CONCORD, N.C. – While there may not be a NASCAR Cup Series race this weekend, the action has not stopped at Hendrick Motorsports.
This week, team members are spending their time preparing for the final stretch of racing as the playoffs quickly approach.
Over the weekend, many are taking time for some much-needed rest and relaxation.
Check out what some of the Hendrick Motorsports team members are up to this week:
1) Getting ahead.
“We are trying as much as we can to catch up and get ahead,” said Scott Hunerwadel, No. 48 set-up plate mechanic. “It is a good break for us to look at all of our track equipment and do maintenance to it. It’s a chance to plan out the rest of the year as far as with the playoffs coming up, what parts we need to order, getting those parts in and getting ourselves reorganized and focused for the end of the year.”
Hunerwadel looks forward to enjoying a weekend camping trip at Lake Norman State Park.
2) Preventative maintenance.
“We are doing preventative maintenance and things we don’t get to work on normally when the trucks are out,” said Chris Bryant, Nos. 48 and 88 transportation coordinator. “We are sprucing up some of our equipment that has damage and repairing things that we do not normally have time to do during the regular racing season.”
Over the weekend Bryant will be spending time with his 6-year-old son.
3) Restock and recharge.
“Typically, here in the parts room, it’s a little bit slower during the off week,” said Matt Barnhardt, Nos. 5 and 24 parts specialist. “But, a lot of the guys on the off week are playing catch-up, so typically we are restocking and getting ready for next week going to Darlington and getting ready for the playoffs. It can be a catch-up week where we restock and recharge and we are back at it next week. Starting Monday of next week, it will be pretty busy from there.”
Barnhardt plans to spend the weekend working on his new house and taking time to rest.
4) Keep digging.
“We are business as usual, trying to get the cars done a little bit earlier so we can focus on the playoffs and get further ahead,” said Steve Hlinak, Nos. 5 and 24 shop foreman. “We are trying not to get complacent this week and just keep digging.”
Hlinak is heading to Utah on Friday for a weekend trip when he will hit the trails on his bike.
5) Family time.
“I am excited to spend quality time with family,” said Joseph So, No. 5 team jackman. “It’s great to be able to visit family without being interrupted by having to travel for the race.”
So and the rest of the pit crew members will enjoy a weekend off from the busy NASCAR Cup Series season.