Outlast Technologies and Walero Motorsport
Celebrating Over a Decade of Game-Changing Innovation in Motorsport Apparel
Heidenheim, Germany & Cambridge, UK – April 2025 – Outlast Technologies, the global leader in proactive heat management solutions, and Walero Motorsport, the cutting-edge manufacturer of advanced racewear, are celebrating more than ten years of collaboration. Since Walero’s founding in 2014, the two companies have worked in unison to develop and deliver revolutionary motorsport garments that blend exceptional fire protection with unrivaled thermal comfort - thanks to Outlast® Temperature Regulation technology.
This enduring partnership has led to a category-defining innovation in motorsport base layers that has been embraced by professional and amateur racing drivers around the world. Today, Walero’s FIA - and SFI - approved racewear infused with Outlast® technology - is trusted in the paddocks of Formula 3, GT4, Le Mans prototypes, touring car championships, and grassroots motorsport alike.
The Driving Force Behind the Partnership
In high-performance motorsport, where cockpit temperatures regularly soar past 50°C (122°F) and every millisecond counts, driver comfort is not a luxury - it’s a necessity. The relentless heat within a racing car compromises more than just comfort; it can impact cognitive function, hydration, and overall performance.
This was the inspiration for Fiona James, founder and CEO of Walero, herself a seasoned racing driver. Frustrated by the intense heat stress she and her fellow drivers experienced, James set out in 2014 to find a smarter solution - one that didn’t involve bulky air conditioning systems or post-race recovery protocols. Instead, she envisioned a base layer that actively worked with the body to regulate temperature throughout a race.
“As a driver, you’re operating under extreme pressure - mentally and physically,” James explains. “You’re strapped into a fireproof suit, surrounded by electronics and heat, pushing your limits lap after lap. You don’t need distractions from heat stress. You need to stay cool, stay sharp, and stay safe. That’s where Outlast came in.”
From the very beginning, James partnered with Outlast Technologies, bringing NASA-born innovation directly to motorsport apparel. Outlast’s expertise in proactive temperature regulation gave Walero the foundation it needed to create a technical, high-performance base layer—without sacrificing safety, softness, or flexibility.
Outlast® Temperature Regulation: Technology That Thinks Ahead
Outlast® Temperature Regulation technology works by incorporating millions of tiny capsules filled with natural wax into the fibers of a fabric. These capsules act as a thermal buffer. As the body heats up, the wax inside the capsules melts and absorbs excess warmth - storing the heat instead of allowing it to build up on the skin. After the race when the body cools down, the wax solidifies again, releasing the stored heat and maintaining a comfortable microclimate next to the skin.
This proactive mechanism:
- Stabilizes skin temperature
- Reduces perspiration by up to 40%
- Delays the onset of sweat
- Helps maintain better hydration
- Reduces cardiovascular strain
Unlike traditional “moisture-wicking” solutions, which only react after overheating and sweating begin, Outlast® Temperature Regulation prevents discomfort before it starts. This gives motorsport athletes a critical edge in performance, decision-making, and recovery.
“Outlast was originally created for astronauts. So we knew it could handle the intense heat conditions of a cockpit,” said Ingo Horger, Senior Business Development Manager Europe at Outlast Technologies. “It’s proactive, it’s invisible, and it works exactly when and where it’s needed.”
Blending Comfort and Fire Safety: A Fabric Like No Other
Outlast and Walero took this thermal technology one step further by combining it with Protal®, a flame-retardant fiber known for its durability, softness, and lightweight construction. The result is a woven fabric that is:
- Incredibly soft and flexible
- Certified flame-resistant
- Breathable and lightweight
- Infused with Outlast® Temperature Regulation capsules
This unique material forms the backbone of Walero’s latest 2.0 racewear collection, which includes long-sleeve tops, leggings, balaclavas, and socks - all FIA 8856-2018 and SFI 3.3 approved for competition use. Every piece is tested to the highest safety standards while delivering unmatched comfort and temperature stability.
“We wanted a solution that felt like second skin,” said James. “Drivers shouldn’t even be thinking about their gear during a race. It should just work. That’s what our base layers do.”
Proven Science: Cranfield University’s Independent Testing
To prove that Walero’s gear offered more than just marketing promises, the company partnered with Cranfield University, one of the UK’s leading engineering and performance institutes. The results were definitive and impressive.
During side-by-side tests comparing Walero base layers with standard Nomex® layers, researchers observed:
- Heart rate reduction of up to 8%
- Breathing rate improvements
- Core temperature increase of just 0.6°C, compared to 1.5°C with conventional gear
- A 40% reduction in sweat output
These aren’t just marginal gains - they’re measurable improvements that translate to better lap times, better focus, and better safety. They also reduce post-race fatigue and fluid loss, helping drivers recover faster between races.
“What’s good enough for space is more than good enough for motorsport,” said James. “Our drivers feel the difference every time they race.”
A Technology Partnership Rooted in Functionality and Innovation
As the demands on drivers grow - driven by rising ambient temperatures, extended race durations, and evolving safety regulations - the functional advantage offered by technologies like Outlast® becomes increasingly important. While Walero’s racewear may appear conventional at first glance, its true value lies in the advanced functionality inside the fabric.
The Walero–Outlast partnership demonstrates how sustained collaboration between a specialized textile innovator and a motorsport-focused brand can lead to practical, long-term solutions in an industry where comfort, focus, and safety are inseparable.