Category: MotorSports

Jimmie Johnson has a euphoric, ‘unicorn-level’ of energy ahead of Daytona 500

We spoke with the seven-time champ ahead of (maybe) his last Daytona 500.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — No matter what happens in the 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season, Jimmie Johnson will retire as one of racing’s greatest drivers ever with a record-tying seven championships and 83 wins. But he’s not about to let up now.

Johnson announced in November that he’ll retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2020 season — which opens with Sunday’s Daytona 500 (2:30 p.m. ET, FOX) — although he’s made it clear he’s not done competing and is open to trying out other styles of racing.

But for the next nine months, his focus is on bouncing back from a recent two-year slump and winning (at least) one more Cup Series race, which would move him into a three-way tie for No. 5 all time with Darrell Waltrip and Bobby Allison. His first checkered flag since 2017 would also automatically qualify him for the playoffs and give him a shot at a record-breaking eighth championship.

For The Win spoke with the seven-time champ Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway about his final season and the new mindset he’s embracing in it.

This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity.

Does the start to this season feel any different knowing it’s your last full-time run?

Pulling in, the flight down, media day, talking about it a lot — I told myself in the offseason I wanted to be present and aware of these opportunities and let it in, so it’s there. There’s so much excitement in my heart about it all that it’s really fun and is bringing energy to me and the team. I know as the year goes on, it will become more emotional, but right now, it’s just bringing a ton of energy.

Is that nervous or positive energy, and how does it compare to how past Daytona 500s have felt?

I haven’t been in the trenches yet racing and worried about performance, so I haven’t had any nerves yet. It’s all been euphoria, unicorn-level stuff of just being happy and great. So I know once we go racing, especially when we get to [Las] Vegas [Motor Speedway for the second race], the reality of the season, the reality of performance will be there. I’ll get knocked down, but right now, I’m certainly riding a high of euphoria.

With all that energy, what’s the one thing you’re most excited about going into this season?

Experiencing this year with the people that mean so much to me: Family, Rick, my crew guys. To have this bond the years, the time, the depth of our experience and relationships — the people part of this is what I’m most excited for.

What are you most scared about?

I think I’m fearful that I’m not going to be present and enjoy the moments because I’m going to be so worried about competition. So I think that’s my biggest challenge. If we get off to a quick start and we win, it’s going to be very easy. But if we don’t get off to the start that we want, how do I enjoy these moments and not be caught in the competitive side too much?

You recently said you’re moving away from the “Chasing 8” mentality in this final season. Have your goals for the season changed if your mindset has?

What I didn’t recognize is after we won seven, with the notion of being a standalone champion at eight, I started chasing something then, and, indirectly, we had come up with this hashtag #Chasing8.

And I had the clarity over the offseason of like, “Holy smokes! I’ve been out of character.” That’s not anything I’ve ever done. I’ve always just showed up to race and have fun. And that’s where I’ve done my best work. That’s where I’ve won seven championships. That’s what I’m going back to.

What’s Jimmie Johnson doing 10 years from now?

That’s a great question. I don’t even know what I’m doing next year. Ten years, kids are 19 and 16. I’ll be fearful of my girls dating, fearful of them driving, worrying about which college they’re going to. Dad stuff.

Would you have any interest in returning to Hendrick in an executive leadership position?

I’ve not played that role to date. I’m not against it either, but it’s family, it’s home. I still, in the coming years, want to compete, so I’m not sure how that really works. But I wouldn’t rule it out. Hendrick’s home, Hendrick’s family, so I’d consider it.

Do you think you’d be OK if you didn’t win one more race?

I wouldn’t have a choice.

You recently said you’re interested in the IndyCar Series in the future but no ovals. Are there any particular tracks that would be at the top of your list?

Long Beach I’m drawn to because I hung on the fence for years as a kid watching. Monterey — I’ve never even been to the track itself, and it’s been so cool and so iconic. [The Circuit of the Americas in Austin] seems super interesting, especially after yesterday driving around. But it’s more the ovals I’m not interested in and very open to the road courses.

Like been there done that?

I’ve never been 240 miles an hour, and I don’t know if I want to go 240 miles an hour.

[jwplayer fGkn6bLV-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=871266]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393221]

Denny Hamlin reviews Michael Jordan’s new golf course after playing it with Rickie Fowler

Denny Hamlin was also amazed by Rickie Fowler’s skills.

DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. — The good news for NASCAR driver Denny Hamlin is he didn’t lose any money playing golf against pro Rickie Fowler this week. The bad news for him is he didn’t win any, either.

Hamlin, Fowler and former NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip visited Michael Jordan’s new exclusive golf course, Grove XXIII, in Hobe Sound, Florida (near Jupiter), and the defending Daytona 500 champion said he bet Fowler “a lot and ended up with nothing.”

“I tied Rickie on the final hole,” Hamlin said Wednesday at Daytona International Speedway. “Thank goodness that got me back square, so that was a lot of fun. But it’s just amazing to see how good pros are. You think you’ve seen people that are good at their craft; go see a professional athlete do his craft. And it’s just amazing to watch.”

Although Hamlin is an avid golfer — he and some other NASCAR drivers are in an amateur (but super serious) league called The Golf Guys Tour — he, unsurprisingly, said Fowler has “an absurd unfair advantage” on the course.

“Unfortunately, he uses the same clubs, and he has the same body type,” Hamlin said comparing his own game and Fowler’s. “So there’s really no excuses other than he’s got talent and I don’t.”

Still, Hamlin — who underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to repair a torn labrum in November, right after the 2019 NASCAR season ended — said he had a great time at Jordan’s private course.

Unlike many drivers who like to use NASCAR’s short, three-month offseason to race in other series, Hamlin said he needs that break from the track to “amped up and better prepared” when he returns for the season-opening Daytona 500, which is Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET. He said he figured Fowler would be the same way and wouldn’t want to play golf in his free time — but found that the opposite was true.

Hamlin hits out of the bunker during the final round of the Tournament of Champions LPGA golf tournament in January in Lake Buena Vista, Fla. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)

“For me, it’s my way of unwinding,” Hamlin said about golfing. “Each driver is so different, and I actually talked to Rickie Fowler a little bit, and I said, ‘Why are you out here? Like, you’re not golfing in competition, so what is it? Are you out here practicing, or are you just bored and don’t want to be home?’ He said, ‘I love golf.’

“He actually mentioned it’s similar to what Kyle Larson [does], right? Or any of the other guys that just continue to race, race, race. For me, I’m a little different. If I’m a pro golfer, and I’m not golfing that week, I’m not golfing that week. But each person finds their own way to motivate them to keep doing this because this is not an easy thing to do, week in and week out.”

Hamlin was also blown away by Jordan’s new 72-par course.

“The course was unbelievable,” he said. “There’s only 75 members. Hopefully to be 76 here in the next few weeks, so it was really an honor to be invited and be a member at such an exclusive place. It’s really new, just a few months old. It’s going to be fun to do for the next 20 to 30 years, as long as I’m able to play.”

[jwplayer fGkn6bLV-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=871266]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393221]

2020 Daytona 500 Duels: How to watch Thursday’s qualifying races, starting lineup

See the starting lineups for Thursday’s Duels at Daytona.

The NASCAR Cup Series season kicked off last weekend with the wild Busch Clash at Daytona International Speedway, and the cars will hit the track again on Thursday for two high-intensity races to determine the starting order for the 2020 Daytona 500. Here’s everything you need to know about the Duels this week.

When do the Duels start?

Duel No. 1 will begin at 7:00 pm. ET on Thursday, February 13th, on Fox Sports 1. Duel No. 2 will follow, with an estimated starting time of around 8:45 p.m. ET.

What are the Duels?

For the Daytona 500, the standard qualifying session (which occurred last weekend) only locks in the front row for Sunday’s race. The results of qualifying are then used to determine the starting order for two qualifying races, known in 2020 as the Bluegreen Vacation Duels.

Duel No. 1 will feature a field of 22 cars, and Duel No. 2 will have 21 cars. A total of three non-charter cars will not make the final field of 40, so drivers Daniel Suarez, Reed Sorenson, Chad Finchum, JJ Yeley and Timmy Hill will be fighting over two entries in the 500.

Each duel will be a 150-mile race, or 60 laps around the 2.5 Daytona International Speedway circuit.

The finishing order of Duel No. 1 will make up the inside line (odd positions) in the Daytona 500 lineup, so the winner of Duel No. 1 will start third, while the finishing order of Duel No. 2 will make up the outside line.

There will be no “stages” within either Duel, but each driver will have to make at least one pit stop, as the fuel window is under 60 laps.

