Why do they call it a sport?The vehicle does all the work?

Question

What is athletic about auto racing? A 90 year old grandma can make a 100 left turns in a day?

Answer 1

Every argument you can make for auto racing being a sport (endurance, strain, stress) can also be made for jobs in construction and surgery and probably a few thousand other things that no one considers sports.

Answer 2

Hi,

Auto racing is called a sport because the word sport does NOT mean 'athleticism' but is a word to mean 'competition'.

The world of motor based sports IS very competitive and the world leaders in Formula 1 racing ALL train very, very hard to maintain a high level of fitness. I imagine (though honestly do not know) that drivers in American-based auto sports also try to keep fit, too.

The fitness level in Formula 1 is very necessary, as the strain of managing a 200 mph+ car over around one and a half to two hours, with the extremely high G forces involved and the heat and sheer physical effort of holding the vehicle on the track is very, very high.

While some of the older drivers in oval track racing could not fairly be classed as 'athletes' I believe you would find them remarkably fit.

Believe me, the car does NOT do all the work!

I accept your general dismay over non-athletic 'sports' as I feel that certain pastimes, sometimes classed a 'sports' are very definitely NOT 'sports'. I particular I am thinking about Darts, where, in last year's world championship, the players WERE described as athletes, despite being very overweight and out of condition.

Auto racing, though, does need more than a little strength, stamina and fitness.

Is your Grandma up for this year's Formula 1 championship? I'll watch out for her.

Cheers,

BobSpain

Answer 3

I understand where you're coming from. And it looks like that from afar, but it is a pretty straining 'sport' ;)

First, the races go for a loooong time, so the wheels are wearing down and losing grip. This means your reflexes need to be top notch or boom, you're going into the wall and losing the race.

Also, run as fast as you can and then turn left. Chances are your body will want to keep going straight instead of left. One the track, the driver is always being pulled outward and it takes a great deal of physical strength to keep control.

These cars don't have power steering, it takes away from power. They also don't have air conditioning... Ponder how hard that must be :)

Aside from that all, you have to constantly monitor who is in front of, beside, and behind you, and move accordingly, which involves an incredible amount of coordination.

I don't race, so I'm sure there's more reasons. But these are the ones I can think of.

Answer 4

The term sport is a broad concept in which a set of rules or customs governs the activity- usually for competitive reasons. Based on this definition auto racing does apply. Sports can be physical, mental (like chess), or even equipment related as in the case of motor racing.
Auto racing is a sport based not on physical prowess but on other indicators. Much of auto racing is strategy in outmanuevering and outracing the other competitors. Ever try to walk around slowpokes in a large crowd? It requires accurately guessing not only the moves of the person you are trying to get around but the moves of everyone else while correctly anticipating the moves/speed you need to make.
Auto racing also requires controlling fear as you race at those high speeds and an agility and control over the car (my car becomes hard to control at 100mph- I can't imagine trying to do it at 200!)
Teamwork is necessary as the pit quickly changes the tires, adds gas, etc.
All in all auto racing is about strategy and skill rather than physical acts.
I'm not a NASCAR fan- but based on that definition of sport it does qualify. However, it is unfair to label the drivers as doing something only a simpleton could do. It is a dangerous sport that requires skill and ability to push yourself to the limits.

Answer 5

If you've ever taken more than one ride at your local go-cart track, you can appreciate the torment that these proffessional drivers endure. Making "left turns" for four minutes at 25 miles per hour and then getting off and resting for 10 minutes doesn't even remotely compare to the pricision battle with the centrifical force generated by a 2500 pound behemoth at 200 miles per hour for four hours, fighting the treacherous g-forces of not only the perfectly timed acceleration and deceleration, but also of the constant pull to the right that creates agonizing back and muscle pain, all while ignoring the terrifying scream of a 700 horsepower monster at 8 or 9000 rpm two feet from your torso.

Nothing so hard about that, eh?

Tell gramma to "Buckle up".

Answer 6

because it requires you have to be the best at to win.

Driving Miss Daisy on a Formula One track is not going to make her become a world champ.

Racing still requires endurance and skill. Driving a race car from 0-100 mph in 2 seconds and back to 0 again and handling every corner at the highest speed and fighting off the competition is very tough. The G forces on your body and the deadly consequences of a driving error is something that only people who have the aptitude can manage.
The demands of a racing driver are high, your grandmother wouldn't stand a chance.

Answer 7

First of all, you do have to condition yourself to sit in a car all day. You have to be able to concentrate on your driving, and everybody else's...at high speeds of at least 150+, all without falling asleep, or crashing, or both. You need excellent reflexes, and split second decision making abilities. And that's just NASCAR racing. There are other races that are more demanding. Think about it.

Answer 8

If you think for a second that I would get into a car with a 90 yr old woman your insane. There is more to it then just getting in and driving. Why don't you give it a go if you think it is so easy?

Answer 9

Well i hate car racing too. Really hate it. But it can be a sport because ur body has to be in really good shape, they lose a lot of water and dehydrate easily, it takes work to be in good shape and be able to race at such high speeds

Answer 10

I don't think "Granny" could withstand the G-force at 200+ MPH.