CONCORD, N.C. -- In this week's episode of Game Day to Race Day, get to know John Gianninoto, the fueler for the No. 9 team at Hendrick Motorsports, as he detailed his transition from trying out with the Carolina Panthers to jumping over the wall in the NASCAR Cup Series.
Gianninoto was a four-year starter as an offensive lineman at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. He first learned of the opportunity to work in NASCAR from his college roommate, who had made his way into the sport before Gianninoto.
"He set me up with Coach (Jon) Burkey," Gianninoto said. "I talked to him and it sounded like something I was interested in, (Burkey) was interested in me, so I came out (to North Carolina)and did some tryouts ... They said, 'You might be okay, it might work out,' and the rest is history."
Check out the video above to hear the rest of Gianninoto's story and how protecting his quarterback at UNLV helped him become a leader of the No. 9 team at Hendrick Motorsports. Tune in this Sunday, Sept. 26 at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN to watch the No. 9 crew in action during the first race of the Round of 12 at Las Vegas Motor Speedway.