While a good portion of the country battles the cold weather that January brings, the racing world heats things up each year with the Chili Bowl Nationals.
This week, some of the best drivers dirt racing has to offer have flocked to Tulsa, Oklahoma, for the 33rd running of the annual indoor midget car event held on a 1/5-mile dirt oval at the River Spirit Expo Center. As of Jan. 14, more than 350 drivers and teams were featured on the entry list as five qualifying nights lie ahead leading up to Saturday night’s A-Main event. The champion gets the coveted Golden Driller, a replica of the 76-foot statue located outside the venue.
At the top of that elite list of powerhouse drivers are a few of NASCAR’s finest talents.
NASCAR Xfinity Series driver Christopher Bell goes into this year’s Chili Bowl searching for his third consecutive victory. In 2017, the Norman, Okla., native became only the second Oklahoman to win the event, beating out World of Outlaws driver Daryn Pittman for his first triumph. In 2018, Bell took advantage of Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Kyle Larson’s misfortunate after engine issues parked Larson in the waning laps. Bell out-dueled two-time Chili Bowl champion and former Gander Outdoors Truck Series driver Rico Abreu for the victory.
Bell, 24, will need to get past the usual suspects in order to become just the third driver to win three or more Chili Bowls behind four-time winner Kevin Swindell (2010-13) and five-time winner Sammy Swindell (1989, ’92, ’96, ’98, 2009). Bell feels his stiffest competition is none other than Larson as both will compete under the Keith Kunz Motorsports umbrella.
“He’s the most talented guy that probably any of us have ever seen,” Bell said on the NASCAR on NBC podcast. “So, I would say he’s number one on that list.”
Monday kicked off a week of action-packed racing, including practice rounds that began at 9 a.m. local time, followed by the first night of preliminary racing. The entry list is divided into sections for each qualifying night, which includes a series of heat races and qualifiers, followed by a 25-lap feature event. The top-two finishers in each qualifying night feature event lock themselves into the 24-car A-Feature event on Saturday night.
Drivers who do not finish in the top-two positions in their respective preliminary features will have one more shot to make the field with a series of main events on Saturday, with the top-seven finishers from each of the two B-Mains transferring to make up the full field.
Former and current NASCAR drivers participating this year include:
Christopher Bell
Kyle Larson
Alex Bowman
Ricky Stenhouse Jr.
Kasey Kahne
Landon Cassill
Tanner Berryhill
Justin Allgaier
Chase Briscoe
J.J. Yeley
Along with the list of NASCAR national series regulars includes Karsyn Elledge, the niece of NASCAR on NBC race analyst Dale Earnhardt Jr. and daughter of Earnhardt’s sister and co-owner of JR Motorsports, Kelley Earnhardt Miller. The 18-year-old rising dirt-racing driver is competing in her first Chili Bowl Nationals.
For nearly two decades, the No. 48 Chevrolet set up by Chad Knaus for Jimmie Johnson was fast — dang fast. After seven championships at NASCAR’s highest level, however, the pairing of Knaus/Johnson started to slow down. The veteran Hendrick Motorsports duo failed to reach Victory Lane last season for the first time in Johnson’s full-time career, also registering career lows in top-five and top-10 finishes.
HMS decided a change was necessary, moving Knaus over to the No. 24 to pair him with sophomore driver William Byron, while Kevin Meendering will rise from the Xfinity Series ranks with JR Motorsports to helm Johnson’s No. 48.
It’s arguably the biggest shakeup since the birth of HMS, and one that will have a serious impact on the 2019 season and beyond. Which crew chief will make the biggest mark on his new team? NASCAR.com’s Pat DeCola and Chase Wilhelm debate.
DECOLA: Whatever you want to call it — a feeling, intuition, delusion — I was already all-in on Byron taking a major step forward in his sophomore campaign after an admittedly lackluster rookie season. Though he did win Sunoco Rookie of the Year, Byron’s four top 10s in 36 races were a bit underwhelming after lighting up the NASCAR world with a combined 11 wins from 2016-17 in the Xfinity and Gander Outdoors Truck Series ranks.
