Johnson to be cooler in the Clipsal heat
7/4/2005 15:32 (Press Release) -
Westpoint Racing's Steve Johnson is going to next weekend's Adelaide Clipsal 500 knowing the heat won't be as bad this year compared to last year, thanks to his much improved driving suit.
At last weekend's grand prix, Steve Johnson was the first driver to compete in RPM Racegear's latest spec 2005 driver apparel.
"The ProTech race suit is the best driving suit I've ever worn," Steve Johnson said.
"It's lighter, cooler and more breathable which makes life a lot more comfortable.
"It's a three layer suit that weighs the same as a two layer suit, the difference is massive.
"During qualifying at the GP the cabin temperature got into the high forties and I noticed how much better I was feeling.
"The first serious test will be Clipsal next weekend where temperatures soar, but I'm confident that I'll feel a lot better than I have in the past."
During a race in Adelaide in-car temperatures can climb to 60 degrees Celsius.
"It may be sixty degrees inside the car but it feels a lot worse for the driver because of what we are wearing," Johnson said.
"Wrist to ankle underwear, three-ply race suit, gloves, boots, socks, balaclava and helmet, it feels much worse.
"Having a suit that feels not only lighter but keeps you cooler is a big advantage. If it drops my body temperature it makes a big difference."
Johnson also wore the just delivered to Australia Puma HighCat Pro race boots.
The Puma race boots turned up to Revolution Racewear's Melbourne headquarters at 7pm on grand prix eve and Johnson used them in first practice.
"The Puma boots were sensational," Steve Johnson said.
"The boots were so soft, they were unbelievable, they actually stretched to the contours of my feet and didn't require wearing in.
"I used them throughout the GP and had no blisters and no pain, they were terrific.
"I hear Mark Webber and I were the only two drivers at the GP using these boots, which puts me in very good company."
The new boots are designed as a performance shoe using Puma's latest sports technology.
"Puma designed the HighCat Pro driver boots to relieve the pressure on the top of the foot by off-setting the laces to the inside of the shoe and the outside of the foot," Revolution Racegear's Dale Rodgers said.
"There are a lot of nerves on the top of the foot so this design makes it more comfortable for the driver.
"The feedback I've had from Steve (Johnson) has been very good, I'm expecting a lot of drivers to follow suit and wear them."
For information on RPM products, including the ProTech race suit and the Puma HighCat Pro race boots, contact 1800 804 778.
Release Date: 11/03/2005
Westpoint Racing - DJR
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