A popular product in the health and beauty industry is quietly beginning to penetrate the NASCAR Xfinity Series, as well as the sport itself. Youtheory, manufactured by Nutrawise, is a product that has been around for quite some time, but may only be known to those that frequent health stores, Amazon, Costco or certain retailers. That’s about to change.
With a well-established off road racing background, Darren Rude, CEO of Youtheory, made the decision to bring the product to NASCAR. “We had just developed our men’s collagen line, and with our background in off-road racing, decided to expand that presence into NASCAR,” says Rude of their decision to bring their product into the sport.
This has been done in several ways, possibly the most notable result being the sponsorship of JGL Racing’s 24 car in the NASCAR Xfinity Series driven by Corey Lajoie. However, this hasn’t been their lone link to NASCAR, and while they continue to expand their presence, Rude says he has even bigger plans in the future.
Last month, they were the official nutritional supplement for the Auto Club Speedway weekend in Fontana, CA. The introduction to the sport went so well, with the youtheory car, hospitality event that introduced fans to the product, provided smoothies, and information on the health benefits of collagen, that they are planning a total of 8 events this season. “It’s actually been more than we ever thought it would be,” continued Rude.
“ We started off distributing samples in the garage, figuring that it would end up in the hands of fans. However, we started getting calls from crew members, requesting more samples.” In fact, it wasn’t ending up in the hands of fans, the crews and even some drivers had begun using the samples, and according to Rude, were impressed with the results and many even asked for more.
Given the physical demands experienced by drivers and crews that compete at this level, it is no surprise that nutritional supplements could possibly be of interest in maintaining the physical demands that go along with the job. In glancing at the product line, I noticed a recurrent theme, collagen.
Medicalnewstoday.com reports that collagen is, “the most abundant protein found in the human body and is the substance that holds the whole body together. It is found in the bones, muscles, skin, and tendons where it forms a scaffold to provide strength and structure.”
As we age, the amount of collagen produced begins to decline. The largest decline takes place after age 40, with an even larger increase in females post menopause. This can also be true of certain health conditions, as well as environmental factors like ultraviolet light exposure, smoking, and a diet that is high in sugar. There are at least 16 types of collagen that are known, however 80-90% of the collagen found in the human body is either type 1, 2, or 3. Additionally, collagen can be delivered to the system in a multitude of ways, designed to address a specific problem. This can be as a supplement, a type of wound dressing or certain forms of laser therapy designed to increase production. However, as stated by medicalnewstoday.com, generally speaking, lotions and topical applications are generally not a reliable method of increasing collagen as its molecules are generally too large to be penetrated through the skin.
Type 1 and type 3 collagen typically provides benefits related to soft tissue such as ligaments and tendons. It can also provide firmness to skin and are found in strong hair and nails.Type 2 collagen generally provides support to the joints of the body. These joints are shock absorbers designed to prevent connecting bones from making contact with one another. Cartilage, the tissue responsible for separating these bones consists of collagen type 2.
With a better understanding of what collagen is, it becomes clear that those that may be deficient in collagen production could certainly benefit from a supplement, if determined to be agreeable by a physician. Additionally, it also makes it clear why such a vast base of people may find collagen and collagen products desirable based upon the benefits or results they seek. Athletes may find that Collagen can improve soft tissue, as well as their joints which may allow for sustained optimal performance over time, or could possibly aid in healing post injury. Those seeking the beauty benefits of collagen may find that strong skin, hair and nails are benefits that could help slow the signs of aging.
Naturally, my intrigue led me to search the products online and, with the understanding that each person should see their physician before beginning a supplement, I wondered how those that may have already tried the supplement felt that it worked for them. In searching several platforms, I noticed a uniquely resounding result, most customers rated the product rather high in satisfaction. My next thought was that given that it has qualities that would promote healthier skin, nails and hair, that like other beauty products, it may be a relatively expensive product for purchase. Again, I was pleasantly surprised at just how affordable the product was. It is certainly budget friendly, not only to begin but maintain its use if the desired results are achieved.
Finally, given that this product is new to a sport we all hold dear, most of us realize the value of product loyalty. This, in and of itself, is what brings many, many sponsors to our sport. I will reveal that I have begun taking the youtheory supplements myself, and thus far have been pleased with the results. For those of you that may be interested in learning more about collagen and its potential health benefits, you may visit youtheory.com. Additionally, the youtheory car along with its driver Corey Lajoie will be in 10 events on the NASCAR Xfinity Series, as well as hospitality events will be at several tracks this year where not only can you sample the youtheory products yourself, but find valuable information on youtheory and its product line. As mentioned, California Speedway hosted the first event in March, and the following schedule is slated for later this year:
2. Fri, Jul. 1, 2016 (Daytona International Speedway)
3. Sat, Jul. 16, 2016 (New Hampshire Motor Speedway)
4. Fri, Aug 19, 2016 (Bristol Motor Speedway)
5. Sat, Oct. 1, 2016 (Dover International Speedway)
6. Sat, Nov. 5, 2016 (Texas Motor Speedway)
7. Sat, Nov. 12, 2016 (Phoenix International Raceway)
8. Sat, Nov. 19, 2016 (Homestead-Miami Speedway)
I am quite sure they would love to see you there!