Which drivers are on the Daytona 500 front row?

Ricky Stenhouse Jr. won the pole position with a qualifying time of 46.253 seconds. Alex Bowman will start second, after posting a time of 46.305 seconds. Both of these drivers will start on the pole in their respective duel, but as each driver is already locked into their position, it’s likely that they won’t be going all-out to win.

Duel No. 1 starting lineup

(Drivers marked with an asterisk are non-charter cars. The top non-charter car in each Duel is guaranteed a spot in the Daytona 500)

1. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. #47
2. Chase Elliott #9
3. Denny Hamlin #11
4. Aric Almirola #10
5. Christopher Bell #95
6. Joey Logano #22
7. Clint Bowyer #14
8. Ryan Newman #6
9. Ryan Preece #37
10. Chris Buescher #17
11. Martin Truex Jr. #19
12. Brad Keselowski #2
13. John Hunter Nemechek #38
14. Ryan Blaney #12
15. Austin Dillon #3
16. Justin Haley #16
17. Bubba Wallace #43
18. Reed Sorenson* #27
19. Daniel Suarez* #96
20. Quin Houff #00
21. Chad Finchum* #49
22. Joey Gase #51

Duel No. 2 starting lineup

1. Alex Bowman #88
2. Jimmie Johnson #48
3. Kyle Busch #18
4. William Byron #24
5. Erik Jones #20
6. Kevin Harvick #4
7. Cole Custer #41
8. Matt DiBenedetto #21
9. Tyler Reddick #8
10. Kyle Larson #42
11. Kurt Busch #1
12. Michael McDowell #34
13. David Ragan #36
14. Ross Chastain #14
15. Ty Dillon #13
16. Brendan Gaughan #62
17. Timmy Hill* #66
18. Corey LaJoie #32
19. JJ Yeley* #54
20. Brennan Poole #15
21. BJ McLeod #52

[jwplayer fGkn6bLV-q2aasYxh]

Erik Jones won NASCAR’s Clash at Daytona ‘with a car that’s ready for the dumpster’

There were only six cars left on the track after all these wrecks.

Pretty much nothing happened in the first 65-of-75 laps of NASCAR’s Busch Clash, an exhibition event, at Daytona International Speedway on Sunday. And then to make up for lost time, there were several crashes in the final 10 scheduled laps and into overtime.

And by the time the white flag flew to signal the last official lap, there were only six cars still on the track for a race that began with 18.

But somehow, with a car that limped across the finish line, Erik Jones in the No. 20 Joe Gibbs Racing Toyota survived multiple wrecks and won the race with a big assist from teammate Denny Hamlin behind him.

Amazingly, Jones is missing a huge chunk of his hood, and the look of the car led to FOX Sports’ Mike Joy describing the victory with a hilarious quote:

“Erik Jones is going to win the Busch Clash with a car thats ready for the dumpster!”

Ignore the part where Joy’s broadcast partner, legendary racer Jeff Gordon, says Hamlin is on the lead lap and opting not to fight Jones for the lead. Hamlin was one lap down with only Jones, Austin Dillon, Clint Bowyer, Kyle Larson and Ryan Newman on the lead lap.

It’s really pretty remarkable that Jones had enough in that car to not just survive the final laps but get and hold onto the lead.

The first of several wrecks in the 75-lap exhibition event was at the end of Lap 66 when Joey Logano blocked Kyle Busch and ignited a multi-car crash. But that was far from it. In fact, there were so many wrecks that the race was extended to 88 laps because of overtime, making it the longest Clash, according to FOX Sports’ broadcast.

Here’s a look at the chaos on the Daytona track:

[jwplayer ucyevoBp-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=871266]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393221]

Brad Keselowski slams teammate Joey Logano for ‘dumb racing’ in NASCAR’s Clash at Daytona

“It’s just ridiculous,” an angry Brad Keselowski said.

After the majority of NASCAR’s Busch Clash at Daytona International Speedway was fairly uneventful, things got wild with fewer than 10 laps remaining in the 75-lap exhibition event.

Toward the end of Lap 66, Joey Logano was out front with Denny Hamlin running on the inside of him, and their respective teammates, Brad Keselowski and Kyle Busch, were trailing right behind them. When Busch, the reigning Cup Series champion, went to make a move, Logano threw a successful block.

