wear a cool suit, RFK Racing ensures every decision is backed by a thorough technical review from the team’s engineers.
In an interview shared by Bob Pockrass ahead of the NASCAR Cup Series race weekend at Phoenix Raceway, Keselowski explained how RFK Racing manages the cooling systems drivers rely on during extreme heat races.
Cool suits, often called cool shirts, circulate chilled water through tubes sewn into a driver’s fire suit. These systems help drivers handle cockpit temperatures, which can climb well past 100 degrees during long green-flag runs.
Brad Keselowski Says Engineers Still Review Cool Suit Systems
Keselowski said the team’s engineering group plays a key role in making sure the cooling system works properly before drivers commit to wearing it during a race. RFK Racing gives its drivers the option to use the system on race day.
“Our group and the teams have a certain level of autonomy,” Keselowski said. “But you still need the engineering support behind it to make sure everything works the way it should.”
The approach reflects a balance between driver comfort and mechanical reliability.
Cool suit systems require pumps, hoses, and cooling units that circulate cold water through the driver’s suit. If any part of that process fails, the system can stop cooling the driver or even circulate heated water instead.
Because of that risk, RFK Racing requires engineers to review the system and confirm it is functioning properly before the driver uses it during a race weekend.
2025 Circuit of the Americas Failure Highlighted the Risks
That need for careful checks became evident during the 2025 NASCAR Cup Series race at Circuit of the Americas.
Brad Keselowski experienced a cooling system failure during the event, creating a difficult situation inside the car. Instead of circulating cold water through his fire suit, the system began pumping hot water through the tubing.
Cockpit temperatures quickly climbed, turning the race into a physical endurance test. Keselowski still managed to finish the race. He brought the car home in 15th place despite the malfunction. After the race, he required IV fluids at the infield care center before being released.
The experience prompted RFK Racing to take a closer look at the cooling equipment used in its cars.
“These systems are designed to fail safe,” Keselowski explained. “But when they fail, it can be pretty devastating.”
NASCAR Teams Continue Looking for Cooling Improvements
Brad Keselowski said problems with cool suits are not limited to one team. Drivers across the NASCAR garage have reported similar issues during races where track temperatures climb into triple digits.
These challenges show the limits of the current cooling technology. Stock car racing continues to push those limits.
“Every now and then, those things are going to happen. It’s unfortunate when it happens to anyone, not just our team.”
Because of those risks, teams and manufacturers continue working on updates that could improve reliability.
“There are things being worked on for all the different teams,” he said. “It’s just one of the nuances of current racing.”
With the schedule moving toward warmer races, heat management remains a major topic across the NASCAR garage.
RFK Racing’s Focus Remains Simple and Direct. Drivers can decide whether to wear a cool suit. Engineers ensure the system is ready before the green flag drops.
Brad Keselowski Details RFK Racing Cool Suit Approach