They are called stock cars because initially that's what they were... back in the 50's. The organization "NASCAR" was founded back then, perhaps the should change the name to NAMCAR now. Each oval they race on is different believe it or not, and the cars handle each corner different on each track. They may be faster thru turns 1-2, but slower in 3-4. The whole oval concept was to allow the fans to watch the entire race, and not only be able to see 1 corner. I've watched several road races, and to me it's boring sitting in 1 turn with no idea what's happening when the field is out of sight. After the first series of pit stops I can't even tell who's in what position except for the first 5 on the leader board. Anyways like it or love it. Speed Vision knows where the $$ is. They can replay old IRL races, and get 10,000 viewers, or replay a NASCAR race, and get over 100,000 viewers. More viewers, means more $$ collected for commercials.

 

and the NASCAR defendent in this thread lives in............................ Georgia!





nascar sucks ass

 

:lmao:

 

I'm not a fan of Nascar, but when I talk to Nascar fans the draw is everyone roots for their favorite driver all season, and just follow that car the whole race. I still don't get it, and it boggles me as to why so many people are into it.

 

i was there this year :-D

its funny to listen to the commentators of NASCAR

 

Need directions? Alright, about 400 meters up you're going to turn left. After that, keep to the road and hang a left at the end. Keep going about a quarter mile then follow the road as it heads to the left. Little while down that road you'll have to be careful because it gets tricky, tries to mess you up by throwing a sudden lefthand turn at you.

 

I used to think that way until I drove Charlotte w/a NASA group.

It's actually kind of scary.

You're racing along at 130-150 (and remember that the NASCAR guys are doing it a lot faster) looking out of your side window instead of the windscreen, because it's the only way to see where you're going. You also keep your top speed much longer than you would on a road course.

Looking out of the front of the car, you only have a few feet right in front of the car to look at. The real view is out of the side window.

Then you go to move your left foot on the dead pedal and discover that it's actually difficult to do because of the extra perceived gravity of the downforce.

Guys, it's a lot harder than you think!

As to the difference between NASCAR and other forms of racing, it's my perception (which could be incorrect) that NASCAR races are designed with the spectators in mind, while races like the Grand Am and World Challenge are designed with the drivers and cars in mind.

Grand Prix races seem to be something in between.

 

in that case... do you really enjoy watching a whole race for the RACING? not to see the cars flip & blow up?

 

Yes, I really enjoy the racing at a World Challenge, Grand Am or Honda Challenge race.

Watching people you personally know racing through the Uphill Esses at VIR, or watching the high speed position jockeying in Turn 8 at Summit Point is very exciting.

I don't get nearly as excited w/a NASCAR race, but that's just me.

 

I'd argue that NASCAR also challenges drivers, but differently from road races. Because an oval is relatively simple compared to a road course, the course itself isn't really going to slow anyone down, so the relative driver skill is important in determining the winner.