NHRA Drivers Hit The Gym With Tito Ortiz

I’ve said that drag racing, and motorsports as a whole has a universal appeal that pulls in fans from all walks of life, including those who participate in other sports. Former NBA forward Larry Nance, Sr. was an avid drag racer, and current NFL defensive end Fletcher Cox owns a highly successful small tire team, while former NFL cornerback Troy Vincent helped launch three-time Top Fuel world champion Antron Brown’s pro driving career.

There’s another professional athlete making his (very imposing) presence felt this week as the NHRA tour returns to Pomona to wrap up the 2018 season. Multi-time Ultimate Fighting Championship world heavyweight champion Tito Ortiz hosted several pro drivers at his nearby training facility, where he is also training for a huge upcoming bout with longtime MMA rival Chuck Liddell.

Pro Stock Motorcycle riders Matt and Angie Smith joined the lovely Amanda Busick to discuss Matt’s run at the 2018 PSM championship and how they can use this training session to help him on the track this weekend. Funny Car driver Jim Campbell showed off an impressive bruise on his foot courtesy of the heavy bags in the gym and discussed his longtime regimen of training in a boxing gym to stay in shape.

Our very own Alex Laughlin, who is an active CrossFit athlete and admitted goofball, had a hard time trying to make contact with one of the training aids, a small double-ended striking bag that proved harder than expected for Alex to hit. Laughlin is right at home laughing at himself, though and owned his frustration at trying to conquer the striking bag.

Be sure to tune in to Fox Sports 1 this weekend to catch the final race of the 2018 NHRA season, or tune in all weekend long live on the NHRA’s All Access live feed, accessible through the association’s website. We wish all these racers the best of luck in Pomona, as well as Ortiz for his upcoming battle with Liddell.