NASCAR star Corey LaJoie talks 'wild experience' of racing at Daytona 500
NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie discusses the intense experience of racing at the Daytona 500 and the pressure that comes with it.
Racing at Daytona 500
NASCAR driver Corey LaJoie is gearing up to race at the Daytona 500 for the eighth time in his career. Daytona International Speedway is known for its legendary racetrack, with steep banking on the turns and high speeds of 200 mph. LaJoie explains that racing at Daytona is an intense and potentially dangerous experience.
LaJoie will be partnering with Chili's for the "Catch a ‘Rita" campaign during the race. He describes the experience on the track as a mix of an out-of-body experience and a conscious realization of the risks involved. Playing chess with a 3,600-pound racecar while going 200 mph is no easy feat.
LaJoie mentions that one small mistake from any driver can lead to a major crash and pile-up. The intensity of the race increases as it progresses, with harder bumps and faster runs. As the pressure ramps up, the room for error becomes minimal, and the racing becomes more aggressive.
The Pressure Inside the Car
According to LaJoie, the pressure inside the car changes as the race intensifies. He compares it to the feeling when the door of an airplane is shut before takeoff. The speed and proximity of the cars create a pressurized environment similar to that inside an airplane.
With 39 other drivers also racing at speeds of 200 mph, the experience becomes even more wild. LaJoie describes it as a heart-pounding and adrenaline-pumping adventure. The pressure inside the car adds to the overall intensity of the race.
Despite the challenges, LaJoie embraces the excitement and exhilaration of racing at Daytona. He acknowledges that it is a unique and unforgettable experience.
Past Performances and the Future
LaJoie's best finish at the Daytona 500 came in 2020, when he finished in eighth place. In the previous year, he finished in 16th. As he prepares for the upcoming race, LaJoie hopes to improve his performance and strives to be on the front side of the intense racing that takes place towards the end.
The Daytona 500 is scheduled to start on Sunday at 2:30 p.m. ET and will be broadcasted on FOX. Fans can look forward to witnessing the thrilling and unpredictable action at this iconic event.