I talked more about this in a debate earlier this month, but I feel there were too many variables working against the then 20-year-old in his first year at the highest level of motorsports to really get things rolling consistently. Most/all of them have been cleared up for his second year, and it should culminate in an environment he can thrive in.
Then you add in the fact that he’ll now be working with arguably the greatest crew chief in the sport’s history, and it’s a no-brainer that the ceiling for Byron in 2019 is sky-high at the moment. There may be some growing pains in the early portion of the season, sure, but I think it’s a safe bet that Knaus has the No. 24 Chevrolet dialed in by season’s end and in playoff contention.
Knaus is the perfect candidate to groom Byron into being the next “face of the franchise” that Johnson heralded for more than 15 years after “Seven-Time” inherited that duty from Jeff Gordon. Johnson drove his tail off during their tenure together, but Knaus’ ability to push the Californian to new heights amidst a sometimes-tenuous but often-dominant relationship was unparalleled.
I believe the impact he will have on Byron will be massive.
WILHELM: There’s no question the addition of Knaus on the No. 24 team is going to really take Byron’s performance to greater heights for years to come, but since we’re talking about a crew chief who will have the biggest impact this season, my money is on Kevin Meendering.
Although Meendering doesn’t have all the impressive statistics behind him that Knaus has racked up through the years, there’s a reason why he’s getting his first full-time shot in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series with a seven-time champion in Johnson. Team owner Rick Hendrick isn’t going to just put anyone in that role.
Between the three successful seasons the 37-year-old had with veteran Xfinity Series driver Elliott Sadler at JR Motorsports and his work as an engineer during his previous time at Hendrick Motorsports, there was a reason why Johnson’s phone was blowing up with praise for Meendering.
“The amount of respect everybody here at Hendrick Motorsports has for him, from Chad to Alan Gustafson, you name the crew chief, even throughout the industry … I’ve been receiving text messages from competitors saying ‘hey he’s a sharp guy and a great choice,’ ” Johnson said. “So, his reputation and the way people hold his work ethic and his value the way they look and think of him.”
Steve Letarte, an NBC Sports analyst and former crew chief at Hendrick, gave him high praise, too, saying Meendering reminded him of Knaus.
Johnson’s lackluster 2018 season was a sign he needed a fresh start to go after that record-breaking eighth championship after the first winless season of his career. Meendering is the perfect choice. A mix of the fire that still burns in Johnson to win races and championships with Meendering’s stellar prowess will get Johnson back to Victory Lane in 2019.
NASCAR drivers remembered J.D. Gibbs as a humble, gracious and ‘incredible’ person Saturday morning on social media after learning of the death of the Joe Gibbs Racing co-founder.
The 49-year-old son of Joe Gibbs died Friday from complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease, according to a team statement.
His impact in NASCAR was felt throughout the garage, which was clear as respects began to pour in.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to succeed and for guiding me along the way. We won together and we lost together, but you had a way to light up a room and bring peace to all. It was truly an honor to call you a friend. Love you JD. pic.twitter.com/RAuJDqGLsU
His car. His number. His signature above my door. I will always be grateful for what His family did for mine and the opportunity he gave me 14 years ago. Now more than ever #doitforJD
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of JD Gibbs. He and the entire JGR organization were key to my career in NASCAR and will forever be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family at JGR during this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/yQ42OFHAwZ
Heartbroken for the entire Gibbs family. J.D. was a great person – a family man who loved sports & racing in particular. He played a big part in my career, both as a driver & as a team owner. When he asked how you were doing, he genuinely cared. I'll miss that the most. https://t.co/fnYndYp3uy
Gutted by the news of JD Gibbs, I had the tremendous opportunity to be around him for 6 years and not a day went by where he had the smile that could light up the room! I always left that room with a smile and a sore arm from him with a surprise punch every time😏 Rest Easy JD!
