Coach Perspective: NASCAR

Category: Miscellaneous

I spent the majority of last weekend watching, analyzing, thinking and well feeling the rumble of high powered engines in the pit of my stomach.

Watching athletes perform at the highest level is pretty awesome. Regardless of what sport. Homestead Florida was the site of the final race of the 2011 Sprint Cup Championship and two drivers had the final say. Edwards and Stewart were in a tight battle.

I was fortunate to have a really inside view of what these athletes go through. I was there working with the #47 car. You really get a sense of what goes on in the "meat and potatoes" of the sport. For example, to watch Bobby scrutinize and analyze his 100% throttle after a turn and compare it to other drivers (after qualifying) in the field was fantastic insight. He pushed play, pause, watched, thought, reflected and then repeated...I bet 10 times. I watched his brain process what he could do...what the team could do.. to get more horsepower. (speaking of horsepower, Bobby can ride a mean bike too) The back of the hauler is literally a scientific think tank to make driver and car faster.

NASCAR Drivers go through huge weight loss, high heart rates, snap decisions, potential peril at every turn and have to do this all at 150 mph plus. The pitcrews are called on to literally "fix a car" in 14 seconds.

If you ever get a chance. GO see a race. I'm sure you will be impressed. Oh, for you newbies. BRING EARPLUGS!

Here's a link to get a better "view"

Happy Turkey!

Chad