While “Cool Shirt” is usually a compliment, it means something entirely different on a racetrack. NASCAR drivers wear specially designed firesuits that prioritize function over fashion. With cockpit temperatures reaching 140 degrees during races, drivers rely on cooling systems to regulate their body temperature.
A Cool Shirt features tubes that circulate cool fluid throughout the garment, providing crucial relief from the intense heat inside the car. Shane van Gisbergen dominated the Xfinity Series race at Chicago Street Course, starting from pole position in his No. 9 Chevrolet.
Shane Van Gisbergen’s Cooling System Fails at Chicago
The New Zealand-based driver controlled the opening stage, leading Sheldon Creed and Austin Hill to the checkered flag. Van Gisbergen’s fortunes shifted in the second stage when pit strategy dropped him into the middle of the pack. He struggled to regain his early momentum and finished 13th in the stage as Creed claimed the victory.
The real drama began on lap 33 of the final stage when van Gisbergen radioed his crew with an unusual problem. “My cool shirt stopped working quite a bit ago. Can you restart it?” he asked while running in 13th position.
When his crew asked for clarification about whether the system had stopped pumping or failed completely, van Gisbergen confirmed the worst-case scenario. “It stopped altogether. I’ve been hot for quite a while,” he reported. Matt Weaver posted this conversation on X.
“My cool shirt stopped working quite a bit ago. Can you restart it?”
SVGHe’s asked did it stop with the cold water or stop altogether.
“It stopped altogether. I’ve been hot for quite awhile.”
Trying to troubleshoot some things
— Matt Weaver (@MattWeaverRA) July 5, 2025
Despite the equipment failure and rising cockpit temperatures, van Gisbergen’s road racing experience shined through. He methodically worked his way forward, reaching fourth place by lap 39. Three laps later, he passed Creed for second position.
A caution for Andre Castro’s spin on lap 45 set up a crucial restart on lap 49. Van Gisbergen lined up alongside Connor Zilisch, and his aggressive move on the restart caused slight contact that sent Zilisch into the wall. Though Zilisch recovered quickly, he couldn’t catch the No. 9 Chevrolet as van Gisbergen claimed his second Xfinity Series victory of the season.
Ricky Stenhouse Jr. Weighs In on Cooling Technology
When motorsports journalist Matt Weaver shared details of van Gisbergen’s cooling system malfunction on social media, it caught the attention of Ricky Stenhouse Jr. The Hyak Motorsports driver offered his perspective on the technology, revealing why he chooses to race without it.
“This is why I don’t wear one; they break more than they work. Hot water on you is no good,” Stenhouse posted in response to the story.
This is why I don’t wear one, they break more than they work. Hot water on you is no good https://t.co/ihEEd60JJu
— Ricky Stenhouse Jr. (@StenhouseJr) July 5, 2025
Stenhouse’s comment highlights a common concern among drivers about cooling system reliability. When these systems malfunction, they can actually make conditions worse by circulating hot water instead of providing the intended cooling effect.
The contrasting approaches between van Gisbergen and Stenhouse reflect the ongoing debate in NASCAR about cooling technology. While some drivers swear by the systems for comfort and performance, others prefer to avoid the risk of equipment failure during crucial moments.
Looking ahead to the Cup Series race at Chicago, van Gisbergen has secured pole position once again, demonstrating his mastery of street course racing. Stenhouse will start from the 32nd position as he continues searching for his first victory of the season.