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Premiere DateJanuary 1, 2017
Road to Raceday is a docu-series that follows the journey of three race teams - Furniture Row Racing, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Roush Fenway Racing - as they compete in the Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series. The show provides an intimate look at the drivers, crew chiefs, and pit crews that make up each team, as well as the physical and mental challenges they face both on and off the track.
The series is filmed over the course of one NASCAR season, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the intense preparation and strategy that goes into each race. In addition to chronicling the races themselves, the show also explores the personal lives of the drivers and their families, highlighting the sacrifices they make in pursuit of career success.
One of the main threads throughout the series is the struggle faced by the Furniture Row Racing team. The team, based in Denver, Colorado, is the only NASCAR Cup Series team located outside of North Carolina, the hub of the sport. This geographic challenge puts the team at a disadvantage in terms of resources and access to talent. The team's struggles are compounded by the fact that its star driver, Martin Truex Jr., is dealing with personal tragedy - the loss of his longtime girlfriend, Sherry Pollex, to ovarian cancer. Despite these immense challenges, the team rallies together and manages to find success on the track.
Another important theme of the show is the rivalry between the three teams featured. While the teams are respectful of one another, there is still a palpable sense of competition and desire to come out on top. This is especially true when two of the teams - Chip Ganassi Racing and Roush Fenway Racing - both have drivers vying for the coveted Cup Series championship. The show's expertly shot and edited race footage presents an adrenaline-fueled look at the high-stakes world of NASCAR, with camera angles that put viewers right in the middle of the action.
Throughout the series, viewers also get to know the drivers and their families up close. In addition to Martin Truex Jr., the show also features drivers Kyle Larson of Chip Ganassi Racing and Ricky Stenhouse Jr. of Roush Fenway Racing. We see Larson's rise to fame and his natural talent on the track, as well as the importance of his family in keeping him grounded. Stenhouse Jr. is shown as a passionate and humble driver who is very close with his family and understands the value of teamwork. We also get to know the crew chiefs and pit crews of each team, gaining insight into the crucial roles these often unsung heroes play in a team's success.
The show's cinematography is a standout, with beautiful aerial shots of the race tracks and sweeping landscapes of the United States. This, combined with the intense race footage and intimate behind-the-scenes moments, creates a compelling and visually stunning series. The show's use of music is also noteworthy, with tracks that heighten the drama and emotion of each moment.
Overall, Road to Raceday offers a captivating and in-depth look at the world of NASCAR. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a newcomer to the sport, the series is sure to draw you in with its compelling characters and thrilling race footage. The show's exploration of the human side of racing, from the grueling travel schedule to the sacrifices made by drivers and their families, makes it a must-watch for anyone interested in sports or compelling human stories.