When I meet a motorsport client for the first time, I always carry out a driver assessment. Comprising of a comprehensive set of tests that a) the driver and I will use as baseline statistics to measure progress and b) The team/sponsor may require to measure progress.
Sometimes a team may want the driver to carry out a full assessment as part of either signing for a new team (kind of like a professional footballer) or as part of the process before being signed up. It may also be used as part of the rehabilitation process post injury or accident, which may form part of the ‘return to fitness’ alongside the medical report from a GP or physician.
So what’s involved?
The tests last around 90 minutes, subject to any specific areas the driver requires as additional markers.
Full body composition analysis
Involves standing on a set of bio-impedance scales and gives readings covering the driver’s weight, lean muscle mass, body fat %, visceral fat level, hydration levels, skeletal mass, physique rating and metabolic age.
The results will then be compared against expected ranges and determine whether they fall into the normal, below normal or above normal. For example, if the normal range for a male body fat % is around 12-16% and the driver is 5%, this would be considered below normal, even though the result is excellent.
Each of the results will highlight the implication of these in the practical application in their field. i.e. a high body temperature will result in difficulties in thermoregulation (keeping cool) which may then affect performance on the track.
Enhanced tests
These will cover various measurements, including peak flow, micro spirometer lung function tests (FEV/FEV1), grip strength, blood pressure and resting heart rate. With the aid of a fully qualified nurse, we can also measure blood glucose and cholesterol levels.
Generally speaking, these results do not change quickly, so I wouldn’t measure these any more frequently than 90-day period. Lung function is a good measure of aerobic fitness. It will determine the endurance levels of the athlete, whilst grip strength gives an excellent overall impression of upper body strength, which is essential for racing driving, especially those in open cockpits like F4 to F1 or Motorbike racing.
Postural analysis
It is where we take various pictures of the drivers’ posture. For example, it could identify an imbalance of the skeletal or muscular frame or areas that must be worked on to improve posture. It is important when it comes to the drivers’ ability to maintain G forces and dynamic movements, where imbalances may cause weaknesses or injuries.
Fitness test
The fitness test is a series of 7 exercises that are all timed or enable the athlete to perform as many repetitions to failure. The exercises will measure upper body strength, lower body strength, core strength, cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Report
Once all the data is collected, I will write a comprehensive report and summarise the results. I will then put some general advice that the driver should aim to be following to improve their performance, such as sleep and balanced nutrition etc.
From this report, coupled with the athletes’ identified physical needs, I will formulate their training schedule. It will cover not only their gym work but other habit-forming trends to hold them accountable and create statistical data for future reference and comparison in 90 days for the re-test.
All workouts, habit tracking and feedback from athletes/coaches are logged on my APP in real-time.
The cost of this driver assessment is £495, excluding the training schedule.