John Hunter Nemechek explains the intensity of racing in the heat at Nashville

With the temperatures soaring in Nashville, the NASCAR Xfinity Series was tested today over the course of 250 miles. John Hunter Nemechek wanted to let the people know just how difficult racing on a day like today is.

For those who don’t know, John Hunter Nemechek is an athlete beyond racing. He has trained and participated in Iron Man events and other triathlons. Nemechek pays close attention to his heart rate during races.

Today in the media center after his win at Nashville Superspeedway, Nemechek explained how difficult racing in these conditions is for drivers.

“I mean, I didn’t know it was what, 130, 140 [degrees] in the race car today?” Nemechek asked. “I don’t think your average person could go sit in that and perform at a high heart rate. My heart rate right now sitting here is 135. So, still. So, I guarantee you if I pull up my average for the day I’m going to be in the 160-170 average for close to three hours.”

For John Hunter Nemechek, making sure he is in shape, properly hydrated, and ready to go on race day is top priority. These races in June and July can be brutal for drivers. He is racing in the Cup Series on Sunday as well. So taking care of his body is top priority.

Wearing a cool suit today, Nemechek was lucky. His didn’t fail. The same couldn’t be said of drivers like Noah Gragson and Riley Herbst. They had to suffer with hot water pumping all over their body for hundreds of laps. They will also both be in the Cup race on Sunday.

John Hunter Nemechek gets aggressive late to win

In order to get the win today at Nashville Superspeedway, John Hunter Nemechek had to get aggressive. Ty Gibbs dominated the first stage. Then Nemechek took Stage 2. It was Cole Custer who led in the final stage early on.

A late caution with 53 laps to go changed that. Ty Gibbs gets turned by Justin Allgaier and then everything is thrown out the window. For Nemechek, it was an opportunity to make a move for the win.

Taking Cole Custer three-wide on the restart, Nemechek forced the issue. When the cars were sorted out, Nemechek was the one on top. So, he looked forward out the windshield and kept his foot on the pedal.

John Hunter Nemechek ran away with this race over the last 40 laps. He had a great showing in Music City and it should give him confidence for Sunday. A solid run tomorrow would go a long way for Nemechek and his Legacy Motor Club crew.