What to do? Off weekend offers myriad of options

One driver's off weekend is another's ... well, time to work.

While the Sprint Cup Series is preparing for the first night race at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Sept. 6, several drivers are taking the opportunity to hit the road for rest and relaxation, including Kurt Busch.

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Busch, who won the March race at AMS, is sixth in the point standings. A year ago he was 19th, and Chase preparations were not part of his No. 2 Dodge team's weekly tasks. What a difference a year makes; he's 192 points ahead of 13th-place Kyle Busch and seemingly a safe bet to make the 10-race playoffs.

But he's not focusing on Atlanta -- or the Chase -- this week: "I'm getting out of the country for a couple days of much needed R&R!"

He's not alone.

Cup Series rookie Scott Speed is making up for lost time this week. "My wife and I got married on July 18th," he said, "but haven't had time to take a trip yet because of racing, so I'll be honeymooning with her in the Caribbean."
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Another Chase hopeful, Mark Martin, is using the down time to recharge his batteries before the final two events in the Race to the Chase. "I'm headed home to Batesville, Ark., to check up on my auto dealership and museum. Apparently, I just can't get enough of cars." ... What did you expect from the man who launched his ongoing Salute to You retirement tour in 2006?

Three-time defending series champion Jimmie Johnson, who has won more than $50 million since 1996 and could afford his own Caribbean island for R&R, is taking the practical approach: "All I plan on doing is enjoying this last break before the stretch run and hanging out with my wife, Channi."

Maybe he and Kevin Harvick can compare notes. "I'm staying home with my wife DeLana, since it is the last off weekend of the season for the Shell team. We'll probably just do what all other NASCAR fans will be doing -- watching the NASCAR Nationwide and Truck Series races on TV."

To-do lists

Raygan Swan offers five things Chase-hopeful drivers should do this final off weekend ...

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And then there are those drivers who just cannot get enough of revving engines, exhaust fumes and roaring crowds.

Kyle Busch, who won last week's race at Bristol and is now only 34 points behind 12th-place Matt Kenseth for the final Chase berth, will be doing what he does best -- racing. "Off weekend? What off weekend?" he asked incredulously. "I'll be racing in the Camping World Truck Series event at Chicagoland Speedway on Friday night, and then headed to Montreal to run the Nationwide Series race on Sunday."

David Ragan also will be trackside: "I'll be headed to Vermont to Thunder Road Speedway for a track appearance [Thursday] before the weekend and then just staying around the house and resting over the break."

• To give fans a behind the scenes look at what the sport's biggest stars do on their breaks, Ask.com -- The Official Search Engine of NASCAR -- has built a special search result for a glimpse at the upcoming weekend. Search 'NASCAR Off Weekend' on Ask.com to access the exclusive content.

Fans who think they have funny or creative ideas about what else the drivers should be doing on their off weekends, can e-mail the idea to DriverOffWeekend@ask.com for a chance to win autographed Bobby Labonte merchandise.