Thursday, February 22, 2007
NASCAR is not a sport. Period. I said it and there is nothing that can change my mind. I’m sorry but if I can do it then it cannot be a sport. The dictionary even defines a sport as something that requires physical activity. I do not consider moving a wheel back and forth. There is a requirement for how much physical activity is required and this game/hobby/event doesn’t fit this. Also, let’s face it, the only reason it has any fans whatsoever is because of the spectacular crashes that happen during the race. How entertaining can it possibly be to watch people driving? I can see that every day by going in front of the dorm and sitting by Sheridan, and I wouldn’t have to pay money to do it. Crashes are the only thing that draws people; not the so called “athletic ability” of the drivers. NASCAR is not a sport, never has been, and never will be.
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3 comments:
NASCAR is much more than a bunch of hicks driving around a circle "turning a wheel." They are immersed in an environment where the temperature is over 100 degrees and there are ridiculous g-forces crunching them against their seats. So saying that "If I could do it, its not a sport." doesn't really apply here. And its not exactly like watching cars go up and down Sheridan either; both the focus and incredible reflexes that the drivers display are unparalleled in everyday life. A lapse for even a split-second could be the risk between life and death. Sure, you can say that about regular driving too but its a much tougher task when you are rounding turns at those ridiculous speeds. NASCAR involves both competition and athleticism (reflexes and coordination), and should be considered a sport just like golf or baseball.
With all that said I still think watching NASCAR is torture
NASCAR might not be that exciting to watch when all a spectator sees are cars going around an oval track for 300 some odd laps. But for the actual driver, a race is a battle of endurance and survival that requires hours of preparation and practice. Drivers have to continuously battle temperatures over 100°F while on the track. CNN has a report posted online about the physical fitness of NASCAR drivers. I, myself, was surprised to find drivers have heart rates and breathing patterns similar to marathon runners. In addition to running 20-25 miles a week, drivers lift weights and build body strength in order to handle the Gs they put their bodies through during a race.
I’m sorry Gordo, but realistically you can’t just go out there and do what NASCAR drivers do. Sure you can train and become physically fit and attempt to make it but you can do that with just about any sport.
http://www.cnn.com/2005/HEALTH/10/03/NASCAR/index.html
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