The preparation for Daytona 500 is not limited to the driving skills and garages only, as the drivers also prepare themselves for the race with rigorous training and healthy diets.

Their training helps them survive the heat, manage hydration, adrenelline influxes, and stabilize themselves under G-force. According to Forrest Reynolds of Reynolds Racing, driving on a short track takes a significant toll on the driver's body. Hence, he views endurance training as the best solution.

He said, “I tell these kids to get into CrossFit – that’s the best overall workout for a driver because of the shoulder work and the cardio work that goes into it. It really seems to give them the strength they need.”

However, besides the training, the diet of a Daytona 500 driver also plays a major role in his peformance. So let's have a look at their specifics.

Training and Diet Regimen of a Daytona 500 Driver

Training

The physical exhaustion of the race is felt throughout the body, espcially in the shoulders, glutes, and core. The G-force and the constant pedalling affects these areas, that's why these are main points that need to focus.

• For shoulder strength, drivers perform a half-kneel shoulder press. It relaxes the upper body to release the harsh grip on the wheel.
• For core strength, they do a kneeling pallof press. It helps maintain body stability during sharp turns at high speed.
• For glute strength, most perform an overhead press. It will ease the tension caused by constantly hitting the pedals.

Diet

There are four horsemen of a Daytona 500 driver's diet routine.

• Protein foods like chicken, lean red meats, tofu, lentils, and amino acid based shakes for muscle strengthening and recovery.
• Carbs like quinoa, brown rice, whole grains, banana, and berries for long-lasting energy.
• Electrolyte water, sports drinks, and coconut water for hydration
• Healthy fats like salmon, mackeral, almonds, chia seeds, and avocados for improving cognitive function.

Evening meal before race day

• Pasta with meat sauce or lean beef, veal, lasagna, fish
• Spinach, broccoli, cauliflower
• Salads

Meals on the race day

Before the Race:

• Scrambled eggs
• Fruit
• A mix of water with Gatorade

After the race?

• A mix of 500 to 1000 ml of water mixed Gatorade half an hour after racing

Other stuff eaten during the day:

• Fruits like apples, bananas, grapes
• Cheese
• Canned salmon or tuna
• Protein bars
• Vinegar-based coleslaw
• Fruit cups
• Gatorade and water (300 ml)
• Nuts like cashews
• Potted meats
• Seven-grain salad

Did you know that even NASCAR drivers have to maintain so much for the Daytona 500?

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Written by

Ruwa Javed

Edited by

Souvik Roy