Although NASCAR is not technically an endurance race, drivers ought to have a good amount of endurance to thrive in the competition.
With races lasting about three to four hours on average and no scheduled breaks, it can certainly take a toll on the drivers. Plus, the temperatures in the car can rise up to 120°F despite the use of cooling mechanisms.
While most drivers are prepared and well-endured for this, it is not always the case. Especially with a health issue, racing in such conditions is certainly tough.
One of the most dominant drivers in NASCAR currently, Kyle Larson, faced a similar incident a few years ago, which was equally tough, embarrassing, and nasty for him.
Kyle Larson’s Nastiest Moment Behind the Wheel
Although a handful of drivers have some not-so-pleasant moments while cruising in a race car, Larson probably had it a bit worse than the others.
While speaking to The Athletic recently, Hendrick Motorsports starboy Larson opened up about several aspects of his career. The 2021 championship winner shed light on some of the lesser-heard aspects of his career, starting from the very beginning.
Larson started by speaking about getting his first autograph and his early memories of going to the racetrack as a child.
After which, Jeff Gluck asked the AdventHealth 400 winner, “What is the most miserable you’ve ever been inside a race car?”
The No. 5 driver began by describing his experience from the Coke 600 a few years ago. Although Larson did not precisely remember the year, he recalled having a stomachache. He said:
“The Coke 600, I don’t remember what year it was, but I had a stomach bug going on.”
In the middle of a high-pressure situation, Larson had no other option but to “relieve some pressure.”
Embarrassed by the situation, he could not contain his laughter and said, “It felt good, but it was miserable. Very miserable.”
After the act, one of Larson’s biggest challenges was getting away with it without catching anyone’s eye. On top of that, he was donning a white uniform, which could have made it worse.
As soon as he got out of the car, he did not look back and rushed to the nearest golf cart. Here’s how he described it: “I had a white suit, and I didn’t know what it looked like back there. I just lowered it and ran over to my golf cart and my bus driver and hauled a – in the motorhome. It was bad.”
Even Tyler Reddick of 23XI Racing had a similar moment in the 2023 race at Charlotte. In the midst of the race, he could not hold off going to the bathroom and ended up peeing in his fire suit. The No. 45 driver said, “You don’t want to hold it!”
In the current season, Larson has three wins in his 12 starts for Hendrick Motorsports. He has also led 817 laps, amassed 469 championship points, and currently sits atop the overall drink rank list.