Saddened to hear this. JD was truly a great person! A very positive and driven man. Dude always left you with a smile. Breaks your heart knowing such a good person had to fight what he did. Comfort knowing he woke up this morning in a bright shinny place. 🙏 https://t.co/ol7CAC6XO8
I’m so sad. This is awful news. Hugging @PaigeKeselowski one more extra time tonight before bed and thinking about the Gibbs family. 😞 https://t.co/TkCRufIasS
Devastated after hearing the passing of J.D. Gibbs 💔 I can’t begin to tell you all how incredible of a guy he was and there is no way I would be where I am today without him. That man made such an impact on the entire outcome of my life. You will forever be in our hearts
JD always had a smile on his face and took time to talk to everyone. You couldn’t pass JD without a wave. His positive attitude and joy for life is something we should all strive for. He’ll be missed but not forgotten.
what sad news to wake up to this morning. never got to drive for J.D. but had a lot of great conversations with him about life and racing. have missed him being around the track and his smile he had for everyone. thinking and praying for the whole Gibbs family and organization https://t.co/LosqpymTUJ
I didn’t personally know JD Gibbs, but it’s so obvious to me the amount of impact he had and the good he brought to this world…….🙏🏼 out to the entire family! https://t.co/ljHPD5At6i
J.D was the type of man we all strive to be. His heart, smile and attitude were contagious where ever he was. He will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to the Gibbs Family. https://t.co/cYcN6mkEm1
Enjoyed getting know JD when we raced late models together and then in the business of the sport. He was a great man with a wonderful family. Prayers to all. https://t.co/amtQyokymI
J.D. Gibbs wasn't only a great leader at JGR, he was one of the greatest people I've ever met and he spread that quality to many people he touched. I'll forever remember what he did for me and my career as well as his influence on others. Sad, but I know he's in a better place.
I always enjoyed my conversations with J.D. He would smile, laugh and listen. One of the good guys that had time for you. You couldn’t pass by him at the track without a wave. I will always remember and miss you JD. https://t.co/OPxKuT7Lw8
J.D. was a great man of faith that loved his family and served others. Now he is spending eternity with his Heavenly Father and no more suffering. Thinking about all the Gibbs family. https://t.co/3Gi0VMdCGG
My heart hurts for the Gibbs family and everyone at @JoeGibbsRacing . He was such a nice guy. Cared about others, treated everyone with kindness and respect. He had a great impact on this world while he was here. 🙏🏻
J.D. Gibbs, who followed his famous father’s path from football to stock-car racing, died Friday evening. He was 49.
Gibbs’ passing was announced by Joe Gibbs Racing, the family’s racing team, citing “complications following a long battle with a degenerative neurological disease.” Gibbs had undergone treatment for symptoms impacting areas of brain function in recent years.
Gibbs served as president and later co-chairman of Joe Gibbs Racing. Before joining the organization’s senior management, Gibbs was an over-the-wall crewmember and a part-time driver, making 13 NASCAR national series starts from 1998-2002.
“We were privileged to watch J.D. Gibbs grow within the sport, displaying an endearing personality, a keen eye for talent and the strong business acumen that helped grow Joe Gibbs Racing into a pre-eminent NASCAR team,” NASCAR Chairman & CEO Jim France said in a statement. “The NASCAR family has lost a truly special member. On behalf of NASCAR and the France family, I extend my deepest condolences to Joe Gibbs, Pat, Melissa, Coy and the entire Gibbs family.”
Drivers poured in condolences and memories on social media as well, with former JGR driver Tony Stewart seemingly speaking for the group in this tweet: “Heartbroken for the entire Gibbs family. J.D. was a great person – a family man who loved sports & racing in particular. He played a big part in my career, both as a driver & as a team owner. When he asked how you were doing, he genuinely cared. I’ll miss that the most.”
Jason Dean Gibbs was born Feb. 21, 1969, near Los Angeles as his father served as assistant football coach at the University of Southern California. His upbringing included plenty of moves, according to a team biography, as his father was hired as an assistant at Arkansas before reaching the pros with stops at St. Louis, Tampa Bay and San Diego. But it also included a pursuit of speed, with J.D. and his brother, Coy, taking an interest in go-karts, jet-skis and motorbikes in their young age.
