CONCORD, N.C. – For the sixth episode of "On the Road" presented by Valvoline, fans get a glimpse into what a race weekend is like for Kyle Larson.
The installment follows Larson during the June race weekend at Sonoma Raceway. Not only is that race a home event for the Elk Grove, California, native, but he also pulled double duty. In addition to his usual role as the driver of the No. 5 Chevrolet in the NASCAR Cup Series, Larson ran the NASCAR Xfinity Series race in Hendrick Motorsports’ No. 17 Chevy.
"I like to go race," Larson said of his schedule. "I like to experience different challenges. When you challenge yourself, it allows you to grow as a driver. Running double duty helps a lot."
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The drivers’ role isn’t just to show up and race on Sunday. There is a lot of work that occurs beyond what is seen at the racetrack as the team gets the car during the week.
"Kyle’s very involved in the team during the week," No. 5 crew chief Cliff Daniels said. "There’s a lot that we do on Monday to break down the weekend, the Sunday that we just had. Throughout the week, we spend a lot of time preparing for the event to come."
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Experience how Larson gets ready for a race, the different race-day appearances he makes, what racing near his hometown means to him, the "chaos" before a race and what is the most relaxing time for the driver before getting in the car.
The full episode is available on Hendrick Motorsports’ YouTube channel and digital platforms. It can also be viewed below.
The 10-episode series offers an up-close look and follows a variety of team employees as they go about their jobs over a race weekend. The series will highlight the importance of those positions within the success of the team.
"When people look at Hendrick Motorsports, they see drivers and teams bringing home race wins, trophies and championships," team vice chairman Jeff Gordon says in the teaser for the series that you can watch here.
"Behind all that, the unsung heroes. The people back at the shop. The army of people on the road 38 weeks a year. Those people are what make us successful."
Catch up on past episodes below.
Episode 5: Ashly Ennis, at-track public relations manager/No. 24 team PR rep
Episode 4: Rudy Fugle, No. 24 crew chief
Episode 3: Tyler Monn, No. 5 spotter
Episode 2: Lisa Smokstad, lead tire specialist
Episode 1: Brian Walsh, trackside network engineer
UPCOMING EPISODES (DATES SUBJECT TO CHANGE)
Episode 7: Sept. 7
Episode 8: Sept. 28
Episode 9: Oct. 19
Episode 10: Nov. 16