Richard Petty, a legendary figure in motorsports, competed in an era of NASCAR when drivers did not require cooling shirts to handle cockpit temperatures, unlike the present-day need for advanced cooling systems. The focus on why past drivers such as Petty pushed through without the modern cooling technology highlights the changes in car design and racing conditions, offering insight into the evolution of the sport and the current reliance on Richard Petty NASCAR cooling shirts.
How Racing Conditions Differed for Legends Like Richard Petty
In the days of Richard Petty, David Pearson, Cale Yarborough, and Dale Earnhardt Sr., the interior of a race car was uncomfortable, but cooling shirts were not considered essential. Modern NASCAR competitors depend on these garments, which use medical-grade tubing within the vest to circulate chilled water, helping drivers withstand the intense heat during races. The difference in need stems from significant changes in vehicle technology and the racing environment.
Design Changes in the NextGen Cars Fuel Rising Temperatures
With the introduction of the NextGen car, racers now face considerably hotter conditions inside the cabin. Todd Gordon, who served as Joey Logano’s crew chief from 2013 to 2019, shed light on these developments in an interview with SiriusXM NASCAR Radio. Gordon explained that the new radiator system, designed to improve aerodynamics and efficiency, has an unintended side effect:
“The radiator air actually ducks out of the hood. And it’s to try to keep that air comes in the front and goes out the ducks in a hood. Well that air, that hot air coming out of the radiator, ends up wrapping around the A-post and into the cabin.”
Todd Gordon, Crew Chief
The addition of the new exhaust system, which runs directly beneath the driver, increases the amount of heat transferred directly into the cockpit. Furthermore, guidelines now require drivers to keep the right-side windows of their vehicles rolled up before the race starts, trapping even more heat inside the car’s interior.
“And we even have, and in order to create this car was much hotter than the old cars. Because now all that engine heat and radiator heat is actually dumping out on the hood.”
Todd Gordon, Crew Chief
The Era of NextGen: Joey Logano’s Experience and Modern Adaptations
2022 marked the debut of the NextGen car in official competition, bringing about these notable changes in heat management and prompting most NASCAR drivers to rely heavily on cooling shirts. Joey Logano, driving for Team Penske in the No. 22 Ford Mustang, experienced success under these new circumstances, claiming the Cup Series title in 2022, and again in November 2024. These victories underscore his ability to perform under the latest, more demanding conditions.
Honoring Racing Heritage: Joey Logano’s Tribute Livery at Phoenix
Joey Logano is set to participate in the upcoming race at Phoenix Raceway, sporting a retro-inspired livery on his No. 22 car as part of Team Penske’s 60th anniversary festivities in 2026. The design pays homage to the Bathurst 1000, a renowned endurance event held at the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia. This throwback look replicates the colors and style of the Mustang driven by Scott McLaughlin and Alexandre Prémat when they secured a historic win at the 2019 Bathurst 1000. Team Penske acknowledged the tribute:
“Bringing a classic back. Joey Logano will be running the 2019 Bathurst 1000-winning livery for Phoenix this weekend.”
Team Penske
The race at Phoenix Raceway will begin at 3:30 pm ET and can be watched live on FS1. Radio broadcasts will be available through MRN and SiriusXM NASCAR Radio, offering fans various ways to follow the action as Logano showcases the celebrated Bathurst livery.
Looking Ahead: The Impact of Technological Evolution in NASCAR
The advancements in automotive engineering and safety have transformed the cockpit environment, making adaptations like Richard Petty NASCAR cooling shirts essential for today’s drivers. These changes not only affect driver comfort but also influence race outcomes and vehicle performance strategies. As modern stars such as Joey Logano continue to thrive amid these challenges, the legacy of champions like Petty is honored while the sport evolves to meet contemporary demands.
The King, Dale, Cale, Pearson…they didn't wear cool shirts 👕
So why do current drivers feel like they need them?@ToddBGordon explains the evolution of how much hotter the interior of Cup Series cars have gotten and why.
More #LateShift this week → https://t.co/QcAxDUTnOt pic.twitter.com/OWjw63IWsD
— SiriusXM NASCAR Radio (Ch. 90) (@SiriusXMNASCAR) March 4, 2026