But it looked like Logano might have gone for a second block against Busch, and the two cars made contact, triggering the first big crash of the day. Keselowski clearly had one of the best cars on the track, but he was collected in the wreck and was subsequently furious with his teammate.

When Keselowski exited his car, his frustration was obvious and he expressed it by throwing his hands in the air and slamming them against the exterior of an ambulance.

Afterward, Keselowski didn’t hold back any feelings about Logano’s blocking when he spoke with reporters.

Warning: There is some NSFW language in this video.

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393221]

Everything you need to know about NASCAR’s 2020 Busch Clash at Daytona

From how NASCAR drivers qualified to past winners, here’s what you need to know.

The 2020 NASCAR Cup Series season officially begins with the Daytona 500 on Sunday, February 16, but things are already rolling at Daytona International Speedway with two practices Saturday and qualifying Sunday.

Plus, there’s the Busch Clash, an exhibition event. Although it doesn’t really count for anything other than bragging rights, it is the first competition of what’s known as Speedweeks. Then we’ve got the two Duels on Thursday to determine the starting lineup, a couple more practices and then the big event.

But first thing’s first: Here’s everything you need to know about the NASCAR Cup Series Busch Clash on Sunday at the iconic 2.5-mile Daytona track.

What is the Busch Clash?

It’s a 75-lap exhibition race totaling 187.5 miles. It’s divided into two stages: 25 laps and 50 laps.

When is the Busch Clash?

NASCAR’s Busch Clash is Sunday, February 9 at 3 p.m. ET, and the green flag is expected to fly at about 3:24 p.m. It will be broadcast on TV on FS1.

How do drivers qualify for the Busch Clash?

Wait, not everyone gets to compete in the Clash? No, drivers qualify based on their performances on the track in the past. Drivers qualify for the Clash if they:

1. Won a pole in a Cup Series race in 2019

2. Won the Clash at some point and ran a full 2019 season

3. Won a Daytona 500 pole at some point and ran a full 2019 season

4. Won the Daytona 500 at some point and ran a full 2019 season

5. Qualified for the 2019 NASCAR Cup Series Playoffs

So which NASCAR drivers are qualified for the 2020 Busch Clash?

Here is the full list of 20 drivers who qualified for this year’s Clash. Several of them qualified in more than one way.

Aric Almirola

Ryan Blaney

Alex Bowman

Clint Bowyer

Kyle Busch

Kurt Busch

William Byron

Austin Dillon

Chase Elliott

Denny Hamlin

Kevin Harvick

Daniel Hemric*

Jimmie Johnson

Erik Jones

Brad Keselowski

Kyle Larson

Joey Logano

Ryan Newman

Daniel Suarez*

Martin Truex Jr.

*Daniel Suárez and Daniel Hemric will not compete in the Clash.

How is the starting lineup for the Busch Clash determined?

This one’s at random. There will be a random drawing Saturday at 6:30 p.m. ET for the starting spots in Sunday’s race.

Who won the Clash last season?

(Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)

Jimmie Johnson won the 2019 Clash for what turned out to be his only victory of the season, even if it was in an exhibition event. He triggered a massive wreck that took out almost half the field as he took the lead, and when rain hit, he was out front still and declared the winner.

He also won the Clash in 2005.

What other active drivers have won the Clash?

In addition to Johnson, six other active drivers have won the Clash: Brad Keselowski (2018), Joey Logano (2017), Denny Hamlin (2016, 2014, 2006), Kevin Harvick (2013, 2010, 2009), Kyle Busch (2012) and Kurt Busch (2011).

[jwplayer ucyevoBp-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=871266]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393221]

44-year-old Kevin Harvick explains why he signed NASCAR contract extension through 2023

Kevin Harvick will be in NASCAR for (at least) four more years.

Kevin Harvick is already one of the oldest full-time NASCAR Cup Series drivers — he turned 44 in December — and the next time he’s in a contract year, there’s a good chance he’ll easily be the oldest on the track.

The No. 4 Stewart-Haas Racing driver was previously under contract through the 2021 season, but Saturday at Daytona International Speedway, he confirmed that he signed an extension taking him through the 2023 season, shortly after which he’ll turn 48.

The 2014 Cup Series champion has expressed an interest in the broadcast side of NASCAR following his eventual retirement from racing, but that’s clearly not an option for a few more years.

