Push-ups, a daily walk, and more push-ups.
That has been the life these past two weeks for young Billy Frazer, who has returned to New Zealand for the USF2000 mid-season break.
Frazer left for America in March to link up with the Exclusive Autosport team for his rookie campaign.
After 13 races, Frazer is 12th in the championship with a best result of fourth.
After his latest race at Mid-Ohio, Frazer headed to the airport to fly home for a six-week break.
Six weeks would be reduced to four after spending his mandatory 14 days in managed isolation.
However, the 18-year-old was hit with a hurdle when he landed home and was told he would be flying down to Christchurch for the fortnight.
“We landed in Auckland and then were told that we would be heading to Christchurch,” Frazer told Velocity News.
“All my contacts I had organised to bring me stuff were up in Auckland.”
While in America, Frazer had been regularly fine-tuning his physical fitness to improve his race performance.
Locked up in a hotel room for two weeks meant Frazer no longer had access to gyms and running trails.
It made for a testing time for Frazer to maintain his fitness. Still, a bit of ingenuity ensured he maximised the limited resources available to him.
“[It is] difficult, I’d say.
“We had just finished up at Mid-Ohio, and I planned to smash out these six weeks.
“But these two weeks have put that on pause.
“So, plenty of push-ups.
“I’ve even moved my bed in the room to give me more room to do my push-ups.
“YouTube has been great to get some ideas. The hotel I am at does have a gym, and I asked if I could get some gym equipment removed for my room. But that was denied.
“So, I have done a lot of bodyweight stuff.
“They are also quite strict about running. So, I could only do walking with the bit of time I had outside.
“I’ve also stayed in contact with my team over in America during the time.”
Frazer was even offered a simulator for his time in managed isolation, which MIQ (managed isolation and quarantine) officials blocked.
“A massive thanks to Paul from Racing Sims NZ, who organised to get a simulator into the hotel for me.
“Unfortunately, MIQ wouldn’t allow it. But it was awesome for them to help me out like that.”
Frazer gets out of isolation tomorrow. He will then fly back to Auckland.
He intends to spend the next month catching up with friends and family before the final two rounds of the season in America.
The break has also given Frazer time to reflect on his goals for the rest of the season.
“I want to hit the ground running when I get back from home,” he said.
“These few weeks will be a great opportunity to reset in terms of the championship.
“I have been looking back over our goals from the start of the season, and when I get back it will be time to try again to make them happen.”
