Morris Says Air Conditioning Can Prevent Heat Problems From Underwear
12/3/2004 17:02 (Press Release) -
Sirromet Wines Holden Commodore driver Paul Morris believes his new in-car air conditioning unit can prevent drivers suffering heat problems from fireproof underwear introduced to V8 Supercar motor racing this year.
Morris confirmed today he would drive with air conditioning in the opening round of the V8 Supercar Championship, the Clipsal 500, in Adelaide from March 18-21 after successfully trialling the system in three support races at the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne earlier this month.
The 36-year-old from the Gold Coast said the system could counter any heat buildup from the full-length underwear and balaclavas drivers were required to wear this year because the category was operating under regulations of the world controlling Federation Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
Morris said he had noted comments in the print media this week from V8 Supercar drivers Mark Skaife, Steven Richards, Jason Bright, and Greg Murphy, who all reportedly expressed concern the underwear could cause heat problems.
"I can understand other drivers may be concerned about the new underwear combined with the heat in Adelaide and it could take a toll on them, especially when you're also dealing with fumes between the concrete walls," said Morris.
"The air conditioning could offset any problems for me, which is why our team spent so much time and effort in the off-season building and designing the new system."
"It worked really well in Melbourne, especially for driver comfort. TEGA (Touring Car Entrants Group) put a sensor in our car to monitor the cabin temperatures."
"Our private tests have shown that the air comes out at around 15-degrees, and that's a big difference if you think normal cabin temperatures can be about 45-degrees.
Morris said there were no immediate plans to market the air conditioning system to other V8 Supercar teams until further tests and improvements were made.
"Several teams have shown an interest and long-term we may look at selling the (air conditioning) system, but first we want to keep developing it and make it more efficient," he said. "It currently weighs 15kg, and we are keen to make it lighter."
The air conditioning unit in Morris car is positioned on the floor next to the drivers' seat and is operated with a high-powered electrical fan.
Ducting is fitted from outlets to blow cool air inside the cabin and into Morris' helmet.
The system's dimensions are 60cm by 40cm, and 20cm high. It was designed by Paul Ceprnich, Technical Manager of Paul Morris Motorsports. Most components were build at the team's base at the Holden Performance Driving Centre.
Morris said the compressor, condenser, and evaporator were outsourced and the team had been assisted by his former works BMW team-mate John Blanchard and Melbourne-based Jayair, Australia's largest air conditioning aftermarket wholesaler.
The V8 Supercar schedule on the 3.2km Adelaide street circuit starts with qualifying on March 19. There will be a 250km race on March 20, and another race over the same distance the following day.
Morris finished 15th, 11th, and 13th in the three races in Melbourne and said he expected to be competitive in Adelaide.
"There's nowhere to rest on a lap around Adelaide because you're always doing something," said Morris. "Melbourne was a good shakedown for the championship. It's all about staying out of trouble and having good tyres at the end."
ADELAIDE – FAST FACTS
CIRCUIT LENGTH: 3,2km
RACE FORMAT: 2 x 250km races
RACE LAP RECORD: Mark Skaife (Holden) 1-min 23.273-secs (2003)
2003 WINNER: Mark Skaife (Holden)
Release Date: 12/03/2004
Paul Morris Motorsports
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