What do NASCAR stars do before jumping into their race cars? It’s not just about tightening seat belts or checking engines. Many drivers have personal pre-race habits that might surprise fans. Some of them stick to the same meal. Others listen to loud music. And some believe in… lucky underwear?In a new video shared on June 17, 2025, by Sports on Prime through their official X (formerly Twitter) handle, NASCAR fans got a peek into what goes on behind the scenes. The clip was part of a promo for NASCAR on Prime, which will stream Cup Series races starting next year.
Alex Bowman Jr., AJ Allmendinger, Ross Chastain and others talk about what they do before racing
In the short video, drivers opened up about their race day routines. Alex Bowman Jr., who races for Hendrick Motorsports, said, “Just kind of wear your lucky underwear.”AJ Allmendinger, another Cup Series driver, shared that he listens to heavy music depending on how he feels. “Five Finger Death Punch, Godsmack… it gets me fired up,” he said.Ross Chastain explained he eats only plain chicken, rice, and watermelon before any race. He said he figured this out after trying different meals.Eric Jones revealed he always puts on his clothes in the same order. “Even the socks go on a certain way,” he said.Before going to the track, Austin Dillon remarked that he always eats with his family and prays. Zane Smith prefers to relax with loved ones and eat clean to stay focused.
Alex Bowman Jr.’s painful crash in Michigan still fresh in memory
Just days before the video dropped, Alex Bowman Jr. had a terrifying crash on June 9, 2025, during the FireKeepers Casino 400 at Michigan International Speedway. On lap 67, Alex Bowman’s No. 48 car hit Cole Custer’s car and then slammed straight into a wall.Alex Bowman told FOX Sports reporter Bob Pockrass, “It’s the most painful one I’ve taken for sure.” He shared the impact measured over 50 G-forces. Even though he was cleared by the infield care team, the hit hurt more than when he broke his back in a 2022 sprint car crash.Anthony Alfredo was kept ready in case Alex Bowman couldn’t race in Mexico City the following weekend. But Alex Bowman still showed up and competed at Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez.Also Read: NASCAR: William Byron Secures Historic Victory In Daytona 500