His car. His number. His signature above my door. I will always be grateful for what His family did for mine and the opportunity he gave me 14 years ago. Now more than ever #doitforJD
Before following his father’s career arc into motorsports, Gibbs pursued another of his father’s passions in football. The younger Gibbs played defensive back and quarterback at William & Mary from 1987-90, then transitioned to join his father’s race team after his college career.
“I wasn’t really stellar from an athletic standpoint,” J.D. Gibbs told the Richmond Times-Dispatch in 2006. “So for me to go into business, starting a family business with my dad, was really great. I’m glad we had a chance to do that together.”
Chris Trotman | Getty Images
Joe Gibbs Racing formed as the elder Gibbs was wrapping up his first stint as coach of the NFL’s Washington Redskins, a tenure that yielded three Super Bowl wins. Joe Gibbs Racing hit the track in 1992 with a staff of 17 people operating out of a 5,000-square foot shop.
J.D. Gibbs was a tire-changer for JGR in its earliest years, which included a breakthrough Daytona 500 win with Hall of Famer Dale Jarrett in 1993. Back then, the younger Gibbs still thought his future was in football, becoming a fixture on the sidelines as his father had done.
“I figured I’d do this for a couple of years and then I’d go coach,” Gibbs said in a 2004 profile in The Washington Post. “But we got in at a perfect time, the Lord kind of blessed us, and it has grown.”
Gibbs attempted a limited schedule in Xfinity and Camping World Truck Series competition, during the same time that he moved into an administrative role with JGR, becoming its team president in 1998. He tested for the first time at Darlington Raceway in March of that year, with plans to run 8-10 races later in the season.
Gibbs’ brief audition behind the wheel was less than successful. Later in his life, he was able to make light of his driving days with self-deprecating wit. “If it was just me, I could be a pretty good racer,” he told The Washington Post in 2004. “But then you put 42 other cars out there and that causes some issues.” He also quipped at a convention with sponsor Interstate Batteries in San Francisco in 2014: “My dad, he fired me in a nice way,” Gibbs said, with his father and driver Kyle Busch alongside. “He gave me an office and said, ‘hey, you’re now the president, because you’re a horrible driver.’ ”
Rusty Jarrett | Getty Images
J.D. Gibbs’ competitive spirit translated into his management style, fueling a period of dramatic growth for Joe Gibbs Racing. The organization expanded to a two-car team in 1999 and quickly snared its first two championships — with Bobby Labonte in 2000 and Tony Stewart in 2002.
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to succeed and for guiding me along the way. We won together and we lost together, but you had a way to light up a room and bring peace to all. It was truly an honor to call you a friend. Love you JD. pic.twitter.com/RAuJDqGLsU
When his father rejoined the Redskins in 2004, bringing Coy Gibbs with him as an assistant coach, J.D. Gibbs was solely in charge of JGR’s day-to-day operations. J.D. said he was initially concerned for the added responsibility, but lauded the foundation that his father had established. Even then, he had plenty of support from within the organization.
“I think he underestimates his ability as the team leader,” Stewart told the Associated Press in 2005. “J.D. is a really smart guy — a lot smarter than he lets people know.”
One year later, the team had expanded to a three-car effort, highlighted by a second premier series title for Stewart and the debut of Denny Hamlin, who remains with the team as JGR’s longest-tenured driver.
Joe Gibbs resigned from his second NFL coaching tour in January 2008 after taking the Redskins to two more postseason appearances, rejoining his son in JGR’s senior management. Together, they navigated another season of change, adding Kyle Busch to the driver roster and shifting manufacturers to Toyota.
The younger Gibbs was also instrumental in forming the JGR Diversity Program in conjunction with his father and the late Reggie White, an NFL Hall of Famer. That initiative groomed Aric Almirola for a career in NASCAR’s big leagues and continued with the ascension of Mexican-born standout Daniel Suarez to the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series ranks.
