5. NASCAR
553 up, 335 downlove ithate it

The sorriest excuse for a sport ever invented. An excuse for stupid white rednecks to come together and watch other stupid white rednecks turn left in a car for 3 to 4 hours. It also doubles as a 3 to 4 hour commercial in which you here and see more advertisement than actual talent. And I do not care what all of you NASCAR fans say, everyone who associates themselves with it is a redneck, regardless of where the driver or the race is. I'm sorry, but I would rather watch competetive elephant ejaculation than a NASCAR race
Stupid White Redneck 1: Hey there bud, lets go sit on our asses and smoke cigarettes and drink shitty lite beer in our wifebeaters at the NASCAR race today. Then we can go home and abuse our families in a fit of drunken rage.
Stupid White Redneck 2: Yup, sounds fun.



7. nascar
228 up, 92 downlove ithate it

An event in which big car-shaped billboards, bearing the names of hundreds of corporations, are somehow driven around a track at very high speeds by smaller, human-shaped billboards
I don't understand how NASCAR does it. How do they get those billboards to go around the track so fast?


14. nascar
116 up, 88 downlove ithate it

National Stock Car Association... or something like that. Founded on the East coast of the US in 1947 by Bill France. Featured great drivers like Junior Johnson and Lee Petty in the '50s. Car's were almost completely (85-90%) stock, which in a bad thing when it comes to safety. Most tracks were very twisty, and on unpaved roads. Most early NASCAR stockers topped-out at around 110mph, give or take a few. Of course, 4-wheel drum brakes were standard fare, and they hadn't even though of roll bars or window netting until the early '60s. In a accident, drivers could be killed easily. Since cars back then were very primitive, driver's had to work alot harder and drive alot better than they do today, with the safety and the aerodynamics and the super hi-tech V8's. Chrylser and Oldsmobile were very involved with NASCAR in throughout the '50s. By the latter-half of the '60s, Ford/Mercury and Dodge/Plymouth were the only teams really involved with racing. Engineers had essentially just discovered aerodynamics, and cars such as the Ford Torino Talladega and Dodge Daytona incorporated the latest in hi-tech aerodynamic aids. Suspensions and drivetrains had also gotten considerably better, but not to the point were it took the 'fun" out of driving. Safety had improved vastly, too, in part because of a crash in which Richard Petty ended up with hundred of shards of glass in his eyes. Materials were made better and stronger, and multi-point roll-barrs were used. Materials were also made out off more-modern weight-saving meterials, in an effort to make the cars that much faster. Hemi cylinder heads were used on Ford and Mopar engines by around '64. Converting a normal wedge-headed engine to a hemi one added about 85hp. By the '70s, it became more of a business thing than really racing, with more and more money involved and cars getting less and less 'stock."
'60s Nascar stock cars
Mopar Charger 500/Daytona, Road Runner Superbird
Ford Torino Talladega, Mercury Cyclone Spoiler

So what is the cultural phenomenon known as NASCAR? Who are the people who make this sport the most popular spectator sport in America and what happens at NASCAR events?


Firstly there is the NASCAR track an oval. And then there are the vehicles, hot rodded stock cars going back to the glory days of bootlegging.

But what is the allure, the draw for these events?

So what is the cultural phenomenon known as NASCAR? Who are the people who make this sport the most popular spectator sport in America and what happens at NASCAR events?


Firstly there is the NASCAR track an oval. And then there are the vehicles, hot rodded stock cars going back to the glory days of bootlegging.

But what is the allure, the draw for these events?

It's a 200 MPH soap opera.

But what is the allure, the draw for these events?

I've noticed that about pro sports generally and I can see how it applies to NASCAR. The sports pages often read like Soap Opera Digest. One thinks of the operatic tragedy and courage of the Dale Ernhardt saga. What was Dale Sr. , the Intimidator? And today his son honors the Dale Ernhardt legend and legacy by carrying on in his father's place.

But why does it seem to have such a distinctive socio-political identity?