Harvick explained his decision regarding the two-year contract extension to the media Saturday:

“The TV and radio stuff is definitely something that I’m extremely interested in doing. But I talked with some of my friends over the offseason just about where I was at with things, and everybody told me the same thing: If you’re not done with that competitive side of it, just keep chasing that side. And I’ve got everything around me I need to be competitive, so just gonna continue doing that.”

Harvick has raced for Stewart-Haas Racing since 2014, and has won 26 of his 49 career checkered flags with Tony Stewart’s team. He has also advanced to the Championship 4 race in five of the six years under the current format, including in the 2019 season when he finished third in the final standings behind champion Kyle Busch and Martin Truex Jr.

However, Harvick did seem to imply that he’ll be calling it quits when his new contract expires, which lines up with a new TV broadcast contract. He said, via NBC Sports:

“That timing works well for me from a media standpoint just because of the fact you have the TV contract coming up (in 2024). I think at that particular point you’ll have a fair amount of experience in the new car. You will have hopefully been through the engine change, the vehicle change. There were a number of things that go along with that. I really like racing with the group of guys and the organization that I’m at.”

While Harvick fans are surely happy with their driver confirming he’ll be racing for four more years, his wife, DeLana, might feel a little differently and tweeted her response to the news becoming public:

But his crew chief, Rodney Childers, is obviously digging it:

The 2020 NASCAR season begins Sunday, February 16 with the Daytona 500.

[jwplayer UO045H78-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=871266]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393221]

Danica Patrick explains what makes Aaron Rodgers a ‘very good travel’ buddy

We spoke with Danica Patrick about how she and Aaron Rodgers bonded over their love of travel.

Danica Patrick is enjoying a relaxing retirement from racing in NASCAR and IndyCar. And in the NFL offseason, that includes a lot of traveling around the country and world with her boyfriend and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

In the two years since the sports power couple went public with their relationship, they’ve traveled all over, including to India, England, Zambia, New Zealand and Paris — a surprise trip for Patrick’s birthday last March. Recently buying a $28 million mansion, as Variety reported, in Malibu, Patrick said they’re spending a lot of offseason time in California when they’re not traveling.

“It’s pretty good,” Danica told For The Win this week. “We look at each other a lot and say, ‘Wow, it’s a pretty good life.'”

Patrick and Rodgers have a trip planned nearly every week, she said, and that’s just the way they like it. A lot of it revolves around golf tournaments, so right now, they’re in California with Rodgers playing in the AT&T Pebble Beach Pro-Am. With a few couples to make up a good group of friends with them, it’s an eventful vacation with “a whole week of having fun and entertaining and drinking wine and watching golf.”

(Patrick is an admittedly “terrible golfer,” although she said she owns clubs and will still play.)

Golf tournaments aside — they’ll also go to the American Century Championship on Lake Tahoe in July — Patrick said she and Rodgers are in the process of blocking out a month and planning a big offseason trip.

But not everyone does well on the road with their loved ones, and Patrick joked about how “some people are really late all the time or they take forever to get ready.” But she explained that she and Rodgers have similar travel interests, like trying new things, learning about cultures outside of their own, visiting historical sites and exploring spiritual experiences.

“We’re very good travel buddies,” Patrick said. “We both want to do the same things, we want to go to the same places, we want to have similar experiences, we want to see the same stuff.

“It was one of the things we connected on very early on when we started talking: Travel and wanting to travel and that no matter what, that was going to happen for us in our lives. And then we came to find out we’re really good travel partners too.”

View this post on Instagram

If you jump, I jump, right? 💙

A post shared by Danica Patrick (@danicapatrick) on

Rodgers expressed a similar sentiment about traveling with Danica in a 2018 interview with Artful Living. Opening up about their relationship, he said, in part:

“We really enjoy traveling. She went on the trip to India and Africa, and we had a blast. And we’ve taken some trips domestically that have been fun. I’m a little further out there in my love for history; I want to go to historical sites around the world. She’s getting into it as well, but she’s spontaneous. She’s up for anything travel-wise, which is fun. She’s a good travel partner because she’s so laid-back and low-maintenance.

Patrick’s mentality about how she imagined her retirement from racing has changed following her seven full-time seasons in IndyCar and six in NASCAR. She has speaking engagements, remains involved with her Napa-area wine company, Somnium, and puts out a weekly podcast called Pretty Intense (guests have ranged from Rodgers to Alex Rodriguez to her dad).

But she’s learning to do less.

