At the Hendrick Motorsports facility in Concord, North Carolina, the atmosphere inside the gym is reminiscent of collegiate football, as Hendrick Motorsports pit crew athletes channel their athletic backgrounds into daily training. These athletes, many of whom honed their discipline and resilience on university football teams, now apply that same intensity and camaraderie to support one of racing’s leading organizations.
Translating Football Discipline to NASCAR Pit Crews
The energetic sounds of weights clanging and competitive banter fill the Hendrick Motorsports gym throughout the day, creating a setting that feels familiar to anyone who has spent time in a football weightroom. The pit crew members, often seen encouraging each other or exchanging playful jokes, follow physical routines shaped by their earlier experiences with college football teams. For many, the rigor and process found in their current roles were first instilled during grueling sessions on university campuses.
From College Gridiron to Racing’s Fastest Roles
Recently, four seats in the gym were gradually occupied by notable former college athletes. Dax Hollifield, now serving as a jackman for Hendrick Motorsports, joined first. Hollifield previously played linebacker at Virginia Tech, where he achieved distinction as the school‘s fourth all-time leading tackler, leaving with 355 tackles by the end of his senior year in 2022. Following him was Jarius Morehead, currently a tire carrier, who developed his skills during five seasons at NC State. Morehead earned the DeWayne Washington Award in 2018 as the top defensive back for his squad, wrapping up his collegiate career after the 2019 season with 224 tackles, five interceptions, and a pick-six.
The Lasting Influence of Football on Performance
By bringing their football backgrounds into pit crew roles, these athletes demonstrate how the habits, discipline, and sense of teamwork formed on the gridiron continue to shape their success. The transition from football to NASCAR is marked by a shared culture of commitment to excellence, whether on a playing field or beside a race car.
Hendrick Motorsports continues to benefit from this fusion of athletic discipline and motorsports expertise, highlighting how a legacy built in college football weightrooms can fuel high-stakes performance inside a NASCAR gym. As the organization’s pit crew members grow in both number and ability, their football roots remain an essential element of the team’s dynamic and drive for results.
