In the high-octane world of NASCAR, where rivalries and on-track tensions are as much a part of the sport as burning rubber, the recent banter between Daniel Suarez and Michael McDowell provides a much-needed comedic relief.
But before that, here is some history you need to know. In 2019, an altercation between Suarez and McDowell brought the pit road in Phoenix to life, resulting in punches thrown and tempers flaring. Here is the video of the terrifying interaction.
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Fast forward to 2024, and the echoes of that feud still reverberate as NASCAR drivers pick their counterparts for an ‘NFL crossover.’ Among the answers, Suarez couldn’t resist throwing a playful jab at McDowell, reigniting the embers of their past rivalry.
Daniel Suarez and Michael McDowell Revisit Their Pit Road Brawl
In light of the Kansas City Chiefs’ recent Super Bowl LVIII win against the San Francisco 49ers, the Charlotte Motor Speedway asked NASCAR drivers in an Instagram reel – who, among the drivers, would make the best NFL player?
This interesting question garnered various responses with a majority of the answers ranging from 180 lbs Corey LaJoie to 6’2” Michael McDowell. In a comedic yet karmic exchange, Daniel Suarez, the 2024 King Taco la Battala winner, took a trip down memory lane.
“I was gonna say Michael McDowell, but I put him down so,” laughed off the Mexican speedster, recalling his 2019 post-qualifying scuffle at the ISM Speedway.
Michael McDowell, on the other hand, took a dig at Front Row Motorsports teammate, Todd Gilliland, saying, “Besides me, I would pick Todd Gilliland, because he’s built for it like he’s a real w*mp.”
As a popular choice among the drivers, Gilliland had gleefully said earlier, “I think I would make a good tight-end or something…”
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The Instagram video ended with veteran Martin Truex Jr neutrally declaring, “I don’t think any of them would.” A contrasting yet realistic picture of the various disciplines and routines involved in these two very different types of spectator sports.
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While the sight of Daniel Suarez playfully throwing shade at Michael McDowell might bring a chuckle, it also highlights the vast differences in the physical demands placed on NASCAR and NFL athletes. Despite sharing the same competitive spirit and drive to excel, their training regimens are worlds apart, tailored to the unique requirements of their respective game.
Behind the wheel of a 200-mph stock car, NASCAR drivers endure a relentless force on their bodies. The grueling combination of high-speed cornering, constant g-forces, and searing heat within the cockpit demands exceptional physical conditioning.
However, on the gridiron, NFL players are finely tuned machines of power, agility, and explosiveness. NFL training heavily emphasizes building muscle mass, speed, and explosiveness. This focus equips players to deliver bone-crushing tackles and outrun defenders, turning them into modern-day man-mountains. In simple words, these two different disciplines would not be able to thrive in the other’s light-filled arenas.
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Nevertheless, while the tracks and fields they compete on may differ vastly, the unwavering commitment to physical and mental excellence is what binds these spectator sports athletes together. With that said, if you had to choose, which NFL player would you like to see behind the wheel of a Next-Gen car?
Read More: WATCH: Alex Bowman has Front Row Seats to Daniel Suarez and Michael McDowell’s Crash