Ricky Stenhouse Jr. downplays the dangers of sprint-car racing
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}For those who dont understand the passion many Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series drivers have for racing sprint cars, let Ricky Stenhouse Jr. explain.
For me, I feel going to race sprint cars keeps you really sharp, said the driver of the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford. Things happen fast. The track changes. Youve got to stay on top of the track and make sure you hit your marks right. So I feel like there are things that make a driver better.
Just being in the seat more. For me, I wish I could do it a lot more often especially since I dont get to run the XFINITY cars as much as some of the other guys. Just being in the seat and getting more seat time is important.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}The subject often is debated, as critics feel that Cup drivers should not put themselves at risk of injury by moonlighting in sprint cars in dirt races.
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Stenhouse admitted that when he first came up to the Cup Series after winning back-to-back championships in what now is the XFINITY Series in 2011 and 2012, car owner Jack Roush asked him not to do it.
He wanted me to focus on the Cup car when I first moved to Cup in 13, Stenhouse said. So I didnt race any sprint cars, except for in the offseason when I ran some midgets. Then in 14 and 15 I was going to run some, but he asked me to hold off. I think that was the year that Tony (Stewart) got hurt (racing sprint cars) out in Knoxville (Tennessee).
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}He asked me to take a couple years off so as soon as two years was up, I was like, Hey, Jack, you know a couple years is up since you asked me that.
Now in his fifth full-time Cup season, Stenhouse says no such restrictions are placed on him.
That makes him happy. Plus he figures its good for Cup drivers who grew up racing on dirt to go back to their roots at least once in a while.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}I think going back to your local short tracks and seeing the people who supported you when you raced sprint cars is good, Stenhouse said. Or just going back to race against some of the guys you used to race against is fun, too.
As for the oft-espoused theory that sprint-car racing simply is too dangerous, Stenhouse downplayed that as well.
You could get just as hurt here, too, he said. I think there definitely are more safety things that could come to sprint cars and midgets. I dont know what that is. I think if you recommend something, it probably wont get done. If you make something mandatory if you came up with better safety measures it would be better for sprint cars as far as safety.
{{#rendered}} {{/rendered}}But for me, I dont really think about it. I just go out and race. I think if youre worried about getting hurt, you probably shouldnt do it anyway.
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