Christian Eckes, driver for Kaulig Racing, is set to compete in the Mission 200 at Watkins Glen in Upstate New York this weekend. Ahead of the race, Eckes discussed his preparations for the challenging road course and shared insights about his ongoing partnership with Celsius Energy. With the Xfinity Series playoffs just four weeks away, Eckes is focused on securing a win to boost his position.
Adjusting to the Unique Demands of Watkins Glen
Reflecting on his preparation for Watkins Glen, Eckes described the experience as a mix of highs and lows, as road courses often present unpredictable outcomes. While Watkins Glen has posed difficulties in the past, Eckes remains optimistic, noting some success this season on similar tracks. He explained how the Craftsman Truck Series vehicles differ from Xfinity cars, especially at the first turn, which is known for its chaotic racing. This year, he expects a different challenge with reduced downforce and greater power compared to his last visit five years ago, making the race more exciting and enjoyable.
The Value of Team and Sponsor Collaborations
Eckes emphasized the importance of solid relationships in motorsports from grassroots levels all the way to the NASCAR Cup Series. He expressed pride in being part of Kaulig Racing’s longstanding partnership with Celsius Energy, describing it as a true honor. Eckes praised the brand’s support and the unique experiences that have come with the collaboration, hoping it will continue for years to come.
Experiencing Celsius Engagement at the Track
At the race venue, Celsius is visible through multiple activations, including fan zones and hauler areas, which Eckes enjoys being involved with. He shared that fans appreciate Celsius’s cooler setup and their opportunity to try the energy drinks, helping to cement the sponsor‘s connection to the sport. Eckes highlighted that Celsius’s enthusiasm for NASCAR adds to the excitement of the partnership, making his role as a sponsored driver especially enjoyable.
Incorporating Celsius into His Training Routine
Beyond the track, Eckes integrates Celsius into his daily routine, relying on his favorite orange-flavored drink each morning. He credits it with helping him stay energized and focused during training sessions, meetings, and simulated driving practice, contributing to his overall performance readiness.
Reflecting on His Racing Journey and Current Season Outlook
Eckes opened up about his path to the Xfinity Series, acknowledging it was a longer journey than he initially hoped, particularly spending more time in the Truck Series. However, those years provided valuable experience that prepared him well for the Xfinity level. While he expressed gratitude for the opportunities he has received and his place at Kaulig Racing, Eckes admitted that this season has included both successes and setbacks. Despite that, he remains proud of the team’s effort and sees room for growth moving forward.
Targets and Strategies Ahead of NASCAR Playoffs
With the playoffs approaching in just under a month, Eckes identified two key tracks where he feels confident in his chances to win and lock in a playoff spot: Daytona and Gateway. He noted his strong past performances at these venues, especially in the Truck Series with ECR engines. Eckes believes these upcoming races are prime opportunities to gain crucial points or capture the elusive victory needed to advance his playoff goals.
“It’s been a great week of preparation leading to Watkins Glen; it’s feast or famine at road courses for us, but we have had some success this year on them, so this weekend shouldn’t be any different.” —Christian Eckes
“It’s been great so far. Kaulig [Racing] has had that partnership for a few years now, so it’s been a team partnership; being part of it has been a true honor. The drinks are great, and we have gotten to do some cool things, and I hope it’s a relationship for years to come.” —Christian Eckes
“I think everybody at the track loves the cooler setup with free Celsius that us and some other teams have that are sponsored by them, so it’s been super cool. They love NASCAR and love being part of it, so it’s been fun to be a part of.” —Christian Eckes
“I have my favorite flavor every morning, which is orange. It helps me get going for morning training sessions, meetings, and other things during the day.” —Christian Eckes
“It’s been a long journey for sure; I was definitely in the Truck Series for longer than I wanted to be, but I learned a lot over those years. Just being grateful for opportunities which prepared me for this opportunity. I’m grateful to be at Kaulig Racing for this year and the future. The year hasn’t gone as well as I anticipated; we have had some highs and some lows. Definitely some work to go, but proud of the effort so far.” —Christian Eckes
“I feel very good about Daytona and Gateway. I’ve been good in the Trucks at Gateway and Daytona with these ECR engines; we always have a shot, so those two should be good two races for us to get lucky with points or get a win.” —Christian Eckes
Christian Eckes’s focus on building strong partnerships and his determined pursuit of a breakthrough victory highlight his optimistic approach as he prepares for the Mission 200 at Watkins Glen. His confidence in key upcoming races underscores his commitment to making a significant impact before the Xfinity Series playoffs begin. Given his experience and support from Celsius Energy and Kaulig Racing, Eckes aims to convert his preparation and persistence into a memorable win, setting an exciting tone for the remainder of his NASCAR season.