Is the NASCAR schedule too grueling?

Yes

1 of 4

by Cathy Killian

Write now Print Invite a writer™ Add to Favorites RSS Feed Contact this writer

I just don't know how they do it! If it's necessary for ME to drive 500 miles in one day, I start to look for a motel after 400 miles. The mental exhaustion alone is overwhelming. My hands are cramped and numb, my back is stiff and I thank God for whoever invented cruise control.

So how do these NASCAR drivers look like they've just walked across their yard to have a leisurely talk with their neighbor when Matt Yokum or Krista Voda interview them after a 500-mile race? Sure, they are pouring Gatorade over their heads or gulping down Coca Cola or Pepsi (depending on who's sponsoring them) and that's understandable, but they just are incredible guys to be able to do what they do week after week.

I saw Carl Edwards in an interview just last week talking about how he has intensified his workout schedule this year to keep in shape. As he encouraged others to exercise and improve their health, I realized how these drivers must prepare physically and mentally for each race. There are those who would argue that NASCAR drivers are not athletes. I beg to differ. How many of us could keep up with the constant G forces and physical pounding their bodies take week after week? The mental strain has to be tremendous, too, concentrating hour after hour. They ARE athletes and do their own kind of training to be able to give their best performance on race day. Oh, and you don't see too many overweight NASCAR drivers. (Besides, how would they fit into that tiny little driver's seat?)

The schedule IS grueling. Aside from the lengthy races, factor in the traveling. Oh, sure, they have their own jet to whisk them from city to city, but that doesn't mean they don't have obligations in the meantime. Many of the drivers spend a good amount of time right in the garage, working alongside their "guys in the shop". They are making sure the car they climb into on Sunday is the best it can be, and giving their shop guys some feedback and input that is invaluable. After all, it's the driver who knows how the car is responding (or NOT).

There are also sponsor obligations, where they spend hours just signing hats, shirts, pictures, BODIES, and die cast replicas of their car. Talk about writer's cramp! And the endless smiling at each and every fan who is patiently standing in line has to leave their FACE in permanent smile status! Aside from the actual signing autographs, etc. there is also the travel time involved here.

I realize this is their job and they wouldn't have "applied" for it if they didn't enjoy what they do. Granted, they knew what they were getting into when they took on this job, but thirty-six races command a major chunk of time. They don't just walk up to the car thirty minutes before the drop of the green flag and say, "here I am boys, let's go racin'." In the "off" months, there is testing to be done, in addition to their sponsor obligations. The time spent qualifying is a time-consuming and often nerve-wracking process. Of course you have those drivers who not only compete in the Sprint series, but also in the Nationwide events. And again, it's their choice, but nonetheless, it doubles the pressure and the time.

I have to say that I don't believe this job would ever become tedious or boring. Each day and each track brings its own set of challenges, never the same. The outcome of each race hinges on the weather, the set of tires used, strategy and a little luck. I know, I know, the driver's ability comes in to play, too, but that's a given. Even those who do poorly in qualifying can amazingly come to the front and win a race. Now that's excitement! One little problem on pit road can lose a race, and pit road is one of the most exciting times of the race. On the track, these guys never know when a tire will blow, when a driver will miscue and go spinning, when an engine will blow up and spew oil all over the track. Boring? Never. (Hey, did you ever think about why a driver suddenly veered into another car? Bet the driver sneezed! Oh, well, it was an exciting little wreck-no tedium here.)

How NASCAR could alter the schedule and make it less grueling-I don't know. I think the whole competition concept not only depends on the race itself, but the momentum each team gains racing week after week. The weeks they ARE off, which are few and far between, give them a chance to take a breath and perhaps spend a little quality time with their families. Time off is never a bad thing. It gives you time to re-group, think and clear your mind. But I truly believe the sport would suffer if they removed some of the races. A schedule like this may seem as if it's unfair, but to these guys who thrive on competition, well, it's a way of life-it IS their life. They seem to find ways to relax in their "down time".

My hat is off to those men (and women) who take a risk each and every time they pull those straps tight on race day. They do it for the glory-the "braggin' rights", if you will; they do it because it's "in their blood"; they do it to showcase their ability and talent; they do it for the money; they do it because it's their passion-they can't NOT do it! Regardless of their reasons, I appreciate the sacrifices these guys (and gals!) make and the fine, upstanding character they convey. And I appreciate their willingness to sometimes put their personal lives on the back burner for love of the sport. Grueling schedule or not, they do it well and they do it with pride. I, for one, am glad they do, cause I sure do go through racing withdrawal from December to February!

Learn more about this author, Cathy Killian.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.