Patrick Mahomes and NASCAR might not seem like the perfect pairing, but that didn’t stop him from giving it a shot. About four years ago, former NASCAR driver-turned-broadcaster Clint Bowyer introduced the Kansas City Chiefs quarterback to the world of stock car racing. Setting up an iRacing simulator in Missouri’s Griffon Indoor Sports Complex, Bowyer pitted Mahomes against two-time NASCAR Cup Series champion Kyle Busch.
With confidence, Mahomes joked with Busch before the race, asking, “You sure you’re gonna catch me, man?” Bowyer made sure the experience was as authentic as possible, even bringing in Modern Family star Eric Stonestreet as Mahomes’ spotter. Stonestreet, speaking in football terms, encouraged Mahomes with a phrase inspired by former Kansas City Chiefs coach Hank Stram: “Keep matriculating down the track.” This reference harks back to Stram’s legendary line during Super Bowl IV, when the Chiefs defeated the Minnesota Vikings.
Despite Mahomes’ enthusiasm, Busch’s experience won out. The NASCAR pro sent Mahomes into the outside wall, securing the victory. Bowyer’s humorous advice afterward? “Just quit driving, Patrick.”
NASCAR vs. NFL: A Battle for Viewership
While Mahomes’ NASCAR venture was just for fun, the competition between NASCAR and the NFL is real. The numbers tell the story, NFL games in 2017 attracted over 17 million fans, while NASCAR races saw just over 4 million attendees. This clear disparity has led NASCAR executives to be mindful of scheduling conflicts.
Once the 2024 NFL season wrapped up, NASCAR wasted no time seizing the spotlight. A promotional video posted on X (formerly Twitter) declared, “We’ll take it from here. #DAYTONA500,” hyping up the 67th running of the Daytona 500 on February 16. The animated clip showcased a car decked out in ‘The Great American Race’ colors speeding toward Daytona Beach, Florida, accompanied by the message: “It’s our turn now.”
The Daytona 500, set for 2:30 PM ET, is expected to draw massive attention, and former President Donald Trump is reportedly considering attending. If true, this would mark his fifth visit, having previously attended as a private citizen in 1999, 2000, and 2001, before serving as Grand Marshal in 2020.
Jalen Hurts and the Eagles Grant Chase Elliott’s Wish
While NASCAR drivers typically focus on their own sport, some, like Chase Elliott, keep a close eye on football. Before Super Bowl LIX, Elliott voiced his support for Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, calling Hurts “a stand-up leader and individual” worthy of admiration.
The Eagles delivered, crushing the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22 and avenging their Super Bowl LVII loss. Elliott’s original favorite, Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen, had an impressive season, securing his first MVP award. However, after the Bills fell to the Chiefs in the AFC Championship, Elliott shifted his support to the Eagles. Hurts and his team didn’t disappoint, dominating the game with a commanding 34-0 lead at one point before sealing the victory.
For Elliott, the Eagles’ triumph was a satisfying moment one that might even help him sleep a little better ahead of the Daytona 500.
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