NASCAR - true sport in every way

by Brant Thurmond, staff writer

Many people believe that NASCAR is not a true sport.

Why wouldn’t it be one? If poker is considered a sport and gets national attention on ESPN, then why can’t NASCAR be a sport?

I personally believe NASCAR is a sport. NASCAR has been around since the early 1900’s. Famous drivers such as Richard Petty and the late Dale Earnhardt made NASCAR what it is.

During the past 10 years, NASCAR has become a very big tradition in most states. The Nextel Cup Series has become a big deal. In 2005, NASCAR came up with a 10-race shoot out. This shoot out includes the top 10 racers that are in the top ten in point standings after 26 races. The other drivers still get to compete but do not receive a shot at the NEXTEL CUP.

Many people think that all NASCAR is is a bunch of guys driving around in circles. This is true. They are just driving around in circles, but they are driving around at more than 200 miles per hour. Most athletes don’t ever get a chance to drive a stock car. However, when they do, they understand then why NASCAR is a sport.

But it is more than the excitement of going 200 miles per hour. It is all about the love for the sport and its history.

NASCAR isn’t a big team sport. Yeah, they have a pit crew and mechanics, but the whole team is not on the track during the whole race. The pit crews do their business during the race in 13 seconds or less. What other sport is considered a sport but only has one person doing the main work?

Also, during a race, there is not a half time for the crew and driver to get together and talk strategy. They do all their talking while the driver is still out on the track.

People think NASCAR is just a big hillbilly reunion. It’s much more than a bunch of rednecks getting together to watch cars go around in circles. It’s a tradition that has been around for more than 50 years.