2-25-2008 - Feeling the burn in Phoenix

CONCORD, N.C. -- While some drivers might take a vacation, or spend time at home when they have a weekend off, Colin Braun will spend the week training with some of the top athletes in the country. The Roush Fenway Racing rookie is spending the week at Athletes’ Performance in Tempe, Az., training, as well as learning about nutrition and performance.

Athletes' Performance applies a multi-faceted methodology to improve performance, decrease injury potential and motive through education. With four locations across the country, Athletes’ Performance has trained players from the NFL, NBA, MLB and Olympic athletes. Colin’s Roush Fenway teammate David Ragan also spent time at the facility in January.

“This is an amazing opportunity for me to spend a week at a facility that has trained world-class athletes,” Colin said. “For years people have argued about whether race car drivers are really athletes, and I can assure you that being in good physical condition and eating right makes a ton of difference during long, hot races.

“My racing career so far has been road racing, so the transition to ovals is something new for me. Obviously my goal is to move up to Sprint Cup racing someday, and those are some long races. The more I know about how to prepare for that, the better off I will be.

“I’m not looking to bulk-up like a linebacker by any means, but I do want to gain an advantage over my competitors before the race even starts.”

Colin will return to driving his No. 6 Con-way Freight Ford F-150 on Friday, March 7 at Atlanta Motor Speedway.