NASCAR: Five Misconceptions About Racing Amongst Non-Fans

NASCAR Drivers “Aren’t Athletes.”

This is one of the biggest pieces of shade that is thrown towards NASCAR and the idea of it truly boggles my mind.

Let’s just look a an actual race-day first and then we can go from there. During a race a driver is strapped into that stock car for 3-4 hours. Depending on the track the surface that they are racing on could easily be more than 100 degrees. If the surface they are racing on is more than 100 degrees it means that the temperature in the car is that high as well. Now let’s look at the fact that these drivers are covered in clothing from head to toe and the only opening they truly have is for their eyes.

A normal person might struggle with these under ordinary circumstances. Now, throw into the mix that they are going more than 165 MPH (nearly 200 MPH at some tracks) and competing with 42 other drivers out there. The physical and mental conditioning required to be at the top of the world in NASCAR is extensive.

There are always exceptions to the rule (Tony Stewart) but the same can be said in every sport. Remember, it wasn’t that long ago that Jimmie Johnson was named Male Athlete Of The Year. Additionally, Johnson is one of several NASCAR drivers that run marathons and triathlons in their free time away from the track.

Oh and in all fairness, Stewart is still a pretty good athlete even if he doesn’t look it.