Driver Nutrition More Important Than Ever
Thursday, June 22nd, 2006 10:55pm CDT
By Luke, Thunder Lounge
Published on Thunder Lounge.
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[thumb:363:l:s=1:l=http://thunderlounge.com/nascar/driver-nutrition-more-important-than-ever.html]While Scott Riggs was caught in a moment of funnel cake bliss, the funny thing about it is that today’s Nascar driver is a fine tuned machine. Sure they each have their special treat, Jeff Gordon has corndogs and Smoke has his Blizzard’s, but as a whole you’ll find most driver’s today are under the guidance of team nutritionists.
Ok, so Smoke may have had more than his fair share of Blizzard’s, but the man’s won two Cup Championships. If he wants a Blizzard or a twinkie, so be it.
The treats at the track are a draw for the crowd. From the frozen custard at Richmond, the giant turkey legs at Texas, the dogs at Martinsville, and who can forget the infamous baloney burgers at South Boston. Fans are subjected to the treats at the track maybe once or twice a year on average, maybe a time or two more. However, driver’s get the temptation of it 38 weekends a year. In such an environment where the demands on a driver’s performance not only on the track but off it as well are more grueling than ever, it makes perfectly good common sense for a nutritionist to be a part of the mix. Granted you do the best with what you have, which is one important aspect of driver’s having their own motor-coaches at the track as well.
On top of that, there are the team members to consider as well. They are also in a position where they have no other choice but to be at the top of their game. As teams bring nutrition into account, they haven’t forgotten about the team members either. Sure, from time to time you grab a burger and go. Most people do. However, most of the meals consumed come from team “kitchens”, and provide a well balanced variety.
But hey, sometimes you just gotta have a funnel cake. The upside to it is the amount of time spent in the car, and the conditions inside. Suffice to say, a couple extra calories now and then won’t hurt. However, you may need to catch “When good Blizzard’s go bad” sometime on late night cable, or “When good doughnuts go bad” on another network. Rumor has it, that Jimmy Spencer will be the guest on the second show in an upcoming episode. As long as Delana’s mac-n-cheese recipe isn’t included, you should be safe.
Hat tip to the buds atThe Big Lead for the heads up a few days ago, and for reference there’s a big article at the NY Times.
While the water cooler this week might not be buzzing about a nice piece of salmon, it’s always good for a tough match on where to get the best corndog, or even better… slaw dog.
I wonder if that old gas station off of 40 is still cranking them out in Durham?
Filed Under: Busch Series, Craftsman Truck Series, Features, Nascar, Nextel Cup, The Water Cooler
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