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‘Race for the Championship’ Episode 3: What we learned
By @nascarcasm | Thursday, September 22, 2022
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“Race for the Championship” is the USA Network’s brand new docuseries that gives us a look into the lives of NASCAR drivers both on and off the track. Before the fourth episode airs tonight at 10 p.m. ET, here’s a quick look back on what we learned in Episode 3.
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NASCAR DRIVERS ARE SHARPIE-USING MACHINES: It’s a wonder more of them don’t need to sit out races due to autograph-borne carpal tunnel.
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HARRISON BURTON DOESN’T SEEM TO BE AGING: We know this photo was taken a few years ago and we also know he doesn’t look any different, really.
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KYLE BUSCH IS IN A CONTRACT YEAR: Weird, you don’t hear much about that.
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KYLE BUSCH DID NOT LIKE HIS CAR AT COTA: Hence the one-word Yelp! Review here.
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HARRISON BURTON AND TODD GILLILAND ARE BROS: In this funny scene, Harrison steals the hat off Hopalong Todd’s head and walks off with it. Amazed he could reach that high.
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PIT CREW GUYS WEAR COOL STUFF UNDER THEIR FIRESUITS: Check out No. 9 team member TJ Semke’s shirt. Because Stone Cold said so.
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PIT CREW GUYS ARE INTENSE AND EXTREMELY PASSIONATE ABOUT WHAT THEY DO: When Chase Elliott loses spots after a minor mishap at COTA, Semke takes the blame and you can sense the remorse.
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THE FINISH AT COTA WAS JUST AS BONKERS THE SECOND TIME AROUND: I remember watching it thinking “Ross was a bit aggressive but he did what he had to do. It won’t become a thing though.” LOL.
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HARRISON AND HIS GIRLFRIEND JENNA PETTY CO-OWN A FISH: It’s a pretty big investment. If I heard correctly, they even leave the light on for it when they leave. That is going above and beyond for a fish. Best fish parents ever, these two.
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HARRISON CANNOT DANCE: At least well. He shows off some ballet steps she taught him, but homeboy ain’t visiting Swan Lake anytime soon.
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KYLE BUSCH’S WIFE SAMANTHA MADE MEATLOAF: And Kyle responds as any red-blooded human being would – by screaming “MEATLOAF!” like Will Ferrell in “Wedding Crashers.” They’re just like us, these drivers.
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BREXTON ISN’T WAITING AROUND FOR THE TOOTH TO FALL OUT: He knows about the Tooth Fairy. He about to get this bread.
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PIT CREW GUYS ARE SWOLE: This dude could just lift the car up from one side. No jack necessary.
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THE WALLS AT JOE GIBBS RACING ARE NOT SOUNDPROOF: This becomes clear when Kyle Busch and crew chief Ben Beshore can hear Denny Hamlin’s Richmond banner-hanging ceremony going on. You’ll recall this as the race where Kyle received a penalty for tape on his grille. Harsh.
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TECHNOLOGY, MAN: After the race, Kyle and his team go over all sorts of detailed in-race telemetry at the shop. Computers, man.
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KYLE IS THE KING OF PRODUCT PLACEMENT: When discussing how busy their schedule is going to be in the coming weeks, Kyle wisely does this. Have your own energy drink? Then by golly, break that fourth wall.
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HARRISON BURTON’S TEAM IS EXTREMELY HONEST: I mean check out this pep talk.
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PIT BOXES ARE DIFFICULT TO PUT UP AND TAKE DOWN: You’d think they’d pretty much transform like Optimus Prime.
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