NASCAR: How to combat the negative stereotypes

Sometimes I feel that NASCAR gets a bad rap when it’s discussed in a public setting. Here is how you can combat some of these negative statements.

As I sit and dread the fact the next Monster Energy NASCAR Cup Series race at Daytona is more than 10 weeks away, I figured it’s time to bring up something we NASCAR fans all go through on a fairly regular basis, which is the criticism of being a NASCAR fan.

I know I am not alone in this speaking of how I get odd looks when people find out I am a racing nut, and this information, more often than not, is followed by the same criticism each and every time.

There are three things I hear shortly after the word is out that I am a NASCAR fan, and I am sure you have heard them as well. For starters, I always hear “all they do is make left-hand turns” or “all they do is go around in circles.”

This comment is typically followed up with “only rednecks or poor people like NASCAR.” Lastly, the oldest comment in the book is that “NASCAR is not a sport” or that “the drivers are not athletes.” If you’re anything like me, when you hear these comments, you immediately feel like you’re in a corner and have to defend yourself.

These three statements are frequently used by non-NASCAR fans in almost any conversation about NASCAR. If you have ever found yourself having to defend the sport you love but just can’t find the words to say to combat these stereotypes, then this is the article for you.

Below, I present you with the best comebacks to the three most common statements non-NASCAR enthusiasts make about the sport.

Here’s what I have to say to these comments

“All they do is make left-hand turns” or “all they do is drive in circles”

As a NASCAR fan, you cannot escape a conversation with someone who knows nothing about the sport without these comments being brought up. It starts with the odd look and a repetitive “you’re a NASCAR fan?” Then the “all they do is turn left” comes blurting out of the person’s mouth.

More from NASCAR Cup Series

• NASCAR Cup Series: New team set to compete in 2024
• NASCAR: Surprising name continuously linked to new seat
• NASCAR driver at risk of missing the Daytona 500?
• NASCAR set for rare appearance last seen 13 years ago
• NASCAR team adds third car, names driver for 2024 Daytona 500

The best way that I have found to rebut this comment is pretty simple. I will simply ask what their favorite sport happens to be. From there, I will ask them a question about that sport that makes it sound dull and simple.

For example, if I am talking to a person who says basketball, I will ask “so in basketball, all they do is run up and down the court with a ball and try to put it in a round hole?” This often brings back “well, no, they have plays and there is way more skill involved”, to which I reply, “now don’t you think maybe there is more to NASCAR than just left-hand turns?” Crickets.

“Only rednecks or poor people like NASCAR”

Now don’t get me wrong, many race fans do enjoy their consumption of adult beverages on race weekends, but when did this become a “redneck” thing? Sure, when most people picture the typical NASCAR fan, they see someone who resembles the character from the Jeff Dunham comedies, Bubba J. Bubba J has a t-shirt that doesn’t quite fit so well and makes negative  references to NASCAR in some of Dunham’s skits.

The problem with this is pretty simple. Not all NASCAR fans fit this personality. I, for one, don’t even drink when I am at the track. My goal on race weekend is to take it all in. I try to see every area of the track and get an idea of where the best spots are to watch and see the best action.

Secondly, the amount of money in NASCAR is absurd. A Racing News article published in September of 2013 showed that Farmers Insurance paid Hendrick Motorsports $8 million for 12 races as a sponsor in 2017. The cost breakdown would have a sponsor paying $24 million for an entire season. So, when this one is tossed your way, bring up some of these figures to hush the naysayers.

“NASCAR is not a sport” or “the drivers aren’t athletes”

This is one of the most ignorant and obnoxious statements non-NASCAR fans make when the discussion occurs. The most commonly used phrase in these situations is “well, I drive my car to work in the morning, but that doesn’t make me an athlete.” This one really gets my blood pumping. First of all, Jimmie Johnson is a cyclist and bikes over 100 miles up a mountain in his spare time, but I digress.

There are a few ways to come back at this comment. First, ask them the question, “do you drive to work at 180 miles per hour in bumper to bumper traffic?” Let’s hope, for the safety of everyone, that the answer is no.

Next, urge this person to find a local go-cart track and drive the course for 20 to 30 minutes. I did this for my friend’s bachelor party in Montreal and couldn’t move my arms the next day.

Lastly, to drive the message home (no pun intended), point out the fact that drivers have to be precise on their line for hours at a time and one little mistake of being too late to brake while heading into a corner or being off by just inches could mean the difference between winning a race or being escorted to the infield care center in an ambulance. Just like in any other sport, one little mistake can cost a driver everything.

Wrap-up

At the end of the day, my message to those who make trashy statements about NASCAR is to go to a race. Spend the entire weekend at the track and when the weekend is over, then you can tell me how you feel about the sport.

I would be shocked if you still don’t like it. NASCAR has something for everyone, and that is one of the many reasons why I can’t get enough of it. So while you’re waiting for the Daytona 500 to get here and happen to get on the topic of NASCAR this holiday season, now you have ways to defend yourself for being a fan of one of the greatest sports on earth.

How often do you hear these comments when people find out you’re a NASCAR fan? What are some of the best ways you respond to these types of critical statements?