Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace took part in ‘incredible’ Crossover event

Toyota racing

Denny Hamlin, Bubba Wallace and Rutledge Wood spent time in Park City, Utah.

What happens when top motorsports racers spend time with Olympic-level athletes? They test their skills against each other in unique ways, which Denny Hamlin and Bubba Wallace helped demonstrate on a recent trip to Utah.

Two NASCAR drivers took part in a unique event ahead of a trip to the New Hampshire Motorway. The Cup Series competitors – along with analyst Rutledge Wood; JR Todd and Shawn Langdon from the NHRA; and Fredric Aasbo from Formula Drift – spent time at Utah Olympic Park and Park City’s USANA Center while learning how top athletes on the USA Ski & Snowboard team prepare for competitions their own.

This experience has brought some new opportunities for members of the Toyota Racing family, especially Wallace. The 23XI Racing racer jumped at the chance to head off the water ramps at the facility, which is what skiers and snowboarders use to test their skills before hitting the mountains and snowfall. tolerance. Wallace has worked with four Olympic athletes, and he has made many jumps into the water.

Wallace also tested his aerial skills in a different way. He made his way to the trampoline beside the foam pit and performed some somersaults under the watchful eye of professional skier Toby Miller, who showed off his skills at the X Games, Dew Tour and World Snowboard Championships.

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“The Toyota Crossover event in Park City, Utah was unbelievable! I had the opportunity to meet athletes in different sports and learn about their craft, and that was really special,” Miller said in a statement to Heavy.

“I had a lot of fun spending time with Bubba and Denny, two incredibly talented and amazing people. Whether it’s water jumping on a skateboard, going down a snowmobile track, or trying a double in the foam pit, they’re up for the challenge. “

The day has some unique exercises and events

Toyota racingBubba Wallace works at the USANA Center for Excellence.

Toyota Racing drivers took part in a crowded day in Park City. Wallace tests his aerial skills while Hamlin spends time on the basketball court. All Toyota Racing drivers also underwent a training session with one of the USA Ski & Snowboard strength and conditioning coaches, including weightlifting and obstacle course.

While there are some similarities between training styles, particularly the emphasis on core strength, there are also some notable differences. Athletes in Park City specifically focus on explosive movements, long jumps, vertical jumps and overall balance.

“The real fun begins when the entire Toyota Family walks into US Ski & Snowboard’s USANA Center of Excellence gym – we all push each other to lift more weights, jump higher, and do more reps, ‘ added Miller. “That day was probably exactly what you would expect when you put a set of competitive athletes in the same room. It is truly an honor to be part of such a talented group of individuals.”

Toyota Racing drivers who have visited Park City facilities before

Toyota racingBubba Wallace (left) and Denny Hamlin (right) spend time sledding.

The recent crossover event featuring Toyota athletes is not the first time NASCAR drivers have visited Park City. Several others did the same in 2017 so they could help kickstart the partnership between Toyota and US Ski & Snowboard.

The first race took place in June 2017. Martin Truex Jr. and Erik Jones both represent Furniture Row Racing while Daniel Suarez represents Joe Gibbs Racing. Captains Cole Pearn and Chris Gayle were both on hand to inspect the facilities and take part in some unique exercises.

The NASCAR team was in Utah for two days, and they had a packed schedule. They’ve trained with strength and conditioning coaches, flipped on a mountain bike, rode a sled, tested out ski and snowboard simulators, and hiked to the top of their peaks. ski jump. Drivers and team leaders even learned to skate from Olympic speed skaters at the Utah Olympic Oval.

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