NASCAR, Sports, and a Geek!

I have to start this entry by stating that I am not, nor have I ever been, a fan of NASCAR. The idea of cars going around and around a track just doesn’t get me excited. In fact, the only reason I might ever consider going to a NASCAR race would be for any photographic opportunities that may occur. I am sure there would be chances for some interesting pictures, but other than that, the thought frankly bores me.

All that said, today I got an up close look at an actual car that will be used in the NASCAR circuit this year. This is because my employer is sponsoring a racing team, and to build excitement, they brought one of the cars to our building during the lunch break so that employees could get a closer look.

One thing that I found out is that even though NASCAR is an acronym for National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, there seems to be little that is stock about these vehicles. They are basically built in a private shop by a racing team for competition on the circuit. In fact, if you look closely at the photo below, you will notice something fishy:



Did you catch it? The grille and lights are fake! They are all part of a full body wrap that is printed and placed on the car. There are not headlights on this car at all!

Also, being a bit picky here, but shouldn’t the organization be called either “National Association for Stock Car Racing” or “National Association for Stock Auto Racing”? Isn’t “Car Auto” a bit redundant?

So, I admit, I just don’t get it? I see pickups around town with Dale Earnhardt #3 decals placed there by fans. It seems that the late race car driver has been elevated to demigod status by his admirers. I still don’t get it. I mean, I am sorry that Mr. Earnhardt died in a horrible accident, but that is the risk of this “sport”. And I still don’t get it? What am I missing? I have nothing against NASCAR or its fans, but I gotta ask “WHY??”

Maybe I am just not the macho, into cars, Tim Allen tool man, OOOHHH OOOHHH, kind of guy who really gets a kick out of this. In fact, I know I am not. Tools? Not my thing. Machinery? I couldn’t care less. Memorizing the statistics of sports figures? Not unless I was in a fantasy league, and I have never done that. In fact, I have always loved reading the newspaper, but have always skipped the sports section. I never read it.

Around here, the Broncos are a religion. I am happy for them when they win, but it really doesn’t affect my life. Yet I know people who are in a deep, dark funk if they don’t win a game. I just don’t care that much. The players get paid megabucks to play a game, the owners get taxpayer funding to support their business, and yet normal people can’t afford to attend the games at the stadium they are paying for.

I’d rather pass the time looking at the world around me, taking photos, listening to music, playing my guitar, messing around on the computer, or even working crossword or sudoku puzzles.

Guess I am a geek. At least I know it!