Do you like NASCAR? If so, what do you enjoy about it? When did you start liking it, and what got you interested in it?

**Jenna** · 02-19-08, 05:56 AM

Do you like watching NASCAR? If so, what do you enjoy about it? When did you start liking it, and what got you interested in it?

I became curious about this after reading the boogity boogity boogity thread here: http://www.officerresource.com/forum...ad.php?t=25539

I actually had almost no idea what NASCAR was prior to reading this thread. So what do NASCAR fans find fascinating about people driving cars really fast in circles?

**kjlaw** · 02-19-08, 06:45 AM

I have loved NASCAR for a long time and there is so much more than just cars driving in circles for five hours. The is alot of stradegy involved with the setup of the cars and how the team will work during the race.

**jmur5074** · 02-19-08, 07:12 AM

When you watch an NFL or NHL or MLB game, it's one team versus one team.

In a Nascar race, it's 1 team against the other 42 drivers on the track. The competition is tremendous.

In addition to that, the technology that goes into it is huge. Millions of dollars are spent to shave off a half a second off of lap times.

Also, as already stated, there is a HUGE amount of strategy involved. Everything from changing a 1/4 lb of tire pressure (to get an extra 1/4 second shaved off that lap time), to adjusting the spoiler for rear downforce, taping the front of the car up for downforce in the front, to a hundred other things you can do to the car to make it go just a hair faster than the competition...which as I already said is FORTY TWO other drivers.

When I mention the 43 drivers on the track, it's good to point out that they aren't the only ones winning the races. The crew chief making decisions on when to pit, what to do during the pit, etc are important for winning races. The drivers spotter sits up on top of the grandstands letting the driver know everything that's going on aruond him (no mirrors), his laps times, and the lap times of the cars around him, what lines on the track are fastest, etc. The pit crew themself make or break races. Changing 4 tires and putting in 22 gallons of fuel in 13.5 seconds may mean winning the race over the guy that did the same thing in 13.7 seconds.

And most importantly, Nascar racing is all about the fans. Every nascar driver refrences their sponsors in an interview because the sponsors are paying millions to have their logo plastered on their hood. But the drivers also ALWAYS mention the importance of their fans, cheering in the stands, buying merchandise, writing letters, etc. The fans are Nascar, and Nascar recognizes it. Nascar takes care of their fans. What other sporting event can you walk up and down the sidelines while the game is going on?? You can do that at a Nascar race if you get a Pit Pass. My dad went to Daytona this year and stood on Pit Road during the race, just a few feet from tracks, drivers, cars, and crews. What other sport gives the fans that opportunity?

**Shoestring** · 02-19-08, 07:33 AM

Gosh darn its dat time of season, I better git ma wife beater back out.... dont think I git dem dar stains out frm last ear

J/K, Nascar is interesting because of strategy, plus you tell me if you can drive 200 mph and act like its nothing (even if you are going in a left circle) Plus there is so much more about a nascar car thats going on that you have to know how to handle all aspects.

I really dont have a favorite driver, I mainly like the crashes

**baumshoe** · 02-19-08, 10:17 AM

+1000000000

Originally Posted by jmur5074

When you watch an NFL or NHL or MLB game, it's one team versus one team.

In a Nascar race, it's 1 team against the other 42 drivers on the track. The competition is tremendous.

In addition to that, the technology that goes into it is huge. Millions of dollars are spent to shave off a half a second off of lap times.

Also, as already stated, there is a HUGE amount of strategy involved. Everything from changing a 1/4 lb of tire pressure (to get an extra 1/4 second shaved off that lap time), to adjusting the spoiler for rear downforce, taping the front of the car up for downforce in the front, to a hundred other things you can do to the car to make it go just a hair faster than the competition...which as I already said is FORTY TWO other drivers.

When I mention the 43 drivers on the track, it's good to point out that they aren't the only ones winning the races. The crew chief making decisions on when to pit, what to do during the pit, etc are important for winning races. The drivers spotter sits up on top of the grandstands letting the driver know everything that's going on aruond him (no mirrors), his laps times, and the lap times of the cars around him, what lines on the track are fastest, etc. The pit crew themself make or break races. Changing 4 tires and putting in 22 gallons of fuel in 13.5 seconds may mean winning the race over the guy that did the same thing in 13.7 seconds.

