Danica Patrick, Carl Edwards talk diet and fitness leading into NASCAR’s longest race

The Coca-Cola 600 is NASCAR’s longest race. At 600 miles, Sunday night’s marathon is closer to an endurance race, designed to test the limits of both car and driver.

The teams have done their part, delivering cars that should withstand the rigors of 600 miles, but what about the drivers? The Coke 600 is unlike anything they experience all season long, especially for first time competitor Danica Patrick.

Patrick endured seven Indianapolis 500s during her tenure in the IndyCar Series but predicts that the 600 will test her like no other race has.

“For me, it’s just a matter of staying focused, staying positive, and staying hydrated,” Patrick said.

While mental health will play a role in determining the outcome of Sunday’s race, the Coca-Cola 600 requires a physical health and hygiene like no other race, a fact not lost on Patrick. Her season-long diet consists of egg whites, oatmeal and light sandwiches.

“During the race, I will have a drink mix that’s a blend of carbs and protein,” Patrick said. “I managed okay in the 500 at Darlington last week, but it’s going to be a fair bit hotter. Hydration is going to be the most important element.”

Temperatures are expected to reach 86 degrees tonight placing an added emphasis on personal fitness. This plays right into the hands of Carl Edwards and Mark Martin, two of the most physically fit drivers in the garage.

Edwards has been featured on the cover of Health and Fitness Magazine while Martin is competing in Sprint Cup at age 55, both due to their extreme workout regimens. Edwards has a specialized training routine in preparation, led by his personal trainer, Dean Golich, and they aren’t telling.

“Dean’s given me some specifics instructions,” Edwards said. “It’s going to be a hot, long, race and while I’m not going to tell you what I do, I am prepared for it.

“All of these races are tough and sometimes the ones you think are going to be tough aren’t as bad. There are some days you just don’t feel as good and some of my hardest races have been ones that I didn’t think were going to be that hard.”

Edwards did give away one secret - try not to eat in the middle of the 600.

“They used to have a little snack box in my car, but I don’t do that anymore,” Edwards said. “This race is one that maybe if you had something to eat in the middle of the race it would be good, but you’ve got to be careful about eating something when you’re under that much stress and you’ve got the belts tight and everything. I’ve learned that you’ve got to be careful about what you eat during a race, even if it seems really simple, so I just don’t eat.”