Revealed: Brutal training regime of Australia’s greatest V8 driver
Jamie Whincup is more machine than his famous Red Bull car. In his 14th year as a fulltime driver the Supercars legend has revealed the extreme training regime that has helped extend his record-breaking career.
Jamie Whincup has revealed the gruelling 119km weekly training regime of running, cycling and swimming that is prolonging the career of Australia’s greatest V8 driver.
The Red Bull Holden Racing Team top-gun claims he is “as fit as ever’’ in his 14th year as a fulltime driver and that cutting-edge sports science could extend his record-breaking career even further.
Whincup, 36, has claimed more championships (seven), race wins (113) and pole positions (77) than any other driver in the history of the sport.
“I have been able to maintain the same physical performance inside the car,” Whincup said.
“My training has allowed me to remain in peak condition. I am not the youngest bloke on the grid but I can’t see the end yet.
“I am taking advantage of all the technology and advancements in nutrition and sports science to go as long as possible.’’
Giving a rare insight into the physical demands place on a V8 driver, Whincup revealed he lost 5kg during last Sunday’s 70-lap sprint in Darwin.
Temperatures inside his V8 cabin reached over 50 degrees during the 200km race in which he finished fifth behind Ford’s Scott McLaughlin.
“You’re completely depleted,’’ Whincup said.
“Not just from a physical and hydration point of view but also mentally. The concentration you need for a race is out of control, so you are both mentally and physically exhausted when you get out of the car.
“It is a real battle to get the fluid levels back up. I lost about 5kg of fluid during the race. That is five litres of fluids, electrolytes and salts.”
Whincup, who’s training schedule equates to a staggering 6188km a year of running, cycling and swimming, starts his weekly regime with 1.5km in the pool.
“I am right to start training when I get home if I get my nutrition right following the race,’’ Whincup said.
“The long flights home from some events can be a challenge. I will start with a recovery swim on Monday. It will be an easy 1.2km to 1.5km. I’ll than stretch and get a massage.
“I will go for an 8km run on the Tuesday, running each kilometre in four minutes.’’
And then the real works starts.
“I’ll ride over 100km during the week,” he said. “And run and swim another 11km. Our sport is all cardiovascular so you need to do long slow steady training.’’
Whincup, currently sixth in the drivers’ championship, begins preparing for his next race as soon as he unstraps his seatbelt.
The Gold Coast-based star has been working with leading Australian sports science company Body Science.
“Nutrition after the race is crucial,’’ Whincup said.
“You need to get the right fuel back into your body. Hydration is an on-going battle, not just during the race but for two days after.
“I make sure I eat plenty of protein straight after the race and continue to drinks fluids. Body Science products are essential in my post-race routine.’’
Whincup said he has learned to train smarter throughout his record-breaking career.
“I used to bounce back like brand new the day after a race meeting,’’ Whincup said.
“But these days it takes a little longer. Recovery is a massive part of it and Body Science is all about recovery so they are a big part of routine.
“I don’t train harder but I train smarter. I have learned to plan out my sessions and my racing year to peak at the right time.’’
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