Imagine NASCAR drivers stepping into the world of mixed martial arts—it sounds like a wild crossover, right? Well, that’s exactly what happened when Erik Jones and John Hunter Nemechek traded their racing helmets for a taste of the octagon. But here’s where it gets fascinating: these drivers didn’t just dip their toes into MMA; they trained with none other than Forrest Griffin, a retired UFC legend and Hall of Famer. And this isn’t just a casual meet-and-greet—it’s a deep dive into the mindset, preparation, and recovery strategies of elite fighters.
Jones and Nemechek, who typically train at the Toyota Performance Center in Mooresville, North Carolina, described their experience at the Ultimate Fighting Championship Performance Institute in Las Vegas as “a lot of fun.” Griffin, now the vice president of athlete development at the UFC Performance Institute, brought his expertise to the table, offering the drivers a rare glimpse into the world of combat sports.
Nemechek was particularly enthusiastic about the experience. “Being able to somewhat spar against him was a really good time,” he shared. “I mean, he’s a legend. Just being in his presence, chatting, and understanding the mindset of fighters—how they prepare, how they recover—it was eye-opening. There’s a surprising crossover between our worlds, and it was super unique to explore that.”
And this is the part most people miss: while Nemechek embraced the sparring, Jones had a slightly different take. “I don’t know if I enjoyed the sparring very much,” Jones admitted with a laugh. “I was pretty scared to try to hit him in the face, like he told me. His eyes get kind of intense when you start going, and I was like, ‘I don’t really want to get hit in the face here.’ But it was cool to experience.”
This crossover isn’t just about physical training—it’s about mental toughness, discipline, and the shared drive for excellence across different sports. But here’s the controversial question: Could MMA training actually benefit NASCAR drivers on the track? Some might argue it’s a stretch, but others see it as a valuable way to sharpen focus and resilience.
Written by Deb Williams, an award-winning motorsports journalist with over four decades of experience, this story highlights the unexpected connections between seemingly unrelated sports. Williams, a North Carolina native, has covered auto racing for United Press International, ESPNW.com, USA Today, and The Charlotte Observer, among others. Her accolades include the American Motorsports Media Award of Excellence, two National Motorsports Press Association Writer of the Year awards, and induction into the NMPA Hall of Fame in 2024.
So, what do you think? Is there real value in athletes crossing training boundaries, or is this just a fun PR stunt? Let us know in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this unique crossover!
