We all know NASCAR drivers have a different level of toughness. The physical endurance, strength, and mental acuity required for their job are often overlooked, yet they perform it with poise. That being said, what truly fuels these daredevils to the next level, of course, besides their talent? As it turns out, for many, it's a healthy dose of superstition, a pre-race routine, and maybe a pair of lucky undies.

Alex Bowman

It's one thing to have a lucky pair of underwear, but another to admit to it as a pre-race ritual publicly! Hendrick Motorsports driver Alex Bowman, who recently faced a 50 G-force crash in Michigan, clearly puts his faith in more than just engineering. He got out of the race with a few scratches but mostly just soreness. It makes you wonder: are we perhaps underestimating the power of this classic superstition?

Ross Chastain

Ask most athletes, and they'll likely tell you that their pre-game meal typically includes a pasta dish to provide sustained energy. For Ross Chastain, a driver for Trackhouse Racing, it’s much simpler than that. It took a little experimentation before he realized that he didn't need anything fancy to get the job done. For him, it's just plain chicken, rice, and watermelon before the green flag drops. It might not be the most appetizing meal, but when you've been following the same routine for so long, it's clearly become second nature.

Erik Jones

We all have our daily routines that are choreographed in our brains like clockwork. Erik Jones has every single step down to a science, specifically the order in which he dresses himself. While the Legacy Motor Club driver didn't share the secret formula for how he does it, all we know is that it's the same every single time, and whatever his method, it does the trick! To some people, this might be “over the top,” but Erik doesn’t think twice about it.

AJ Allmendinger

The pre-race playlist is probably the most common ritual for athletes, and NASCAR drivers are no exception. While some might have a singular song on a loop or a specific artist, others just need it to fall within their favorite genre. For AJ Allmendinger, a driver for Kaulig Racing, his preference leans towards music that's louder than a V8 engine. He listens to hard rock before races, specifically Five Finger Death Punch and Godsmack, which is apparently the type of music that makes you want to destroy everyone!

Austin Dillon

On the flip side of AJ's high-energy warm-up, Austin Dillon, the Richard Childress Racing driver, prefers a much calmer approach to prepare himself for races. He likes to keep his Sunday meals consistent, but more importantly, he makes sure to pray with his family before getting suited up. Sometimes, all you need is a little bit of love to give you that last-minute push of energy.

The lineup for this weekend's races is packed with the NASCAR Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Craftsman Truck Series all taking on the track for a tripleheader at Pocono Raceway. Beyond the incredible tenacity that is required of these drives, spare a thought for the unspoken forces at play: the prayers, the heavy metal anthems, the perfectly ordered socks, and yes, even the lucky underwear.

The Quirky Rituals of NASCAR Drivers

Alex Bowman

Ross Chastain

Erik Jones

AJ Allmendinger

Austin Dillon

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