How to keep driver cool under a canopy

A reader asks, Dear AR1, I like your idea of a canopy for IndyCars, but how do you keep the driver cool? Scott Bayard

Dear Scott, There are several things I would implement. The first would be this 22 pound air conditioning system for the driver. It would be mandatory for everyone so no one has a weight penalty. I would also tint the top of the canopy enough to keep the sun out as much as possible. And last I would have some airflow around the car directed into the cockpit.

Some people have also asked about whether a driver could be trapped in the car after an accident. There would need to be some sort of quick release mechanism for the driver. The Polycarbonate canopy would also help to keep fire and spilled fuel out of the cockpit, which is another real benefit. Mark C.