Streeter Lecka | Getty Images
J.D. Gibbs’ health became a serious concern in fall 2014, when he exhibited symptoms that led to a neurological diagnosis. Joe Gibbs provided an update on his condition in March 2015 as his son began treatment for the ailment, which had affected his speech and processing functions.
The elder Gibbs said there were “very few answers” about the cause of his son’s condition. He pointed to his son’s action-sports lifestyle — with racing, football, snowboarding and mountain biking among his pastimes — but said doctors were unable to pinpoint a single traumatic event that caused his illness.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of JD Gibbs. He and the entire JGR organization were key to my career in NASCAR and will forever be in my heart. My thoughts and prayers go out to the entire family at JGR during this very difficult time. pic.twitter.com/yQ42OFHAwZ
It wasn’t the first time J.D. Gibbs had faced severe medical adversity. His son, Taylor, was diagnosed with leukemia as a 2-year-old in 2007. After numerous surgeries and treatments, Taylor Gibbs recovered, completing chemotherapy in 2010.
“To have somebody go through what J.D.’s going through … and have all the tough times, never to complain. Not once, not once,” Joe Gibbs told the Orlando Sentinel in 2016. “I know I’m not strong enough to do that and he is.”
J.D. Gibbs’ presence at the track diminished in his later years. He was named co-chairman of JGR ahead of the 2016 season, succeeded as president by Dave Alpern. But his impact on the organization was a lasting one, a family legacy that spanned football and NASCAR success.
“Any kid wants to see what their dad is doing,” J.D. Gibbs told the Associated Press in 2006. “If you have a good relationship with them, you’re going to want to do what they do, no matter what the profession is. Football for most kids is pretty cool. So is racing cars.
“To be involved as a kid, that’s just what we love to do, that’s what we did.”
MOORESVILLE, NC (Thursday, January 10, 2019) — B.J. McLeod (Owner/Driver) and Jessica McLeod (Owner) of BJ McLeod Motorsports (BJMM) are excited to start a fourth season as a NASCAR Xfinity Series (NXS) team in its new state-of-the-art facility in Mooresville, North Carolina. This year, the organization will field three cars with its respected No. 78, No. 8 and No. 99 car numbers.
“After going straight to work the week after Homestead, all in preparation for 2019, we feel like we got a great start for the upcoming season,” B.J. McLeod said. “We are stoked to announce our driver lineup and we are all looking forward to spend our weekends at the track.”
Vinnie Miller will pilot the BJMM flagship No. 78 NXS car. Vinnie will continue his campaign as announced in September last year. Vinnie signed a multiyear agreement to drive for BJMM.
“Vinnie did a great job coming on board the last six races of last year. We are ready to repeat and this time, it will be for a full season,” said the team driver/owner who also competes in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series.
Twenty-two-year-old Matt Mills from New Philadelphia, Ohio, will pilot the No. 8 NXS entry in 2019 beginning at Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida, on Saturday, Feb. 16.
“We’re thrilled to be working with Matt again this year,” said team owner, B.J. McLeod. “He is a very hard-working young man with lots of talent. Our goal for the year is to work together to create a solid foundation for this season and beyond.”
Mills enters his fourth year of NASCAR competition. He has 22 NASCAR starts between the NXS and the NASCAR Gander Outdoors Truck Series.
Supporting the effort will be JF Electric and longtime partner, Thompson Electric.
“We’ve been working extremely hard the last few years to put together an effort like this one,” said Mills. “I can’t thank B.J. and Jessica McLeod enough for the opportunity, as well as JF Electric and Thompson Electric. I’m focused on having a solid season, gaining experience and respect along the way.”
Finally, the third car — No. 99 — will have a carousel of drivers such as B.J. McLeod, Tommy Joe Martins and JA Avila Jr. with open seats still available to welcome drivers to the team. “It is with great enthusiasm to have Tommy Joe Martins back with the team. Martins has played a great part in helping us improve our on-track performance over the last two years and we are looking forward to what’s to come. Avila joins the team again this year and after two top-20 finishes in his first two starts, the future looks promising,” owner Jessica McLeod said.