And most importantly, Nascar racing is all about the fans. Every nascar driver refrences their sponsors in an interview because the sponsors are paying millions to have their logo plastered on their hood. But the drivers also ALWAYS mention the importance of their fans, cheering in the stands, buying merchandise, writing letters, etc. The fans are Nascar, and Nascar recognizes it. Nascar takes care of their fans. What other sporting event can you walk up and down the sidelines while the game is going on?? You can do that at a Nascar race if you get a Pit Pass. My dad went to Daytona this year and stood on Pit Road during the race, just a few feet from tracks, drivers, cars, and crews. What other sport gives the fans that opportunity?

**Deputy Joe** · 02-19-08, 10:44 AM

The last time I watched a race was about 5 years ago. I turned on the Daytona 500 and watched the end of the race. I thought, "this is their big race, I should watch." Earnhardt hit the wall and died.

The next year I watched the Preakness Stakes. I tought, "this is their big race, I should watch." Barbaro ended up blowing a hoof and eventually died.

I must refrain from watching any sort of race.

**Beans** · 02-19-08, 11:07 AM

I don't get NASCAR, most boring thing I have ever seen.

**lewisipso** · 02-19-08, 11:19 AM

I don't watch much of any sports but I have caught the occassional NASCAR race. I think driving that fast and having to control the car would be an incredible experience to say the least. If you watch the in car cameras the roadway seems to be quite the challenge. Not the smooth pavement you would think it is.

**Buttercup** · 02-19-08, 11:27 AM

I can take it or leave it. I wouldn't mind watching it with someone who really enjoyed it, but I would never choose to watch it on my own.

**Hannah87** · 02-19-08, 11:47 AM

I like Nascar but I don't watch it a lot, mainly cause I can't sit that long watching them do the same thing over and over. I agree that a lot of strategy is involved, etc. Plus, the drivers aren't that bad looking....................... ......

**Resident Smart Ass** · 02-19-08, 12:22 PM

Originally Posted by Beans

I don't get NASCAR, most boring thing I have ever seen.

I think badminton is more exciting than car racing

**snuffy2202** · 02-19-08, 12:51 PM

I don't like NASCAR. A lot of my friends love NASCAR. To each his own, I guess.

**Terminator** · 02-19-08, 12:57 PM

**jdb91** · 02-19-08, 01:05 PM

I'd rather watch anything other than NASCAR.

**k-9max** · 02-19-08, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by Resident Smart Ass

I think---> 2 girls 1 cup <--- ,is more exciting than car racing

You need help!!!!!LMAO

**Jenna** · 02-20-08, 05:56 AM

Originally Posted by jdb91

I'd rather watch anything other than NASCAR.

Anything?

**CTR man** · 02-20-08, 05:19 PM

I think this about sums it up. Hard to believe that someone else hasn't posted this youtube clip yet.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dcx1RHmexDM

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7OtcrnXuVyU

I posted both just in case one doesn't work. Same video clip from different users. Cletus Judd does a great job with parodies.

**Five-0** · 02-20-08, 06:56 PM

Nascar is like hockey to me. On TV it just isn't that great. In person it is really cool. I have never been able to watch a nascar race from start to finish on TV. I always wait till the end. I have been to one nascar race. My parents and I had pit passes to the Talladega 500. We got to watch the practices, the tuning before the race, and all the other prep. I have pictures of the inside of Dale Sr.'s car. When the race started it shook from the ground to your insides. I watched most of the race leaning on Dale Sr's tire stacks. Yes, you have to dodge lug nuts flying. I watched all the pits from about 10 yards from the cars. I was there all day and it seemed like it passed by in about an hour. I must admit I like the road races on the nascar circuit better. I believe that road racing is much more entertaining. Specifically the GT Cup racing using modded street cars. This is the track about 30 minutes away from my house http://www.barbermotorsports.com/

**10-42Adam** · 02-20-08, 09:17 PM

I'm somewhat interested in Nascar being a car guy. However, it's not exactly on the top of my list of my favorite motor sports. I totally respect it, but I prefer road courses over mainly oval tracks. I really like the American Le Mans Series races and F1. Now that's real racing!

**Steve in PA** · 02-22-08, 12:41 AM

I like NASCAR. I'm not a fanatic about it, but I enjoy it. I started watching it way back when........King Richard was the king and still racing.

Didn't have a favorite driver for a long time, but then started really liking Ernie Irvan. Too bad a wreck ruined his career.

My favorite driver is Jeff Gordon, even though lots of people don't like him. I liked him long before everyone else jumped on the band wagon.

I also pull for Jimmy Johnson. I took a liking to Dale Jr last year, so with him coming over to Hendrick, only good things can happen.

Hate Stewart and Kurt Bush. Kyle Bush wrecked more people than anyone in NASCAR history I think.