By Eric Storms
Yes, I’m a NASCAR fan. Now I know what you’re thinking: Is he crazy? Maybe a little bit. Look, I get it, it’s not the most exciting sport in the world—its premise is cars continually making left turns for three hours—but still, I’m a fan.
Yes, I’m a NASCAR fan. Now I know what you’re thinking: Is he crazy? Maybe a little bit. Look, I get it, it’s not the most exciting sport in the world—its premise is cars continually making left turns for three hours—but still, I’m a fan.
My uncle got me hooked when I was little. In first grade I sent my favorite driver, Scott Wimmer (now retired), a school project I had written about him and he sent back a handwritten note with autographed pictures. From then on, I became even more of a die-hard fan. Now, other emotional investments such as my uncle’s fantasy NASCAR league (go ahead and roll your eyes, it actually does exist) keep me engaged.
But I also like NASCAR for the same reasons I enjoy any other sport: the action, the rivalries, the drama. Cars barreling down the track at 200 miles per hour, believe it or not, can create some exciting moments. Knowing all the drivers helps as well. For example, will rookie Daniel Suarez be able to win and complete his journey from only a few years ago, when he lived in Mexico and didn’t know much about NASCAR, let alone English? Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. be able to recover from his concussion problems last season? Many drivers have interesting stories you’d never know just by flipping on a race for a minute.
In many ways, the sport is a major part of me. I’ve always been that one kid in school who has any sort of interest in NASCAR. Sure, it’s not my favorite sport and I don’t watch the entirety of any race. But at the very least, when there are 20 or so laps to go, you can count on me tuning in and enjoying every second of it.
But I also like NASCAR for the same reasons I enjoy any other sport: the action, the rivalries, the drama. Cars barreling down the track at 200 miles per hour, believe it or not, can create some exciting moments. Knowing all the drivers helps as well. For example, will rookie Daniel Suarez be able to win and complete his journey from only a few years ago, when he lived in Mexico and didn’t know much about NASCAR, let alone English? Will Dale Earnhardt Jr. be able to recover from his concussion problems last season? Many drivers have interesting stories you’d never know just by flipping on a race for a minute.
In many ways, the sport is a major part of me. I’ve always been that one kid in school who has any sort of interest in NASCAR. Sure, it’s not my favorite sport and I don’t watch the entirety of any race. But at the very least, when there are 20 or so laps to go, you can count on me tuning in and enjoying every second of it.