Heatwave Racing Tips – Stay Cool on the Track
When the sun blasts the circuit at 35°C or more, even the toughest riders feel the strain. A heatwave does more than make you sweat; it changes how the bike behaves and how you need to plan your run. Below are the basics you need to know so the heat doesn’t ruin your lap times.
How Heat Affects Your Bike
High track temperature softens the rubber on the tyres. That means you lose grip faster and the tyre pressure can rise by a few kilopascals. Keep an eye on the pressure gauge before each stint and consider a slightly lower pressure setting to compensate for the expansion. The engine also works harder to stay cool, so using the right mixture and cooling fans becomes critical.
Staying Fresh on the Bike
Hydration is the simplest but most often missed trick. Drink a bottle of electrolyte water (about 500ml) every 20‑30 minutes, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Wear a breathable liner under your leathers and a cooling neck wrap if the series allows it. Small adjustments like loosening the visor a bit can improve airflow and lower your body temperature.
Race strategy shifts as well. In a heatwave, the first few laps are usually the fastest because the tyres are still cool. After that, the track can become greasy, so you might want to push early and then settle into a more controlled pace. If you have a pit window, plan a short stop to let the bike cool down and check tyre wear.
Don’t forget the mental side. Heat can make you feel sluggish, but a quick mental reset—take a deep breath, focus on one corner at a time—keeps you sharp. Listening to the bike’s feedback is easier when you’re not overwhelmed by the heat.
Finally, check the weather forecast before the event. A sudden drop in temperature can happen at sunset, so be ready to adapt your tyre choice and riding style. Having a backup plan for cooler conditions saves you from a last‑minute scramble.
In short, a heatwave means tighter tyres, hotter engines, and a hungrier body. Adjust pressure, stay hydrated, manage pace, and keep an eye on the weather. Follow these steps and you’ll stay ahead of the heat, not just survive it.
Record-Breaking Heatwave Scorches Sydney and Other Southeastern Cities
Southeastern Australia faced an intense heatwave, with Sydney enduring its hottest March night in 110 years at 24.5°C. Regions like Penrith soared to 38°C, while Mildura and Griffith reported record nighttime temperatures. To cope with temperatures 6-16°C above average, authorities issued fire bans. A southerly buster is expected to cool down Sydney by Monday.
