Pickleball Stars at Bristol Speedway: Before the IHG Hotels & Resorts Bristol Open, presented by Deep Eddy Vodka, a group of pickleball pros took a detour from the courts to visit the legendary Bristol Motor Speedway on Wednesday. For many, it was a first-time experience, blending the excitement of their sport with the adrenaline of motorsports.
Among the lucky few to take a lap around the track were brothers Hunter and Yates Johnson. The thrill of speeding around one of the most famous tracks in NASCAR history wasn’t lost on them.
“We went about 100 mph, so we got to feel the Gs of the car and the track. I think we all have respect for these race car drivers who go this fast for this long.” – (Hunter)
“I said that I wanted to go fast and that’s exactly what we did. It was cool to actually be on the track in this amazing arena.” – (Hunter)
Feeling the G-Force
Andrei Daescu was another pro who relished the unique experience. Unlike anything he’d felt on a pickleball court, the force of the track left a lasting impression.
“The driver wasn’t taking it too easy on us. We were leaning pretty heavily going about 90 mph.” – (Andrei Daescu)
“We got to feel the Gs over there, and I was a little shaken up when I got out of the car.” – (Andrei Daescu)
The speed and the curves of the track offered a new perspective on the skill and stamina required by professional drivers, a sentiment echoed by all who took part.
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Behind the Wheel
For some, the experience wasn’t just about being a passenger. It was about getting behind the wheel, who had never been on a racetrack before, took the opportunity to drive with fellow pro Ignatowich as her passenger.
“I hit a quick 30 mph, so I might be leaving the PPA soon to become a professional race car driver.” – (Camila Zilveti)
Not one to be left out of the fun, Ignatowich added, “I wasn’t scared at all,” jokingly downplaying the experience.
A Day to Remember
The visit to Bristol Motor Speedway wasn’t just a fun detour; it was a memorable start to their time in East Tennessee. For Hunter Johnson, the day couldn’t have been better. “We couldn’t have asked for a better day,” he concluded, summarizing the shared sentiment of the group.
As the pros head back to the courts, the exhilaration of their speedway adventure will no doubt be a story they share long after the final point of the tournament has been played.
News in Brief: Pickleball Stars at Bristol Speedway
A group of pickleball pros enjoyed a thrilling visit to the historic Bristol Motor Speedway before the IHG Hotels & Resorts Bristol Open. Among them were brothers Hunter and Yates Johnson, who experienced a lap around the track at speeds of up to 100 mph.
Andrei Daescu and Zilveti also took part, with Zilveti even getting behind the wheel. The experience left a strong impression, with the athletes gaining newfound respect for professional drivers.
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