Technically, Jimmie Johnson and NASCAR fans didn’t have to wait until Friday on “Good Morning America” to see the brand new No. 48 Ally Chevrolet paint scheme.
Technically, the new car had already made an appearance on Johnson’s Instagram three times.
NEW YORK (Jan. 11, 2019) – Legendary NASCAR driver Jimmie Johnson and Ally revealed the new look for the No. 48 Ally Chevrolet this morning, unveiling a blend of Ally’s unique branding along with Johnson’s iconic number and color.
“This is an exciting beginning with Ally, and we wanted a car that conveyed that excitement to our fans,” Johnson said this morning after unveiling the new car on Good Morning America. “Personally, I’ve put a ton of time in on this paint scheme to help our team develop the new look.”
In October, Ally, a leading digital financial services company, announced that it would join Hendrick Motorsports as the whole-season primary sponsor of Johnson’s team in 2019 and 2020. The sponsorship will feature Ally on the champion driver’s cars throughout the full 38-race NASCAR schedule, beginning with February’s 2019 Daytona Speedweeks and the 61st running of the Daytona 500.
“We wanted Jimmie and fans throughout the country to love the car, so we were ecstatic that he took such a hands-on approach to developing a paint scheme that would stand out and his fans would embrace,” said Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and PR officer for Ally. “It’s just another example of why our relationship is such a great match. His values line up with Ally’s approach. We both have high standards and want to make sure we ‘Do it Right’ for our fans and customers.”
Johnson, who is signed with Hendrick Motorsports through 2020, selected a black gloss as his base color with matte decals in Ally’s color pallet. Johnson’s iconic neon yellow 48 will anchor the car.
One of Johnson’s most-avid fans was on hand for the reveal in New York at the GMA studio. Johnson and Ally teamed with Make-A-Wish® to surprise 10-year-old Trevin of Florida, by flying him and his father, an armed services veteran, to New York for the car reveal and revealing that his wish to attend the Daytona 500 would come true. Trevin, who has cystic fibrosis and is a big NASCAR fan, will attend the race as Johnson’s guest.
“Today is such an incredible day for Trevin. We are grateful to Ally and Jimmie Johnson for inviting Trevin to this car and wish reveal today,” said Shaina Reeser, director of sports and entertainment for Make-A-Wish. “For 15 years, Jimmie Johnson has been committed to granting wishes for children with critical illnesses and understands the importance of a wish come true. We are enormously grateful for his support and passion for creating life-changing moments for wish kids.”
This year marks a new beginning for Johnson, who in addition to getting a new sponsor with Ally also has a new crew chief in Kevin Meendering. Johnson has seven NASCAR titles — equaled only by legends Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt — that include five in a row from 2006 to 2010. “I’m invigorated as we chase an eighth title,” said Johnson, the only race car driver ever to be named the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year. “I feel like we have something to prove.”
Brimmer said the timing is perfect for Ally to team with Johnson. “We are proud to have his back as he goes for this monumental achievement. Everyone relies on allies as they chase their goals and dreams — from the person looking to buy a new car or home to a world-class athlete looking to make auto racing history.”
DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – In many ways, Alex Zanardi was as much rock star as race driver during his time at Daytona International Speedway last week preparing to compete in the IMSA WeatherTech SportsCar Championship season-opening Rolex 24 At Daytona on Jan. 26-27.
And it wasn’t just race fans with love in their eyes, respect in their heart and an eagerness to interact with the former IndyCar champion as he made his way around the track.
Team engineers, series officials, corporate bigwigs and a long line of his fellow drivers – including Formula 1 star Fernando Alonso – took turns greeting and hugging Zanardi. And just grinning. So many are so incredibly grateful to see the 52-year old Italian back in their race paddock preparing to work his magic behind the steering wheel again competing for the first time in a car stateside since he lost his legs in an open-wheel race in 2001.
