Drivers set for Jamaica Beach Bash

By Tim Packman, Turner Sports Interactive
December 6, 2001
11:08 AM EST (1608 GMT)

CONCORD, N.C. -- How do some of NASCAR's top drivers relax between seasons? Easy, they head to Jamaica with other drivers and 350 fans.

Dale Earnhardt Jr.

Dale Earnhardt Jr., Sterling Marlin, Ricky Craven and Jimmie Johnson will be joined in Montego Bay, Jamaica starting Dec. 5 for the third annual Race Fans Beach Bash, put together by Air Jamaica Vacations.

Other drivers scheduled to attend are Ron Hornaday, Mike Skinner, Andy Houston, Derrike Cope, Shawna Robinson and Larry Foyt.

The four-day event begins with an autograph and picture session with the drivers on Wednesday. Then it’s off to the beach for the Beach Olympics.

Drivers and fans will be competing in volleyball, tug of war, coconut shot put, obstacle course and a Frisbee toss. In addition, drivers will be racing in events such as water bike, kayak, relay and wave runner competition.

Sterling Marlin

Johnson is making it a family affair as his parents and brother Jarit will be joining him. Although Johnson will be a rookie in Winston Cup when he drives the No. 48 Chevrolet for owners Jeff Gordon and Rick Hendrick next year, he’s already a veteran of the Beach Bash.

“I’ve taken part in every one for the last three years,” Johnson said. “The deal with the Beach Olympics is that you have to do some training in advance. I did win a gold medal in an event one year.

“It also takes some planning. You have to pace yourself the night before so you have some strength left for the athletic-type events."

Fun is the name of the game, but the brevity of the off season is what makes the free time even more important.

Jimmie Johnson

“For our short offseason, this is may be the only or one of the only trips we get to take,” Johnson said. “The people at Air Jamaica make it a real good getaway for all of us. And, the best part is we get to spend some time with the fans that come down.

“We get to see some familiar faces and make some new friends as well.”