The upcoming NASCAR weekend at Michigan International Speedway (MIS) August 10-12 features the world’s top racers – and many good amateur golfers.
Ricky Stenhouse, Jr. – driver for Michigan-based owner Jack Roush in the No. 17 Roush Fenway Racing Ford Fusion, with two Cup wins in 2017 – is a golf addict and shares some of his thoughts with us.
Q: How long has golf been in your life and how did you get started?
A: “I started hitting a golf ball when I was probably 3-4 years old when my dad would go golfing. I would use one club and just keep hitting until I got on the green.”
Q: Do you see any correlation between the sports of golf and racing?
A: “I do on some levels. With golf if you make a bad shot you need to clear your head forget about it and get ready for the next shot. It takes a lot of concentration to finish off a good round of golf. With racing, if you make mistakes resulting in a bad lap you have to make sure you refocus for the next lap. Our races are long, similar in time to golf, where that concentration comes into play.”
Q: Can you describe how popular golf is among the NASCAR community? We’ve heard there is a “NASCAR league” in Charlotte.
A: “Golf is big across our garage, lots of crew guys, PR people, drivers (and others) play, and yes we have a ‘Golf Guys Tour.’”
Q: Have you ever played the golf course inside Indianapolis Motor Speedway? What did you think of it?
A: “Yes. I loved playing at the Brickyard course. It’s a bonus being inside the race track. It is always in great shape, and I shot one of my best rounds there of 74.”
Q: What courses have you played in Michigan, which ones would you still love to try and what are your general impressions of Michigan golf?
A: “I haven’t played a ton of golf in Michigan, but there are so many courses up there that look really nice. We usually are tied up with appearances since it is Jack’s and Ford’s headquarters but I’m up for some suggestions (from anyone).”
Catch the Camping World Truck Series, August 11 and the NASCAR Cup Consumers Energy 400, August 12 at Michigan International Speedway.
More info: www.mispeedway.com
