NASCAR Driver Looking Forward to Returning to Atlanta Motor Speedway
FLAGLER BEACH, Fla. (February 24, 2016) – In order to take his career to the next level, NASCAR XFINITY Series driver Ray Black Jr. spent the offseason training both physically and mentally to make this racing season the strongest one he’s ever had. The 24-year-old driver of the No. 07 ScubaLife.com Chevrolet implemented both regular exercise schedules and racing simulations to prepare himself for a breakout year in the sport.
“I really focused during the offseason on preparing for this year of racing,” explained Black. “The XFINITY Series has 33 weeks of intense races, and I want to be in my best shape for them – both mentally and physically! During the week when I’m not at the track I typically focus on cardio training and workout twice a day. I’ve also been participating in racing simulations of all the upcoming tracks in various car setups so I feel confident to hit the track the minute we arrive each week.”
Black believes the strict training regimen has already made a major difference in his preparations to compete against some of the best race car drivers in the world.
“I feel a lot more focused and prepared at the track compared to last year,” he continued. “I truly believe this training has provided me with a better understanding of the sport and how fragile it is. The racing has such a high level of intensity in the XFINITY Series that even just the smallest bit of extra preparation can make all the difference in the world. I want to make sure I’m doing everything I can to be at my best in the car.”
As the XFINITY Series races in Atlanta this weekend, Black is confident in both himself and his team to put on a great show for the fans. After all, Black lists Atlanta as one of his favorite tracks.
“I love racing at Atlanta Motor Speedway!” said Black. “It’s so bumpy, but has great characteristics that are unique to the track that you can’t find anywhere else. It’s a track that makes drivers actually have to drive it. It puts us back in the driver’s seat and responsible for a good run there. Last year we had a great run and were up in the Top-12 on the final lap, but the engine blew at the last minute and I had to coast in, so I’m excited for a chance to grab the finish we deserved last year!”
In addition to a return trip to a favorite track of his, Black is also looking forward to this year’s visit to Atlanta as he is scheduled to tour the Ivan Allen Jr. Braves Museum & Hall of Fame at the Atlanta Braves’ Turner Field. Being a lifelong Braves fan, Black is thrilled to have the chance to see the team’s history up close.
“I really enjoy baseball. It’s just so traditional. The game hasn’t changed much over the years, so you could flip on almost any game ever played and it would look the same as what I watch now,” he stated. “The Braves were the closest team to me when I was growing up in Alabama, so I took a liking to them and stuck with them. It’ll be cool to see their stadium while we are up there for the race weekend.”
Fans can tune in to cheer on Ray Black Jr. and the ScubaLife.com team as they compete at Atlanta Motor Speedway on Saturday, February 27 at 1:30 p.m. The Heads Up Georgia 250 will broadcast live on FOX Sports 1, as well as the Performance Racing Network (PRN).
Keep up with Ray Black Jr. by following him and his sponsor, ScubaLife, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram at @TeamScubaRacing and @RayBlackJr.
