RaceMate Driver Hydration System
RaceMate is a race-proven driver hydration system designed for endurance and long-stint racing.
Race Mate – Race Driver Hydration System
Staying properly hydrated in the car is one of the simplest ways to protect a driver’s concentration, reaction time and overall performance.
The RaceMate Hydration System is a compact, race-ready solution that allows drivers to drink safely and easily while on track – without taking their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the racing line.
Rigorously tested in South African endurance racing, RaceMate has become an important part of our endurance package at RicoBarlow Racing.
How the Race Mate system works
- Reservoir – A robust bottle is mounted in the RaceMate base. The system is designed to sit securely in the car, typically low down on the floor or against the cage, keeping the bottle stable and the centre of gravity low.
- Food-grade tubing – Fluid is transferred from the bottle through food-grade tubing routed safely to the driver’s seat and helmet area.
- Drinking nozzle – The system connects to a bite valve or helmet-mounted nozzle, allowing the driver to drink through a short tube inside the helmet.
- 12V pump and button – A 12-volt pump delivers fluid when the driver presses the steering-wheel or dash-mounted button, providing controlled, on-demand hydration.
- Quick-release fittings – Plug-and-play connectors make it easy to remove the bottle, disconnect the tubing and service the system between sessions.
The unit is designed to be mounted securely to the roll cage, safety cell or another solid structure. Correct mounting angle is important to ensure reliable fluid delivery and to prevent any risk of syphon effect.
Key features
- Race-proven design for endurance and long-stint racing.
- Push-to-drink operation – the driver simply presses the button and drinks, with no need to handle a loose bottle.
- Quick-release bottle system for rapid changes during pit stops or driver swaps.
- Secure mounting to roll cage or structure using the supplied hardware.
- Food-grade components including tubing and connectors.
- Easy cleaning routine to keep the system hygienic, even when using high-sugar drinks.
- Compact and lightweight, designed specifically for race car interiors.
frequently Asked Questions
What are the benefits of using the Race Mate hydration system?
The system was tested under South African Endurance Championship conditions and improves:
- Hydration
- Driver focus
- Performance
- Consistency
How should I position the Race Mate hydration system in my car?
The unit must never be positioned at an angle greater than 45 degrees from vertical. Anything steeper places unnecessary pressure on the pump and may restrict the flow of fluid to the driver.
For best performance, the system should be mounted with the fluid outlet lower than the driver’s mouth to prevent syphon-effect issues.
How do I clean the Race Mate system after each race?
It is essential to clean the unit thoroughly after every race, especially when using sugary drinks.
Follow this cleaning process:
- Remove the bottle and rinse with clean water and mild dishwashing liquid.
- Fill the bottle with clean water and re-insert it into the Race Mate base.
- Attach a driver drink tube to the system and place the mouthpiece either inside or into a separate container.
- Press the drink button and flush the entire system until clean water runs through the tubing.
- Repeat as needed.
Should I sanitise the system?
Yes. It is recommended to sanitise the bottle and system using a mild sanitising solution such as Milton.
Allow the solution to stand in the bottle and system for a short period, then rinse with a final bottle of clean water.
How do I install the Race Mate hydration system?
Installation is simple, and all components are included.
Key points:
- The unit can be mounted directly to the car using the supplied M5 bolts and nyloc nuts.
- Ensure correct torque: 8 Nm is sufficient.
- A quick-release fitting connects the drink tube to the unit.
- A waterproof power connector is supplied for easy connection to a 12V power source.
- A 12 mm hole is required to install the bottle eject button.
- A full installation guide is included with the system.
Why must the fluid outlet be lower than the driver’s mouth?
Positioning the outlet lower prevents a syphon effect, ensuring consistent and controlled fluid delivery without backflow or unintentional discharge.
What type of drinks can I use in the Race Mate system?
Any safe, non-carbonated drink can be used, typically water or electrolyte mixes.
Note:
If you use drinks high in sugar, ensure the system is thoroughly cleaned immediately after use to prevent residue build-up.
Does the system use a pump?
Yes. The driver activates the pump by pressing the drink button, which delivers fluid through the tubing directly to the mouthpiece.
How do I know the system is secure once installed?
Check the following:
- The system is mounted firmly using all provided bolts.
- Tubing is connected using the quick-release connectors.
- The power connection is secure and protected by the waterproof plug.
Are replacement bottles or tubes available?
Yes. Replacement bottles, tubes, and connectors are supplied as part of the kit and can also be ordered separately if needed.
Successes & Highlights
