NASCAR Practice Sessions: In the realm of the NASCAR Cup Series, a full-time deal promises substantial financial rewards. Yet, in exchange, it exacts a toll on something equally significantpeace of mind. A season in the Cup Series is a relentless journey that demands unwavering commitment, turning love for the sport into a draining endeavor.
In a recent installment of the Dale Jr Download, host Dale Earnhardt Jr welcomed the recently retired Kevin Harvick, accompanied by co-host Mike Davis. Among various topics, they delved into what Harvick would miss most about racing. Interestingly, Earnhardt Jr shared his unexpected sentiment about a particular aspect of car racing.
The practice sessions of today bear little resemblance to the bygone days of Dale Earnhardt Jr. Previously, drivers would navigate laps around the track, return to the garage, and meticulously decide what adjustments to make. The current practice system leans towards brief hot laps, spanning 15-20 minutes or 50100 minutes on tracks like Daytona and Bristol Motor Speedway.
Despite the evolving landscape, Dale Junior harbored a longstanding disdain for practice. Even as a seasoned driver, each session left him appearing discontent, grappling with the car, yearning for more grip. Earnhardt Jr remarked, “You’d run all these races, be frustrated with the car or the balance, and you’re just a miserable individual. Even when things are great, you get this little miserable part always living inside ”
However, during his final race as a full-time NASCAR Cup Series driver at Homestead-Miami, Earnhardt Jr found himself unexpectedly nostalgic about practice. Reflecting on that last race, he expressed, “I’m gonna miss practice. I can’t believe I’m gonna miss practice. This is actually one of the parts that I’m gonna miss.”
As for Kevin Harvick, the allure of his last race rested in leading for a while. The thunderous cheers of fans while leading a race became a symphony of joy for the Stewart-Haas Racing legend.
Harvick admitted, “I did look up there and say, that’s pretty cool. I’m gonna miss that.” Yet, he acknowledged that while he would miss the competitive side of leading laps and energizing the crowd, shedding the consuming and at times maddening competitive mindset would bring its own form of happiness. In the cutthroat arena of NASCAR, where only one winner emerges from a field of 40 roaring cars, the toll of relentless competition on the psyche is a sentiment known all too well by Kevin Harvick.
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Our Reader’s Queries
Are NASCAR practices open to the public?
Race fans can get up close and personal with their favorite NASCAR drivers during practice sessions and qualifying rounds. Keep an eye on the schedule for upcoming events in cities and venues across the country, including the Sprint Cup Series, Nationwide Series, and Camping World Truck Series. Don’t miss your chance to witness the excitement firsthand!
What channel is NASCAR Cup Series practice?
Get ready for some high-speed action as the Cup practice session kicks off from 12 to 1 p.m. Catch all the adrenaline-pumping moments on the NBC Sports App, with USA Network joining in at 12:30 p.m. Don’t miss out on the excitement!
Can you meet NASCAR drivers?
Get ready to experience the thrill of NASCAR like never before with our Pre-Race Experience. Get up close and personal with your favorite drivers during special Q&A sessions and witness driver introductions like never before. Don’t miss out on any of the pre-race excitement – purchase a ticket and Pre-Race Experience pass to take your race day to the next level at The Short Track!
How do I start driving for NASCAR?
If you’re looking to break into the world of NASCAR, starting with karting is a great way to get your foot in the door. Many of today’s top racers began their careers in go-karts. Attending a NASCAR driving school is also a smart move for those who have chosen NASCAR as their preferred auto racing sport. These programs offer a deeper understanding of the sport and can help you hone your skills. By taking these steps, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a successful NASCAR driver.
