What skills are needed for car racing (e.g. NASCAR)?

Question

I'm completely ignorant of this sport, despite having seen pieces on TV. It looks as simple as a bunch of cars going in circles at high speeds.

What skills do the race car drivers possess that even an accomplished driver doesn't?
What technical constraints are there in the race (e.g. amount of fuel, engine size, etc.)?
Is a car driven by a team of drivers, or is this an individual sport?
Is the first car that crosses the finish line the winner, or are points scored during the race and tallied at the end?
As a spectator, what should I observe in order to enjoy the race?

Thanks.

Answer 1

That's a mighty big question! I'll do my best to answer it.
First, I would go to www.nascar.com and read as much as you can. There's info there to answer your question on the scoreing; simply put the first driver to complete the required # of laps ends the race. Then the finishing order in listed by who comes across the line next.
Second, Watch the race on Sunday (2 pm/ET on NBC) and pay attention to the announcers. They TRY to explain things, FOX has a much better broadcast team but NBC is better then nothing :)
Third, if you can get to a race to experience it in person, GO! If Nextel is not an option then check out any local series. The bacis fundmentals of racing are then same no matter what your racing.
Third, Racing is a team sport, the driver is the face but there are numberous people behinde the scenes that build and work on the cars. Without them there would be no NASCAR.
As for what to watch, that's a personal question. Some like to watch just the first couple of cars; some like to watch just their favorite driver(s); some just go with the flow. If your watching it on TV you don't have much choice in what to watch, but if you're at the races keep your eye on the big groups of cars. When they try to go 3+ wide there is usually a wreck to follow!

I would just start watching the races on Sunday and you'll be able to start picking up info. There is a list of terms on the NASCAR site (http://www.nascar.com/kyn/nascar_101/) Other then finding a person to sit down and talk to I would read as much as you can online.

Hope this helps!

Answer 2

For Nascar... limited or no race driving skills. That's not racing.
F1 demands high skill from the driver, as for fast reflexes, giant physical strength, ability to endure high G-forces squashing you to the side of the safety cell and severe dehydration (F1 drivers lose up to 5 liters/1 gallon of liquid in a race).
The car is driven by a single driver in normal races. Races like the Le Mans 24 Hours demand crews of 3 or 4 drivers driving in 2-hour stints.
The first car to cross the finish line after a number of laps wins.

Answer 3

Very Funny-My suggestion is try watching Nascar, nobody will be able to explain-you've to experience it. Why not go to a local track watch stockcar racing. It's Fun!
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Go Junior!!

Answer 4

car drifting is the best, cause if you go into a turn and start to slide you need to know how to handle it.....and just plain damn good driving skills......try going 190mph in 5o'clock traffic on the interstate and watch how many people can't handle it

Answer 5

endurance, determination, self discipline, not to mention driving, mechanics, physics. Please dont listen to people like Renaultfan, who treats racing like a liberal in a political race treats the conservative. All racing is skill.

Answer 6

I'd say they need a good bladder!

Answer 7

be able to make left turns!

Answer 8

no skill needed just big balls