"Is this really a 'sport'? Are these guys really athletes?" asked Gillian Zucker, VP of Administration at the Daytona International Speedway, recounting the question she has heard numerous times about NASCAR drivers. "The answer is yes!" she replied emphatically, "You have to be an athlete to race and to compete at the highest level." Given the fitness focus and support of International Speedway Corporation's past-president Bill France, Jr. and his daughter, Lisa Kennedy, ISC Executive VP, Zucker tapped the resources of the Daytona International Speedway and created a fitness center onsite at the track.

As ISC tracks like California and Las Vegas opened gyms for their racers, Daytona decided to continue the healthy trend and build an on-site fitness center as an amenity for the racers, crews and families. "Since Daytona is the 'World Center of Racing,' we wanted to be on the cutting edge," said Zucker.

Imagine being a professional racer, on the road at a different track each week, trying to keep up a fitness schedule. Finding a local gym, fighting traffic, then the crowds and fans, trying to fit a good workout into a 12-hour day that starts at the garage at 6:30 AM, is hardly motivating to an already time-challenged competitor. Daytona's answer to the problem was to turn some former track-side offices into a gym. Within site of pit row, racers can now take advantage of the professionally equipped and staffed Wellness Center, complete with strength and cardiovascular training equipment, free weights and massage and physical therapy services.

With GNC as the new sponsor of two of Daytona's 2002 national Busch Series races and sponsor of the #36 Dodge Intrepid, driven by Hank Parker, Jr., it seemed a natural to involve GNC, the Official Vitamin Store of NASCAR in the project. The GNC Wellness Center, named for the country's largest nationwide specialty vitamin, mineral, herbal supplement, sports nutrition and personal care product retailer, opened at the start of Speed Week at Daytona in February.

During the Rolex 24-Hour race where drivers compete continually at 1_ hour shifts, 25 drivers stopped in the facility for massage and stretching, reported Eric Mason, of Vital Motion Rehab and Wellness, training coordinator of the center. "Those guys get pretty whipped, and during the Daytona 500, a variety of drivers, their crews and family visited the center. They were so happy to have a place with high quality equipment, located onsite. It was quiet, with no crowds and they could keep an eye on the track while working out," he added.

Mason, a physical therapist who works with both Bill France, Jr. and his daughter, Lisa Kennedy, consulted on the equipment selection for the center. Gerva Sport, a new line of strength training equipment was chosen for its durable construction, service and adaptability for a variety of sizes of athletes. According to Sy Manula of National Commercial Fitness, the Ft. Lauderdale, Florida-based, exclusive distributor for the Spanish-manufactured line, the design of Gervasport machines enhances correct bio-mechanical movement, a plus for racers building strength for movement, not just for muscle. The company also offers custom colors and upholstery, so the Speedway opted for black and white cushions on the black and red machines, in keeping with the checkered flag and facility color schemes. Rubber-coated York bar bells, Fitness Bikes and Sports Art cardiovascular equipment were also selected to round-out the center's offerings. The massage room has already proven popular and there is also space for those working to rehabilitate injuries, using stability balls, medicine balls and rubber tubing.

"Racers experience tremendous G-force pressure," said Mason, "They have a lot of low back stress and pain, hip abductor and adductor and cervical spine issues. We work on postural stabilization, using multi-angle exercises and isometrics to develop dynamic and core stability," he added.

"I'm happy to be a part of the facility. The partnership with GNC is key. It's a good thing for the drivers, motorcycle racers, everyone who uses the track," Mason stated. He also reported that among the drivers who used the center during the Daytona 500 were winner Ward Burton, second place racer Elliot Sadler and contender Ward Burton.

Hank Parker, Jr. was also on the premises, doing his morning cardio workout and pumping some iron. "When I started racing, I was skinny! I was 6' tall and weighed 100 pounds," he laughed, "I had to start working out so I wouldn't get hurt!" Now Parker is part of David Hawk's pumped up racing crew and feels better than ever. "I figure if I can stay healthy and mentally alert, the better I'm going to perform in the last 10 laps!" And on the way to the Winner's Circle, with a little help from GNC.