Blaney, Stenhouse, Kennedy eye ‘Ninja’ course – Nascar

We knew they were athletes. Now we know they are ninjas, as well.

Three NASCAR drivers will take part in NBC’s wild and wildly popular obstacle course show “American Ninja Warrior” as part of Season 9, and one — Richard Childress Racing driver and Daytona Beach, Florida, native Ben Kennedy — will hit the course at the biggest stage in NASCAR, Daytona International Speedway.

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Ricky Stenhouse Jr., who ran the course in Indianapolis last year, returns to tackle the obstacles once more. He’ll be joined by fellow Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series driver Ryan Blaney, in addition to Kennedy.

Kennedy’s go will come this weekend in Daytona, although it will be shown on TV later this summer. Blaney and Stenhouse Jr. will appear at the show’s Cleveland taping on May 8 and May 9.

Kennedy’s episode airs on June 26. Blaney and Stenhouse will be on the July 3 episode.

Daytona is a true modern motorsports stadium and now will serve as a proving ground not only for race car drivers but also for athletes in city qualifying and city finals rounds for the show. Competitors who make it out of the finals course will move on to the national finals rounds in Las Vegas with a chance at a $1 million prize.

“We’re excited to serve as a host location for the filming of ‘American Ninja Warrior’ and add another new event to an already busy schedule,” Daytona International Speedway President Chip Wile said. “We’re thrilled to welcome the competitors to the world’s only motorsports stadium and provide an electric atmosphere as individuals attempt to navigate these challenging obstacles. To succeed, they are going to need strength, speed and perseverance, very similar to what we see on the high banks of the Speedway.”

To sign up for free tickets to attend the Daytona event, click here.