Here's how NASCAR drivers are spending their weekend off
Danica Patrick, Kyle Larson and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. went 'off the grid' with others doing similar
NASCAR doesn't have much of an offseason, with the first race in February and last in November, so off time is hard to come by. This weekend was the first that drivers had off since April and last until the season wraps up at Homestead around Thanksgiving.
With the NASCAR playoffs just a few weeks away, the Monster Energy Cup Series drivers are taking full advantage of their week off. From vacations to time in the garage, here's a look at what everyone's been up to ahead of next weekend's race at Darlington.
Kurt Busch went horseback riding and spent some time at the beach.
She says I'm a natural @MrsAshleyBusch pic.twitter.com/wLdO3JzcQR
— Kurt Busch (@KurtBusch) August 25, 2017
Here piggy piggy 🐽 pic.twitter.com/H77Z4hVuMZ
— Ashley Busch (@MrsAshleyBusch) August 22, 2017
His brother and last week's race winner Kyle Busch also spent time catching rays with his wife Samantha.
Danica Patrick joined boyfriend Ricky Stenhouse Jr. and three-time 2017 winner Kyle Larson on vacation.
Patrick, an avid fitness nut, also used the opportunity to spend time doing yoga.
23-year-old Ryan Blaney enjoyed some beverages during his time off.
Hell I don't know. #drunk https://t.co/YV5E8l7qff
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) August 22, 2017
While points leader Martin Truex Jr. enjoyed the eclipse.
I'm ready #Eclipse2017 pic.twitter.com/BqtQA2yp0o
— Martin Truex Jr. (@MartinTruex_Jr) August 21, 2017
Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmie Johnson and Joey Logano went biking. In May, Johnson joined Jamie McMurray and Matt Kenseth in a 102.7-mile ride at Mt. Mitchell State Park in North Carolina. The ride was nearly six hours, uphill.
My off weekend plans include pedaling with @chandrajanway, she has a new whip!@bicyclesport @TrekRaceShop @SRAMroad pic.twitter.com/0qnpF5tmz2
— Jimmie Johnson (@JimmieJohnson) August 25, 2017
Packed and ready for our road trip pic.twitter.com/BebpGAYrKu
— Joey Logano (@joeylogano) August 22, 2017
McMurray didn't quite pedal as many miles as Johnson this vacation, but he did spend some quality time at home.
Great Saturday morning at home! #monsterfish pic.twitter.com/3WFHiyrVgG
— Jamie McMurray (@jamiemcmurray) August 26, 2017
34 miles running this week and a 32 mile bike ride on my off day. Looking forward to a day of rest tomorrow and the @NASCAR_XFINITY race. pic.twitter.com/BHrIHCUKgv
— Jamie McMurray (@jamiemcmurray) August 26, 2017
As for drivers spending time in the garage and around cars, Daniel Suarez, playoff-contender Kasey Kahne and Clint Bowyer couldn't resist.
— Daniel Suárez (@Daniel_SuarezG) August 23, 2017
loves helping at the shop @TannerKahne 😀 pic.twitter.com/N4RV2aw5vl
— Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne) August 24, 2017
I'm not sure we're going to be able to get him off this thing. 👊 pic.twitter.com/nsL3Cu0dR6
— Clint Bowyer (@ClintBowyer) August 23, 2017
And of course, some of the drivers watched Floyd Mayweather take down Conor McGregor in record fashion on Saturday night. Denny Hamlin wasn't too pleased with the result while Dale Earnhardt Jr. shared his thoughts on boxing as well.
Ain't that some s*%#t. 60 seconds late. Might as well been 60 min. Enjoyed the trip tho. Thanks @AriaLV for taking care of me. pic.twitter.com/KIMIlBwhpB
— Denny Hamlin (@dennyhamlin) August 27, 2017
Don't give up on boxing. Two amazing champions will step into the ring to decide who is the best. #GGGCanelo
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 27, 2017
GGG and Canelo won't have to say they are sorry. #BestVSBest https://t.co/OL0Sn8T5WJ
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) August 27, 2017
Junior of course is referring to the upcoming fight between Gennady Golovkin and Canelo Alvarez on September 16. There had been much scrutiny from the boxing community surrounding Mayweather-McGregor given McGregor's lack of boxing experience. Either way, he was able to last 10 rounds against a guy who is now 50-0.
Despite all the fun and games, there is still racing this weekend in the NASCAR Xfinity Series. Here's how to watch as well as everything else you'll need to know for the road race at Road America on Sunday.
















