Yue Tao

Here is a link to a youtube video that shows that people don't understand Nascar any better than they do cycling.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bG2OcW_Hwkg&NR=1

[edit] I apoligize for not being more clear about this video. This is a video of the Onion News Network, a fake news service. This video is a parody of an interview with a Nascar Driver's coach. The point made in the video is that in Nascar, the only skill required is to go fast, and turn left.
I posted this video because this shows the general population's understanding of Nascar is very similar to their understanding of bicycle racing.

thiskidgotmoxie

Ha! As someone who runs a website about track cycling called Hipster Nascar, I find this hilarious. Generally people disdain things they don't understand, I suppose. Personally, I find Nascar to be super boring, but that doesn't mean I think it's idiotic.

[edit]Of course, a lot of the disdain for Nascar in the US has to do with issues of class.

ryansexton

There is a link that proves that you are an idiot. Onion News Network is an internet news station that makes fun of other news stations. Completely fake.

thiskidgotmoxie

SRSLY?? Dude, we all know what The Onion is, that doesn't mean that they're not making fun of Nascar or people involved with Nascar.

melville

This being an Olympic year, my phone's going to ring again with the same relatives asking "What are they doing?" for the 5 minutes that track racing's going to be on TV. If they had the decency to show the points race I could just say that it's two wheeled human powered NASCAR and they would understand instantly. But NO, they're only going to show the big boys (sprints, olympic sprints) and those lungful freaks (pursuiters) and it's going to take time out of my day.

On the NASCAR end of things, a good restrictor plate race (Daytona or Talladega) looks a lot like a good mass start track race with the incredible reliance on drafting. Race speeds in the pack will exceed solitary qualifying speeds. Today's race, at half mile, steeply banked Bristol, puts on a show similar to a good miss'n'out. Everything else about it is bull$#!+ but they have the ability to put on a pretty neat show sometimes.

thiskidgotmoxie

Wait, there's a points race at the Olympics?

melville

Precisely! I mean, if the Bubbas can make sense of the highly bogus bonus point system in NASCAR I think he can be made to understand 5-3-2-1 on the bell laps, double halfway and at the finish system we use.

thiskidgotmoxie

I feel like an idiot for not knowing that there's a point race at the Olympics. It would be great to watch it.

Jon8j

[edit]Of course, a lot of the disdain for Nascar in the US has to do with issues of class.[/QUOTE]

Hey, as a long time stock car racer and cycling fanatic, I catch heat from both sets of friends about being associated with the other set. Some times it feels like being a member of two rival gangs simultaneously.
OP is right tho regarding the outside world's depth of understanding of the intricacies of both sports. But, at least my mother can grasp that "NASCAR is on TV =>$$$" when I explain her grandson's career choices. Cyclists are just potential roadkill in drag.

StephenH

I thought it was great.

I must admit, a lot of racing doesn't appeal to me as a spectator. I think of racing as getting from one point to another as fast as possible, not going endlessly in circles, playing games drafting, etc.

thiskidgotmoxie

And you're on the track forum why exactly?

goldenskeletons

ha! take THAT, running track, road crit, track cycling, horse racing, stock car racing, speed skating and the majority of all athletic sanctioned racing ever!

this is the best foot in the mouth comment i've ever read.



anyway, since i started racing track i've been slightly more interested in nascar. ...slightly.

bonechilling

Then why on earth are you reading this forum?