“I have actually come around to the idea and be really honestly totally happy with this idea that I don’t have to do more or I don’t even have to do as much as I used to do,” Patrick said. “I can do less. Life is OK doing less, and that’s a part of retiring that I wanted as well.

“It gets hard when you get in this mindset and you have a go-go mentality and an aggressive mindset to accomplishing things in life where you just think, ‘OK, what’s next? Let’s make this big, and what can we do here?’ And then to realize, ‘Wow, I’m actually totally fine with just doing a little less.'”

View this post on Instagram

You all have been asking if I will interview Aaron for my podcast, here it is!!! This week (Thursday release) is the highly talented, intelligent, and dreamy @aaronrodgers12 😍 ….I thought this was a perfect video to put out today in light of their big win against the Vikings last night. 12-3 so far with one more regular season game!!!! They are NFC north champions and are locked into the playoffs. They also have a chance of being the number one seed in the NFC as well! . . As the title of this clip from Aaron says, belief is very powerful and I can feel the belief growing everyday for what could be for them this season🙌🏼. Anyone that wants to help visualize the @packers winning the super bowl is welcome!!!!!!!!…. the more people that believe in one thing, the more charged⚡️ and powerful that energy is. ✨✨✨ Go pack go!!!!!!!! Who’s with me?!

A post shared by Danica Patrick (@danicapatrick) on

The nine-month NASCAR schedule is beyond demanding with 36 race weekends, plus two exhibition events. And when drivers aren’t competing, their days are still filled with sponsorship obligations and fan- or team-related events.

It’s a near-constant grind, and after so many years of working her way up to being the first woman to compete consistently at the top of two motor sports series, Patrick is enjoying the benefits of her success.

“The priorities have just shifted,” she said, and they now include time blocked off for Packers games and playoff runs, in addition to traveling and her businesses. “But it’s really, really lovely.”

[jwplayer BnR8NjyR-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=892019]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=634546]

Jimmie Johnson shows off sleek new helmet for final NASCAR season

Jimmie Johnson is going out in style.

Jimmie Johnson is going to kick off his final NASCAR Cup Series season in style.

Ahead of his 19th full-time season racing in NASCAR’s premier series, the No. 48 Chevrolet driver shared photos of his new helmet, which pay tribute to his storied career, particularly his record-tying seven Cup Series championships.

Mostly black with the neon yellow and magenta colors of his full-time sponsor, Ally, Johnson’s latest helmet is bold, sleek and fresh. And listed on the back are the seasons in which he won it all, highlighting his dominance that stretched across two decades, along with his unprecedented five consecutive titles between 2006 and 2010.

How else would anyone expect a seven-time champ to go out?

Shortly after the 2019 season ended in November, Johnson announced that he will retire from full-time racing at the end of the 2020 season, which officially begins this month with the Daytona 500 on February 16.

Although Johnson has struggled on the track in the last two seasons, this look is a great way to remind people of his historic accomplishments (as if you could forget).

Since winning his most recent title in 2016, Johnson’s motto has been “Chasing 8” as he tried to break his championship tie with Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt Sr. However, the 44-year-old Hendrick Motorsports driver recently said he’s ditching that mentality to embrace everything about his final full-time season.

[jwplayer UO045H78-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=871266]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393221]

From beach trips to the Super Bowl, here’s what 12 NASCAR drivers did in their offseasons

NASCAR’s offseason is famously short, but these drivers took advantage.

NASCAR’s offseason is famously short, lasting from mid-November until early February. And with the Busch Clash at Daytona International Speedway, an exhibition race, on Sunday, that offseason is officially over as drivers and their teams prepare for the season-opening Daytona 500 on February 16.

From traveling to the mountains to islands to the Super Bowl, drivers took advantage of what little time they had off to relax and have some fun with their friends and families. And, of course, plenty of them got back behind the wheel for a few offseason races.

So before the 2020 NASCAR season officially begins, here’s a look back at the highlights of how some drivers enjoyed their offseasons.

Kyle Busch

The reigning NASCAR Cup Series champ had a busy offseason because in addition to celebrating his second title, he and his family, Samantha and their son Brexton, took a trip to Cabo San Lucas, and he competed in the Rolex 24 At Daytona (also known as the 24 Hours of Daytona).

View this post on Instagram

I swear we actually have suits on 🙈😜 #cabo

A post shared by Samantha Busch (@samanthabusch) on

His team didn’t win, but he clearly enjoyed the experience in a sports car for the endurance race.

