The Toyota Tundras of Kyle Busch Motorsports (KBM) aren’t the only things which need fuel throughout a race weekend. The hard-working crew members need plenty of fuel as well to perform at the highest level and stay competitive. That is where the KBM hauler drivers also double as chefs.
The hauler drivers have to be pretty creative to cook meals for teams of 15-20 hungry guys without the conveniences of a full kitchen. Each hauler is equipped with a small refrigerator/freezer and a microwave. They also transport a grill and have a large crock pot or roasting pan.
Depending on the day’s track schedule, the hauler drivers may have to cook three full meals. When the Camping World Truck Series has practice, qualifying and the race all in one day that means the team will eat breakfast, lunch and dinner at the track. Here’s where the creativity comes into play.
For breakfast a couple of team favorites are breakfast sandwiches with biscuits, eggs, cheese and bacon, or breakfast burritos with eggs, cheese and various veggies. All are cooked on the grill with skillets and/or cookie sheets.
Since it was chilly in Atlanta, all the truck drivers prepared some hot, hearty food for their teams. Bubba Carr made his famous chili in the roasting pan for the No. 4 team, Woody Loveland cooked some frozen lasagna on the grill with garlic knots and salad for the No. 9, while Dan Ryan made the No. 51 meatball subs with hot meatballs and sauce in the crock pot.
Dinner before a night race usually consists of grilled meat for protein (chicken, pork or occasionally steak), potatoes for some carbohydrate energy (roasted or mashed) and of course veggies on the grill so we don’t get in trouble with our mothers!
Of course some of our horsepower comes from snacks throughout the day. There is always some candy to be found (we have to support our boss’ sponsor Mars!), ice cream bars in the freezer or some cookies on the counter. There are healthy snacks as well like fruit, cheese sticks and yogurt for those who want to still fit in their firesuits!
Meals on the KBM haulers are usually rushed since we never have much time at the track, but the hauler drivers help make sure our tanks are never empty.