The good vibe was palpable, and a perpetual grin hung ear to ear as Zanardi navigated all the love.
“Finally I am here and so this is very, very special,” Zanardi explained, speaking to reporters at the Roar Before the Rolex 24 three-day test session at Daytona International Speedway last weekend. “On top, to be in the same paddock with a lot of friends and be stopped basically every foot by a different friend who I haven’t seen in a long time, it’s really sweet.
“I know that I will be stopped by many fans who remember some of the things I did over in this beautiful country, which definitely gave me the greatest opportunity of my life. To have the opportunity to add a little more, to make that small space in their heart grow, the personal space… I have a unique opportunity and I feel gifted having had the opportunity to compete here in Daytona.”
Zanardi is entered in the GT Le Mans (GTLM) class and will co-drive the No. 24 BMW Team RLL BMW M8 GTE with John Edwards, Jesse Krohn and Chaz Mostert in the 24-hour race. It marks the first time he has competed in the United States since he lost both legs in a racing accident in a September, 2001 CART (now called IndyCar) Series race in Germany.
After earning back-to-back CART series championships in 1997-98 driving for Chip Ganassi Racing, Zanardi spent a season-long effort in Formula 1 in 1999 before returning stateside to rejoin the CART series in 2001, driving for Mo Nunn Racing.
After leading 20 laps in the CART race at Germany’s two-mile, triangular EuroSpeedway Lausitz oval that fall afternoon, Zanardi crashed 13 laps from the checkered flag, losing both legs in the horrific incident. His injuries were so severe he was airlifted to a nearby German hospital.
Even this dramatic and emotional ordeal couldn’t dampen Zanardi’s inspiring zest for life. It’s something that has perpetually inspired his good friend and former teammate Jimmy Vasser.
That Zanardi later returned to compete in GT cars in Europe and win gold medals racing a wheelchair in the Paralympics is no surprise. That he would compete in a demanding 24-hour race here in a month? Well, of course.
As Vasser and the rest of his competitors already knew so well, there is no slowing Zanardi down.
“He was always an amazing champion, an amazing driver, a dear friend, a best friend even before the accident,” said Vasser, whose own AIM Vasser Sullivan team is fielding a pair of GT Daytona (GTD) cars in the Rolex 24. “But after the accident, I came to the conclusion… you wonder why? Why? Why? How does that happen to someone like that?
“I finally decided that you know what, it happened to Alex that way because he needed to show everybody how you’re supposed to handle it – 99 percent of the people on the planet couldn’t handle it. They would crawl in their hole, disappear, would not do the things he has done. Like his waking up and telling [his wife] Daniela that as long as he has her and their son Niccolo, then ‘I’m okay.’ There was never a poor me, not one time, not one single time.”
That Zanardi pushed himself in a new set of life circumstances, that he never gave up, that he achieved again and again, is of little surprise to those that know him best.
His friends and colleagues say that they find themselves simultaneously impressed and yet fully expecting that he would handle himself in such an inspiring way, turning obstacles into opportunities and harsh odds into mere challenges for his substantial heart.
“I don’t think anything surprises me with Alex anymore,” said Ganassi, who took his former IndyCar drivers Vasser and Zanardi to dinner with his sports car team while in Daytona. “From his accomplishments in an Indy car with us, to the ranks of Formula 1, and then on to gold medals, and now the Rolex 24.
Chris Graythen | Getty Images
“What can you say about him that hasn’t been said? He embodies everything good about the human spirit. I look forward to watching him compete later this month in Daytona. He’s a guy that everyone pulls for.”
And Zanardi has provided plenty of motivational opportunity since his accident. He won the 2012 New York City Marathon in the hand-cycling class. And we went on to claim gold medals in the 2012 Summer Paralympics in London and the 2016 games in Brazil.
His will to overcome challenges, his love of competition and his God-given talent have sustained Zanardi.
