Before drivers push their cars to the limit, many in the NASCAR Cup Series follow specific routines to prepare mentally and physically. Recently, a video shared by Sports on Prime revealed the unique pre-race rituals of drivers such as Alex Bowman Jr., AJ Allmendinger, Ross Chastain, and others. This glimpse comes as NASCAR on Prime prepares to stream selected Cup Series races starting in 2025, giving fans an up-close look at their favorite drivers’ personal habits.
While some drivers adopt detailed regimens, Alex Bowman Jr. keeps things straightforward:
“Just kind of wear your lucky underwear,”
he said. Others commented on their practices as well. AJ Allmendinger chooses music to set his mood, often selecting hard rock bands like Five Finger Death Punch or Godsmack to energize himself. Eric Jones follows a precise order when dressing, especially when putting on his socks. Austin Dillon focuses on routine meals and family prayer before competing, while Ross Chastain relies on a carefully trialed meal plan featuring simple ingredients like chicken, rice, and watermelon. Meanwhile, Zane Smith prioritizes relaxation with family, clean eating, and mental sharpness to prepare for race day.
Alex Bowman Jr.’s Harshest Crash at Michigan
During the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway last weekend, Alex Bowman Jr. endured the most painful accident of his NASCAR Cup Series career. On lap 67, his #48 Chevrolet from Hendrick Motorsports collided with Cole Custer’s vehicle before crashing head-on into the outside wall, abruptly ending his race and marking his third Did Not Finish (DNF) of the season.
Though cleared and treated at the infield care center, Bowman described the severity of the impact in an interview with FOX Sports’ Bob Pockrass,
“50(G) something, front and back, and then another 40, vertical,”
The force left him feeling worse than his prior serious injury when he broke his back in a sprint car accident two years earlier. Bowman expressed the level of pain candidly:
“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.”
Recovery and Racing Forward
Following the crash, Hendrick Motorsports kept Xfinity Series driver Anthony Alfredo on standby as a precaution should Bowman be unable to compete in the upcoming race at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez in Mexico City. However, Bowman was able to race in the Viva Mexico 250 without requiring a replacement, demonstrating resilience despite the ordeal. His ability to return to the car so soon underscores both the physical demands of NASCAR and the mental toughness Bowman continues to show amid a challenging season.
This incident highlights the inherent dangers drivers face and the critical role recovery plays in their careers. As the season continues, attention remains on Bowman’s health and performance, with hopes that his recovery stabilizes so he can regain momentum in forthcoming races.