Clint Bowyer

Although it was a recent development, it’s possible nobody had a better weekend during the offseason than Clint Bowyer did over Super Bowl weekend. The diehard Kansas City Chiefs fan watched his team win the Super Bowl on Sunday over the San Francisco 49ers, and he documented his post-game celebrations on social media, thankfully.

View this post on Instagram

Happened folks!!!! #superbowl @chiefs

A post shared by Clint Bowyer (@clintbowyer) on

He even caught up with Andy Reid and fellow superfan Eric Stonestreet.

View this post on Instagram

Our coach is better! 💪 @chiefs #champs

A post shared by Clint Bowyer (@clintbowyer) on

View this post on Instagram

This shit happened. @chiefs

A post shared by Clint Bowyer (@clintbowyer) on

It also appears he had a rough next day.

Kyle and Samantha Busch also went to the Super Bowl:

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Jr. actually curated an exhibit at the NASCAR Hall of Fame called “Dale Jr.: Glory Road Champions,” which opened in early January and features 18 championship cars.

Amy Earnhardt and their daughter, Isla, also got cars of their own. According to Amy’s Instagram, Dale Jr. surprised her with a 1966 El Camino for Christmas, and Isla, who will be two years old in April, showed off her driving skills too.

Dale Jr. and his XFINITY Series team, JR Motorsports, also announced his one race for 2020 will be at Homestead-Miami Speedway in March.

Jimmie Johnson

Almost immediately after the 2019 season ended, the seven-time Cup Series champion announced that the 2020 season will be his last full-time schedule. So really, this was his last offseason going into his 19 Cup season, but it doesn’t seem like he did anything differently.

He spent a lot of time in Aspen on the ski slopes, and he and his oldest daughter, 9-year-old Evie, competed together and were part of the winning team in an amateur skiing competition. Johnson said competing with her was “a highlight of 2019”.

View this post on Instagram

Thank you Santa! #PowderDay

A post shared by Jimmie Johnson (@jimmiejohnson) on

Of course, there was some more traditional racing too.

View this post on Instagram

It’s a family affair. #GirlsRule #ProudDad

A post shared by Jimmie Johnson (@jimmiejohnson) on

Chase Elliott

NASCAR’s most popular driver went to the SEC championship game in December, only to watch his Georgia Bulldogs get rocked by LSU.

Kyle Larson

Like any other NASCAR offseason, Larson spent his time away from the Cup Series racing, and he crossed off a major bucket list accomplishment, winning his first Chili Bowl Nationals last month. It’s no secret that this was a huge goal of Larson’s, and his victory came a year after he lost a heartbreaker on the last lap.

“I’m sorry NASCAR, I’m sorry Daytona, but this is the biggest (expletive) race I’ve ever won,” Larson said, via NBC Sports. “I hope to win Daytona in a few weeks but this is bad ass.”

Brad Keselowski

Brad and Paige Keselowski’s family grew this offseason as they welcomed their second daughter, Autumn, to the world in December. The couple also have a 4-year-old daughter, Scarlett.

View this post on Instagram

Love my girls. Welcome to the family, Autumn!

A post shared by Brad Keselowski (@bradkeselowski) on

Denny Hamlin

The defending Daytona 500 champ underwent successful arthroscopic surgery on his left shoulder as soon as the 2019 season ended. Unsurprisingly after his recovery, he spent some time on the golf course.

Ryan Blaney

Blaney enjoyed the island life a little bit, jetting off to Turks And Caicos with friends, including Darrel “Bubba” Wallace Jr., William Byron and Daniel Hemric.

Daniel Suárez

Suárez finally locked down a full-time ride for the 2020 Cup Series season. After winning the 2016 XFINITY Series championship and splitting his first three Cup seasons between Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing, Suárez was replaced by Cole Custer in the No. 41 Ford. However, with only a few weeks remaining in the offseason, it was announced that he will drive the No. 96 Toyota for Gaunt Brothers Racing.

Austin Dillon

Austin and Whitney Dillon announced they’re expecting their first child in June this year.

Matt DiBenedetto

Ahead of his first season with Wood Brothers Racing, the No. 21 Ford driver got matching giraffe costumes with his brother for Christmas.

[jwplayer UO045H78-q2aasYxh]

[vertical-gallery id=871266]

[lawrence-auto-related count=3 tag=421393221]