Petrino and Cards Enjoy Speedway, But Continue Preparation
December 27, 2014 | Football
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -
University of Louisville head football coach didn't waste any time getting into the bowl spirit when he was the first to jump into the NASCAR during the Richard Petty Driving Experience Saturday at the Charlotte Motor Speedway.
The Cardinals, who were the first team to arrive this morning at the Speedway, took a quick team photo in front of a Louisville-branded racing car, but it didn't take long before Petrino suited up and hopped into one of the awaiting cars.
Traveling at a speed of about 165 miles per hour, Petrino did his three laps in the car versus five other cars on the track, and was amazed at the precision of the cars and drivers.
"I didn't worry too much about beating the other car," Petrino said. "It's pretty amazing how talented the drivers are. It was a great experience. I hope our players love it out here today."
Petrino got out of his car and emerged with a huge smile on his face, and was hoping the players had as much fun as he did.
"Everyone was looking forward to today," Petrino said. "It's awesome being here at the Belk Bowl. We had a group of players who were here a few years ago, and it's something our players were talking about and looking forward to today."
It was the first event the Cardinals had the opportunity experience during their time at the Belk Bowl, and Petrino hoped the players would cherish this experience.
"This is something you will always remember," Petrino said. "You get away from football a little bit and this is one of the rewards of going to a great bowl like the Belk Bowl."
Sophomore running back Brandon Radcliff offered a little different take than his head coach.
"The NASCAR experience was too fun," Radcliff said. "That first curve, I was scared. I never saw a race. But being in a car, and moving 165 miles per hour, we are really enjoying North Carolina."
After their driving experience, the Cardinals went back to work at Charlotte Latin High School and put in a two-hour workout under sunny skies.
The Cardinals continue preparations for a physical Georgia team, which went 9-3 overall and 6-2 in the rugged SEC. However, the Cardinals are ready for Tuesday's game versus the Bulldogs.
"It feels really good to be so close to the game," sophomore running back Brandon Radcliff said. "We have been hitting each other for two or three weeks now and we are kind of frustrated right now."
Louisville takes on Georgia at 6:30 p.m. on Dec. 30 at the Bank of America Stadium. ESPN will televise the first-ever match-up between the two schools.