Tell you what, let's see if we can get access to MIS some weekend and see how well YOU drive that oval at 200 mph with 30 other cars trying to pass you. I get hives just driving a straight line on the interstate with 4-5 cars hanging around me. There is a lot of talent in being able to do that and not take out the wall or another car.

And it does take talent. Not everyone can do it.

Hell, lets face it, the majority of us can't drive well on city streets at 20 mph!

I like motorsports, forumula I and motorcycle racing particularly, but in these races there is the occaisional right turn to enliven things, challenging the drivers and riders and providing, IMV a much more exciting visual spectacle.

And as I said, let's see if we can get access to MIS some weekend and see how well you maintain control of your car while driving in that oval at 200 mph with 30 other cars trying to pass you.

This is a sport just like running the 110, 220, 440, cross country or short distance, it takes a certain ability to hold back, shoot forward and know what is called for when.

You assume because its not "exciting" to you that it doesn't require talent to do. That's only because these professionals that you look down your nose to make it look easy. There is nothing easy to driving those speeds on a crowded track while trying not to cause yourself and others to crash. Nothing easy at all. Try it sometime.

OK - you guys are serious... I actually like drag racing better, but that's just me...

Anyways... here is a MUST READ for NASCAR fans everywhere:

Stand on It, A Novel
by Stroker Ace

It's about the early days of stock car racing - circa late 50s/early 60s, and is the funniest book I ever read.

http://www.amazon.com/Stand-Stroker-Ace/dp...6164&sr=8-1

Doesn't even begin to compare with Wayne Rainey drifting both tires through the corners at over one hundred miles per hour.



NASCAR seems like racing shopping carts by comparison.

Imagine sitting in something that weighs 3400 pounds, is 110 inches long, and goes 188 mph...

Imagine sitting in it going 100 mph and Jeff Gordon comes around you at 188 mph...pulls up right behind you and goes around you only 5 inches away...

You might just shit your pants and have a heart attack at the same time

ELton John was once asked "What do you think of Brittney Spears music?"

he said, and I almost quote "I am a fan, you see I am not a music snob..I find talent in all forms of music and can appreciate anyone with talent"

Nope, Jeff Gordon would shit his pants because I would put him in to the wall.

now be nice, Jeff is a Californian (sort of)...we love Jeff around these parts

My brothers like Jeff too, and they are pretty fussy about their NASCAR drivers.

I like motorsports, forumula I and motorcycle racing particularly, but in these races there is the occaisional right turn to enliven things, challenging the drivers and riders and providing, IMV a much more exciting visual spectacle.

i like him even more now that he dumped that religious moron of a wife...notice he never does the "thank you jesus" after he wins?

that was all her...his new wife and he appear to be a bit more liberal...cute baby too

ELton John was once asked "What do you think of Brittney Spears music?"

he said, and I almost quote "I am a fan, you see I am not a music snob..I find talent in all forms of music and can appreciate anyone with talent"

My dad and brother-in-law are totally into NASCAR.

They also vote Republican and listen to country music. Coincidence? I think not!

Either way, I loved sending this video to them:

http://www.theonion.com/content/video/nasc...reveals_winning

Actually, I think that's pretty condescending of you. You assume that because someone is into race cars and listens to a certain kind of music they must be Republican?

I'll give you this, I'd guess most people who like NASCAR would like country music and that most don't vote. Of course since most citizens of voting age don't vote I'd be pretty safe with that wouldn't I.

Wow.

Well, a lot of the demographics of NASCAR fans and self-described Republicans are quite similar:

http://www.toyotaspeedwayatirwindale.com/ISdemo05.pdf

Oh, and it was a joke.

Geez.

Ah, now I'm embarrassed. Its Monday and we have print hell and a fruit fly infestation because day shift doesn't feel they have to clean up their food. I know somehow our shift will get blamed for it though, so I'm in a foul mood.

Sorry, I jumped on you when you didn't deserve it.