He is one of those people who makes those around him more comfortable and more positive just from being in his presence and seeing firsthand his completely genuine enthusiasm for life.
As he joked in Daytona last week, perhaps the fondness will wane as Zanardi’s lap times drop. Let there be no doubt, that for all the friendliness, laughter and handshakes, there’s a reason Zanardi is a championship driver. He’s fast – no matter the type of wheels or kind of race.
“I hope that down the road I can change that a little because when everyone is so friendly and they say ‘Wow, Alex it’s so cool to be in the same field with you,’ it’s just because they expect you to be behind,” Zanardi said with a laugh. “And when you get in front, they are not as excited anymore. I hope I can cool some of them down during the race.”
For all the love and sentimental thrill of reuniting with Zanardi or meeting this inspiration in person, Vasser reminds that this isn’t a merely a feel-good tour. Zanardi is in Daytona to win. Since his accident, Zanardi competed full-time for two seasons in the ultra-competitive FIA European Touring Car Series, winning three races.
He is in Daytona, competing in this race for one reason: to win. He has spent hours in the garage practicing driver changes that will obviously be more involved and turned many laps getting used to the BMW especially outfitted with hand controls for him.
“This is just another chapter, it’s not the end of the book for racing,” Vasser says emphatically. “He keeps jumping into cars and he does well. It’s not like ‘Oh well, it’s so nice for him to be able to do it.’ No, he’s helping the team to win, legs or no legs.
“He’s an asset in the competition side. He pushes the drivers and teammates and his input for the chassis and setup. He’s so engineering minded… I knew the minute (he started his recovery) that he would revolutionize prosthetic builds, the engineering of building them better.
“The mind hasn’t changed. He’s missing his legs, but his mind and his personality and his compassion… all the other things that I love so much about him are still the same. His smile, his sense of humor, he’s always joking and he’s the world’s greatest exaggerator. There are so many stories I could tell you. We’d go on our victory tours and if one of his one-liners worked, the next time he used it, he took it to the next level. You loved that about him.”
Judging by the response Zanardi received inside the garage at Daytona, it’s easy to imagine the reception he will get from fans when he returns for the race. Zanardi may be the one competing, but it feels like the rest of us fortunate enough to marvel in his inspirational story, are winning too.
“He just makes life so much better,” Vasser says emphatically. “This isn’t post-accident. He’s the same, same sense of humor, same honesty. I could go on and an on and on, I mean you talk about a hero.
“I was thinking about it during last weekend, there are some really fantastic human beings on the planet. They are out there. And it’s not because Alex is a racer, but quite honestly, I think he could be the best human. He’s so inspirational and at the very least he’s in that percentile of being one of the top human beings in giving the example of how to not give up.
“How can you be upset with anything in your life when you see what he’s doing with his life?”
“One step further, you know what? This guy may be one of the best in the world to show how to use your life every day and get the most out of it.
If you’re a music fan, you may have heard something back in the day about a little festival called Woodstock.
This year marks the 50th anniversary of music’s most famous concert — headlined by the likes of Jimi Hendrix, The Band, The Who, Santana, Grateful Dead, Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young … the list goes on — held on a dairy farm in the Catskill Mountains in upstate New York in 1969.
In honor of 2019 being a landmark year, the Woodstock Music and Arts Fair announced this week that it would be presenting “Woodstock 50” — and you might say there’s a “Hendrick’s Jimmie” twist to it.
The music festival will be held on the fields surrounding Watkins Glen International from Aug. 16-18, just days after the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series crowns a victor in the Go Bowling at The Glen race on Aug. 4 (3 p.m. ET, NBCSN, MRN, NBC Sports App).
Tickets will go on sale in February, when the festival announces its artist lineup.
“It’ll be an eclectic bill,” festival co-creator Michael Lang told Rolling Stone. “It’ll be hip-hop and rock and some pop and some of the legacy bands from the original festival.”
NASCAR road racing followed by one of the biggest music festivals of the year, all in one place? Now that’s one heck of a way to close out a summer.
