CONCORD, N.C. -- The NASCAR Sprint Cup Series is set to take an off week.
There's no race on the schedule this weekend -- the last time that will be the case for the remainder of the season.
So the Hendrick Motorsports drivers are ready to take advantage of the time away from the track.
"I'm really looking forward to it," Kasey Kahne said. "I’m heading to the Bahamas. I’ve got a boat and we’re taking World of Outlaws drivers Brad (Sweet) and Daryn (Pittman) and their wives, and (girlfriend) Sam. The six of us are going to have a week on the water. It’s going to be a blast. We’ve all been looking forward to it for months and months.”
Kahne said he hasn't spent that much time on a boat in more than five years, and for the other five vacationers, it will be their first time.
"So it's just something we've all been looking forward to," he said.
Jeff Gordon knows exactly how he'll handle his vacation as well.
"Just enjoy it to the fullest, make the most of it," he said. "I think (wife) Ingrid and I are going to get away. We spent this summer with the kids, traveling to races. Now they’re back in school. We’re going to take a weekend to ourselves.”
Speaking of wives, a wedding is on the docket this weekend for Dale Earnhardt Jr.
"Everybody always gets married on this weekend, so I’m in a wedding," he said. "It’s like three years in a row, it seems like.”
Jimmie Johnson, meanwhile, has a getaway planned.
"I’m going to Colorado -- I need some mountain time," he said. "I’ve got a few things planned in Colorado and looking forward to a good time.”
The common theme? The off weekend will be all about resting and recharging before the final stretch of the season.