Do you think Race Car drivers are athletes?

Answer 1

To those that say "No", I challenge them to drive one race, preferably on one of those really hot days on the really fast tracks. If they can keep out of the wall for more than 10 laps, I'll be amazed.

You don't realize the forces that are in play in those cars. I did a ridealong at TMS at 160 miles per hour (which isn't as fast as race speeds) and was amazed at the G forces on the turns. To do that for 3 hours at speed with only occasional breaks... yes, it takes quite a bit of physical ability and skill.

Answer 2

Yes I do...the drivers have to have a lot of mental strength to stratagize and handle the car they are driving. Let me ask you a question...have you ever driven a race car 500 laps with 42 others drivers around you going like 180 mph? I didn't think so...what else can NASCAR drivers be but athletes?

Answer 3

Question asked by a different person but the same answer,
Yes they are atheletes.To stay in a car at temps of up to 140 degrees for 3 to 4 hours and to handle the 3400 pounds turning and dodging others thats an athelete.

Answer 4

You're kidding ! Driving a car at 200 mph at Talladega or Daytona, the heat inside the car about 140 degrees for three + hours ? You never saw Carl Edwards do a backflip off his car after a race and land on his feet?

Answer 5

I don't think they are, I know they are. People have no idea what drivers have to go thru in the cars. The extreme hot temps, sitting in one spot barely being able to move for hours and hours at a time.....being able to concentrate and keep a car steady, on pace, and up with the pack while there are 43 other guys out there just merely inches away from you and a crash.....simply being able to handle the car at 180 mph, period...i've rode in a NASCAR car, at full speed 180mph with 2 other cars also out merely inches away from them and the wall.....it can be stressful just riding...imagine trying to drive......anyone who says they aren't athletes, are pure idiots, b/c they are ignorant to the truth.....or just plain stupid.

Answer 6

I used to, but Tony Stewart screws that all up. The only workout he gets is from lifting a fork. I hear he's working on changing that though. Aside from Stewart, driving a race car as hard as it will go for 30 laps or 4 hours is hard,punishing, and draining, both physically and mentally. Being in shape makes doing it much easier. Most race drivers are athletes, but not all.

Answer 7

yes and i saw the thing about tony stewart and he too admited that he was out of shape and feels like it hurt him since his trainer moved in tony has commented more than once about how much better he feels aftre and during a race..also note that alsmost all the teams are now implementing coaches and rigerouse training for the drivers and crew..its the next step up in the new error of stock car racing...

Answer 8

Thats just like asking if you think NASCAR is a sport and the answer is of course it is and so are the drivers they go through alot of physical endurance and everything and they have to be somewhat physically fit in order to with stand some of the horrible conditions that they go through.

Answer 9

For sure! When you think about it, a driver has to be in top physical health to sit in a car for four hours and endure all of the elements, like 110 degrees in their car.

Answer 10

Yeah! You try driving a 3,000+ pound race car 200 miles an hour for 500 miles! It may not take a lot of physical strength, but it does takes a lot of mental strength.