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mapachito13 -> RE: NASCAR 2008 (5/17/2008 3:34:16 PM)
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quote:
ORIGINAL: Go24
That doesn't rub me the wrong way. It's been asked many times by people that don't know anything about it (and there's nothing wrong with that). NASCAR is a motorsport ... and and it's very much like any other "sport".
There's competition, strategy, athleticism, winning and losing,
There are governing bodies that establish and monitor the rules, officials that call the event.
There's a "season" that ends with playoffs and crowning a champion. There's the "off-season" & "pre-season".
There's an All-Star event that's just for fun, glory and doesn't officially count.
There are fantasy pools & Vegas odds.
There are heroes, villains & rivalries. Sometimes there are fights in the heat of the battle, followed by penalties -- fines or maybe suspensions.
There are teams & coaches, uniforms, & team logos & colors.
Players get cut/released for "lack of performance" by team owners & upper management "brass". There are contracts & contract extensions, and feuds between management & athlete. There are developmental programs, scouts, corporate sponsorship, marketing & branding.
There's a massive television contract.
There are massive, billion dollar venues to hold events at.
There's a massive, loyal, vocal fan-base. They'll spend a ton of money on tickets, travel, food & merchandise when attending an event. They tailgate like no one's business. They can spend good amounts of time during the event standing, cheering, booing & holding their breath due to the action in front of them. They consume hot dogs, burgers, soda, beer, popcorn, nachos, ice cream during the event. It's a highlight event for a fan to take their child to their first event, and to see their young eyes light up in amazement at everything they're seeing.
What else do you need to determines whether or not it's a "sport"? Yeah ... there's no BALL. Can we make peace with that? *L*
quote:
ORIGINAL: mapachito13
Also, would you consider a driver an "athlete"? If so, why?
Absolutely. The sheer amount of endurance needed to survive (and not lose one ounce of concentration or stamina) for 4 hours with the heat and G-forces they encounter requires athletic conditioning. Sure, some are more "in shape" than others, just like in any other sport, but drivers go through the same sort of training regimen that any other athlete does -- maybe different than that of a football player, swimmer, runner, etc. ... but they don't just sit around on the couch drinking Budweisers all week long, then get up and strap into a stock car.
Seriously, I got to drive a stock car around Pocono Raceway a few years back, and before driving myself, I did a "ride along" with an instructor. Right after taking off from pit road and going into turn 1 (not even at full speed), the G-forces felt like they were throwing me out the window. I couldn't imagine doing that for 3/4 turns a lap for 4 hours straight ... and, oh yeah, maneuvering the car and trying to win at the same time! I'm no professional athlete but played community, high school & college sports ... and that was downright tough.
I agree with the descriptions you put forth in 99% of your post but athleticism? I don't see that. If sweating behind the wheel of a car for a few hours is an athlete, then millions of drivers on LA freeways during the summer are athletes. But irregarless of my personal feelings toward it you put forth the best case I ever heard (read) and I thank you for it.
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