So, you don't think race car drivers are athletes?

One of the most debated and controversial topics in the world of sports is the idea of auto racing not being a "real sport." 

Sport -  an activity involving physical exertion and skill in which an individual or team competes against another or others for entertainment.

You may be questioning the physical exertion part of auto racing.  I am happy to bring you a post with answers. From the outside, driving a racecar seems like light work, but it is what is on the inside of the car that truly defines auto racing as a sport. I realize everyone is going to disagree, but I thought I would give a little information to open your eyes. The stamina and skill of the race car driver is phenomenal.


Brain:


The brain is a extremely complex muscle. When adding speeds up to 200 mph, the brain starts to get nervous. A jumble of thoughts pierce a driver's brain at each moment of the race. It is an emotionally draining experience. It takes time to train a race car driver's brain to adjust to the adrenaline of these high speeds and emotions. Many drivers use yoga and different breathing techniques to control the brain's energy in the race car.


Eyes:

The eyes play a crucial role during a 3 hour long race. Scanning the track and the surrounding cars will strain the eyes, not to mention the bright media posters on the sidelines. A driver has to be alert and focused during the whole race.

Neck:

The neck is put through an EXTREME amount of pressure in the race car. The human head weighs about the weight of a bowling ball. During a race, drivers can experience up to 5 gs. If you ever watch an in-car camera shot of a driver during a race, you will notice how the head jerks back and forth. This goes on for the duration of the race. You can't just jump into a race car for 3 hours without some sort of training. Along with intense workouts, former Formula 1 driver Michael Schumacher used to put on a weighted helmet while watching TV. It helped build the neck muscle to allow him to be strong enough to handle the pressure in the cockpit. Here is a little fun fact; Most drivers have necks just like linebackers. Have I convinced you yet?



Heart:

Racers need to have great cardiovascular condition in order to make it through the race. The heart works about as much as a marathon runner. Heat is a huge factor in this also. When the car is anywhere from 150-180 degrees it works the body and mind even harder. 


You see, along with working the legs (pushing the brake can feel like pushing 300 lbs), race car drivers are constantly working their bodies through the duration of race. And the races are not quick. Many football and baseball players have breaks during the game, allowing their body to recoup from all the stress. Race cars don't get intermissions. If the information on these key parts of physical exertion didn't convince you then nothing will. As far as the entertainment side of the definition, I can tell you racing is nothing short of entertaining. If you are an anti-auto racing type of person, I challenge you to watch one race. Give it a shot. It just might be more exciting than you expected. Personally, I will never get tired of watching this sport. My respect for these athletes, yes I said athletes, is beyond great. Every sport requires different skills and abilities. Whether you are on the field, in the pool or on the racetrack. From now on, let's just keep calm and enjoy sports.
Drama free.

"But unless you've trained your heart like a distance runner, built your muscles like a football player, and conditioned your body to withstand 150-degree heat, you'd probably kill yourself and several bystanders by the third turn." - Kristin Philipkoski

 

It's Been Too Long

Wow, I haven't posted here in so long! I have really been slacking off lately. 2012 is coming to a close and what a great year it has been! Brad Keselowski is our 2012 champion and it was a wild finale. Jimmie Johnson having late race problems and losing his shot at a 6th championship. The guy no one ever expected to win was hoisting the trophy at the end of Homestead. The 28 year-old from Michigan is now the reigning NASCAR Sprint Cup champion.

There are many changes going into the 2013 season, and I am sure there will be more to come as February draws near. 48 days and counting.


1. Kenseth Joining JGR.

During the 2012 season, Matt Kenseth announced he was leaving Roush Fenway Racing. On September 4th, he announced he had signed with Joe Gibbs Racing for the 2013 season.

2. Joey Logano Joins Penske

Since Kenseth had replaced Joey Logano in the #20 JGR Toyota, Logano was looking for a new ride as well. He landed a job at Penske Racing in the #22 Ford for the 2013 season. He will team up with reigning champ Brad Keselowski.

3. Ricky Stenhouse Jr. -- Newest Sprint Cup Driver

The reigning Nationwide Series champion for the past 2 seasons will be making the switch to NASCAR's top series in 2013. Stenhouse Jr. will replaced veteran driver Matt Kenseth at Roush Fenway Racing in the number that Kenseth made famous, No. 17. Most of Kenseth's sponsor from the 2012 season will stay with Stenhouse through 2013. 

4. Trevor Bayne in Full Time Nationwide

The 2011 Daytona 500 has not received the glory and success expected after winning a Daytona 500. The past few season have been rough and strenuous. Everything from a mysterious illness to lack of sponsorship the 21 year-old has been in the waiting zone. 2013 is looking a little brighter. With Ricky Stenhouse Jr. moving to Cup, that opens up a Nationwide ride for Bayne. Cargrill agreed to continue sponsoring the No. 6 Ford allowing Bayne to run full-time. Bayne is still signed with the Wood Brothers, and will most likely run select Cup races.

5. Kevin Harvick Leaving RCR?

This is not official yet, but rumor has it Kevin Harvick will be leaving the Richard Childress Racing organization in 2014. Sources said Harvick was possibly moving to Stewart-Haas Racing. None of this is confirmed and Harvick will continue to race at RCR for the next 2 seasons.

This One's for the First Timers

     I'm writing this for the first-timers. The ones who dream and hope to be there. To step into the TV screen. To finally smell the burning rubber and gasoline you had to imagine all these years. I remember the first time I walked into New Hampshire Motor Speedway. Just seeing the sign from the road put butterflies in my stomach. For an auto racing fan there is no greater feeling. Seeing the sea of campers and the size of the grandstands gives you an unique feeling you cannot get from watching it on TV, and you aren't even inside the track yet. Golf carts fly by and you push your way through the crowds, the adrenaline starts pumping. As you take that first step up the stairs beneath the stands, for a first-timer, it's breathtaking. There is absolutely nothing more beautiful than seeing the smooth, finesse track for the first time. It has a whole different appearance than it does on a screen. Standing for the national anthem, the sound of the flyover. The rumble of the engines starting up. Your whole body shakes and you feel like a part of the race. If I had a nickel for every time I asked myself, "Am I really here? Is this really happening?" You hold your breath as the green flag drops. They're off. The initial sound of the cars is deafening.