CONCORD, N.C. – Wednesday, the latest episode of “Road to Race Day” were released on the go90 streaming platform.
Viewable on the “Road to Race Day” page on go90 and the free app from the Apple and Android stores, the newest episode -- split into three parts -- follows Jimmie Johnson and the No. 48 team before and during the 600-mile race at Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The series provides glimpses we might never otherwise get to see up close, and after watching this week’s edition, 10 moments stood out.
10) Early in this week’s episode, No. 48 team crew chief Chad Knaus provides some insight into how he gets back into the swing of things between race weekends. Part of his routine includes watching last year’s version of the upcoming race – in this case, he turns on the 600-mile race at Charlotte from 2015 in his office.
9) A number of fans from the infield at Charlotte Motor Speedway are profiled, including the aptly named Couchman – and his son, Loveseat – and the elected “mayor” of the Turn 4 campground.
8) A new member of the No. 48 pit crew – jackman Kyle Tudor – is introduced at the team’s weekly meeting, and the cameras are there as the group integrates him into the crew during practice throughout the week and ultimately on race day.
7) Speaking of the pit crew, the latest episode goes in-depth into the process of Hendrick Motorsports’ pit crew combine. Athletes from across the country are brought in to try out to join the organization, and as coaches run them through myriad exercises, they’re keeping an eye on who could fit best into the system.
6) Between practice and qualifying at Charlotte, we get to see how Johnson and Knaus interact in order to determine which changes to make to alter how the car drives on the track. It’s a unique look into how the duo works together to ensure the best chance of success.
5) Another interesting tidbit in this week’s episode comes courtesy of Knaus, who explains to the camera his thought process behind picking a pit stall, particularly when the No. 48 team is picking near the rear of the field.
4) Throughout the episode, one young fan in particular is featured – and he’s not exactly a Johnson fan. In fact, he has nicknamed him “Jimmie Johnson Stinker Pants,” but it certainly makes for an entertaining viewpoint of the 600-mile race as Johnson races toward the front.
3) The ins and outs of making it through NASCAR’s at-track inspection process make for an intriguing portion of the episode. The cameras are there as Knaus and the No. 48 team work hard to fix areas of the Chevrolet that aren’t meeting NASCAR’s standards, and the crew chief works with the officials to determine exactly what needs to be done before directing his team on how to handle it.
2) On the grid before the race, Johnson greets the family of Army Sergeant First Class Kyle B. Wehrly, whose name adorns the windshield of the No. 48 Lowe’s Chevrolet SS. The driver shows them that he will be wearing the late Sgt. Wehrly’s dogtag during the race.
1) The action during the 600-mile race is chronicled, including Johnson’s race all the way to the front of the pack during a battle with Martin Truex Jr. Afterward, Knaus gives his take on the race, letting the cameras in on his mindset: “I hate losing more than I enjoy winning. It hangs with me a lot longer.”
Check out the full episode now on go90. Next week, the series shifts its focus to Kasey Kahne and the No. 5 team.