REDNAL driver Tobias Owen is currently enjoying his debut season in motorsport, he writes for the Standard two weeks before his second race and discusses his preparations before race day.
Ever wondered what a racing driver eats on a race weekend to keep their energy levels up?
Let me give you an insight, I’m not a qualified nutritionist, but I know what works for me.
It’s important to find a balance that suits your own body.
If you were planning a long journey, you would always make sure that your car had enough fuel in it to complete the trip, so you should think about your body in the same way.
Before I put my body through the rigours of a race, I want to make sure it’s got enough energy to go the distance.
Eating the right foods at the right time is important to help me stay fresh and alert.
On the morning of a race, I want something that will top my body up with slow-release energy so that I don’t need to snack mid-morning – therefore porridge is ideal.
Along with fresh fruit, such as banana or blueberries, and a drizzle of natural honey, gives my body everything it needs before a race.
Right before the race start, plenty of water makes sure that both body and mind are well-hydrated.
During a race, my breathing rate increases, so being topped up with fluid before a race helps prevent sluggishness and loss of concentration that can result from dehydration.
My body uses a lot of energy during a race, so it’s vital to replenish that energy as quickly as possible after a race to prevent my body from dipping into its reserves.
I tend to do multiple races in a day, so my focus now switches to preparing for the next one.
Plenty of water and packing in as much protein as possible is crucial for my preparations.
Specialist products such as protein drinks and bars or flapjacks do a great job of giving the body what it needs to recover.
Just as I refuel my car between races, my body needs to be refuelled too.
Avocados, bananas, nuts and seeds are the right kind of fuel for the job – as they provide natural sugars that don’t take long to break down, and provide an instantaneous boost of energy.
Finally, at the end of a long day of racing, lean proteins from foods such as chicken, eggs and leafy green vegetables prevent muscles from aching, and set me up perfectly for the next day of racing.
I’ve realised the importance of regulating my diet since committing to taking to the track, and how crucial it is to stay in peak condition over the course of a race weekend.
It just goes to show that you can adopt a healthy eating regime and still eat delicious foods whilst being involved in strenuous activity.
My next race takes place at Cadwell Park in Lincolnshire, on the weekend of May 11 and 12 – where I’ll be keeping my eyes peeled for some the local cuisine to keep my body topped up on Saturday evening!
