With no track activity, NASCAR Cup drivers had a free day on Friday and some were able to get out and about.
Jimmie Johnson helped organize a 69-mile bike ride Friday morning for 2006 MotoGP world champion Nicky Hayden, who died May 22 at age 35 from injures suffered when he was hit by a car while cycling in Italy. The 69 miles ridden were for the number Hayden raced with in his career. Among drivers who joined him were Kasey Kahne, Matt Kenseth, Jamie McMurray, Chase Elliott and Daniel Suarez.
.@JimmieJohnson is kicking off his Friday morning with a 69-mile bike ride in memory of @NickyHayden. pic.twitter.com/qlLOJbXHIr
— Hendrick Motorsports (@TeamHendrick) May 26, 2017
It's amazing to see how many people Nicky Hayden touched. 69 miles in his memory today. A few people showed up. #NH69 #kentuckykid pic.twitter.com/UVyQhwBeeF
— Josh Wise (@Josh_Wise) May 26, 2017
Really cool how many people showed up this morning and rode 69 miles to honor @NickyHayden 69 🇺🇸#RIPKentuckyKid
— Kasey Kahne (@kaseykahne) May 26, 2017
Others did other activities on their day off.
Ryan Blaney went to Carowinds amusement park just south of Charlotte, North Carolina, and took to periscope as he rode in the front row on the Fury 325 roller coaster, which reaches a peak height of 325 feet and then goes into an 81-degree drop.
The ride reaches speeds up to 95 mph. The coaster is North America’s longest steel coaster at 1.25 miles. The average ride time is 3 minutes, 25 seconds, and the ride crosses both the North Carolina and South Carolina border.
Carowinds day https://t.co/rq6zwfsKru
— Ryan Blaney (@Blaney) May 26, 2017
Brad Keselowski spent part of his team playing in the Team Penske softball game and provided proof of his hitting ability.
Went 3-5 at the @Team_Penske softball game today. What a Beautiful/fun day! pic.twitter.com/yLFbu0uF49
— Brad Keselowski (@keselowski) May 26, 2017