Did You Notice? ... NASCAR And Politics, Raining On Goodyear, And Penske's Nasty Divorce
http://www.frontstretch.com/tbowles/19064/

Did You Notice? … That on the heels of Barack Obama’s decision to withdraw his sponsorship of a Sprint Cup car – remember, Pocono was the weekend he was supposed to put his name on the side of the No. 49 BAM Racing Toyota – another political party was spotted making waves at the Speedway. Presumptive Republican Nominee John McCain’s wife, Cindy, made the rounds in the garage area Sunday morning, shaking hands and making small talk with teams before appearing on stage for driver introductions. The move follows a similar visit by the campaign at the IRL race in Nashville, where Ms. McCain was a bit more visible. At that event, she rode in the pace car, held the winner’s trophy, and had a private chat with the series’ most well-known driver – Danica Patrick.

However, in the midst of the controversy surrounding whether Obama should have put his campaign on a race car, McCain appeared a little more low key during her activities on the NASCAR beat. ESPN’s pre-race show focused far more on 24’s Kiefer Sutherland, the grand marshal, than making a big deal about McCain’s appearance or focusing on her during the show. One thing’s for sure; it certainly didn’t seem like fans were making a big deal out of it.

And along those lines, I thought the Pocono Record had an interesting unofficial poll they took relating to this whole issue. The newspaper asked 200+ fans who they were going to vote for in November, and the numbers favored John McCain – but not by much. He led Obama just 33% to 26%, with another 24% undecided, and 15% claiming they’re just not going to vote at all.

Why do I mention politics, something I found most NASCAR fans want to keep out of their world entirely after my SI story about Obama? The numbers are so split down the middle that Republicans – who have looked to fans in the past as a conservative “NASCAR Dads” contingent they could rally for support – may not be as inclined to appear at a race where the audience is more divided. Unlike ’04, NASCAR is reluctant to release statistics such as nine out of their ten Chase drivers are supporting a Republican candidate, for doing so would be a 180 degree shift to their message of diversity. And since we’ve already seen Obama is reluctant to enter into the world of stock car racing, the bottom line is we may avoid any type of presidential candidate appearance for the first time in years! Take that for what you will; I’m sure some fans are cheering about that, while others recognize the loss of publicity for a presidential appearance is also a big deal. Just think about how much positive attention the sport would receive if selected for such an event; it’d be far better than hearing about the various economic, discriminatory, and competitive problems besieging the sport as of late.

NASCAR appears to be edging away from politics:

Now see drag racing really doesn't do anything for me. I can see how others might like it but its over too fast for me.

How about the most boring racing on the PLANET. It sure as hell ain't this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eb-Tqt_6sS4

You know, RACING? Where drivers actually have to DRIVE.

Yeah, drag racing can get boring to watch --- it's way more fun when you run what you brung.

(Plus, my local dragstrip has outstanding Sausage & Pepper sandwiches :-)

I do not race, not in my blood, although my grandpa was a stock car and Indy racer, he was an inspector at Indy for 28 years, after he fiinshed racing there. Of course still not in my blood, I was adopted!!! But my Step sons are into it big time, check out the youngest, the East Lincoln Speedway has pics of him after his May 18th win in the feature race. I wish I knew how to link or I would.

. . .

If Elton had to choose between Britney Spears and Diana Krall to record an album of duets, I expect that he would choose Krall.

Of course street racing is the ultimate thrill. Every Sunday Morning, Tam Junction to Point Reyes Station just as fast as you can go. Gotta be more happening here than driving a beer billboard around in circles.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JudlM904mkg

http://formula-one.speedtv.com/article/f1-...pore-gp-lights/

Formula 1 teams have approved the lighting system for the first ever night race, to be staged in Singapore late next month.

Representatives of the teams inspected the circuit, located in the city-state's Marina Bay area, last month, the local Channel NewsAsia said.

Work on fully installing the system, which provides brightness suitable for F1's high-definition broadcasts, is currently taking
place....

I suppose I am a snob too on this point. Diana Krall is the bees knees. And I just don't understand why she married Elvis? I have examined Elvis, and tried to contemplate his depth and what it is about him, and still don't get it. Perhaps it's a secret as to his appeal.

Wow, she's hot!!! I'll have to check out her tunes.

I wrote a song called Almost Blue Balls (Then she gave in), never could sell it.