NASCAR Cup Series drivers prepare for races through unique mental and physical rituals, and Ross Chastain recently shared insights about his pre-race eating routine that helps optimize his performance. This revelation came as part of a video shared by Sports on Prime, giving fans a closer look at how several drivers, including Alex Bowman Jr., AJ Allmendinger, and others, get ready before hitting the track.
Behind the Scenes: Drivers’ Personal Pre-Race Rituals
The short video from Sports on Prime, created to promote NASCAR on Prime’s streaming platform launching in 2025, highlighted the wide variety of pre-race habits among Cup Series competitors. While some rituals are fairly simple, others are quite thoughtful and individualized.
Alex Bowman Jr. joked about his ritual, saying,
“Just kind of wear your lucky underwear,”
—Alex Bowman Jr.
AJ Allmendinger prepares by selecting music that matches his mood, often turning to hard rock bands like Five Finger Death Punch and Godsmack to get energized. Eric Jones follows a precise sequence every time he dresses, including the order in which he puts on his socks, underscoring his preference for routine consistency.
Austin Dillon focuses on family, combining routine meals with prayer to center himself before the race. Meanwhile, Zane Smith takes a more relaxed approach, choosing to spend time with family, maintain clean eating habits, and keep his mind sharp.
Ross Chastain stands out by adhering to a strict eating schedule he developed through trial and error. He finds that a combination of plain chicken, rice, and watermelon offers the best fuel for his body before competing on the track.
Alex Bowman Jr.’s Painful Crash at Michigan International Speedway
Last weekend, Alex Bowman Jr. experienced one of the most physically demanding crashes of his NASCAR Cup Series career during the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. On lap 67, Bowman’s #48 Hendrick Motorsports Chevrolet collided with Cole Custer’s vehicle before crashing head-on into the wall, leading to an early end to his race and marking his third DNF of the season.
Although Bowman was medically cleared and released from the infield care center after the wreck, the impact noticeably affected him. Speaking with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass, Bowman described the force of the crash as,
“50(G) something, front and back, and then another 40, vertical,”
—Alex Bowman Jr.
He added that the pain he endured from this crash surpassed even the injury he suffered two years ago when he broke his back in a sprint car accident:
“It’s the most painful one I’ve taken for sure… even compared to when I broke my back. It’s way more painful than that was.”
—Alex Bowman Jr.
In response to the severity of the crash, the Hendrick Motorsports team prepared Xfinity Series driver Anthony Alfredo as a backup to race at the upcoming Viva Mexico 250 at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City, ensuring that the team had options should Bowman be unable to participate. Ultimately, Bowman was able to race without needing a replacement.
Why Pre-Race Preparation Matters in NASCAR
The varying pre-race routines among NASCAR drivers like Ross Chastain, Alex Bowman Jr., and others highlight how individualized mental and physical preparation can be in a highly demanding sport. For Chastain, the discovery of the optimal pre-race diet involving plain chicken, rice, and watermelon demonstrates how attention to dietary details can impact in-race performance and endurance.
Alex Bowman Jr.’s recent crash and his honest account of its intensity also shed light on the dangers and physical toll that drivers endure in NASCAR competitions. His perseverance to race again quickly after such a painful wreck reflects the toughness required to compete at this level.
As NASCAR continues to expand access through platforms like NASCAR on Prime starting in 2025, fans will gain more opportunities to experience these behind-the-scenes moments. Understanding drivers’ unique pre-race rituals, including Ross Chastain’s surprising eating habits, adds depth to the racing experience and appreciation for the sport’s challenges.
