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17th
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A couple of weeks ago, I listed five good reasons to attend a Formula 1 Grand Prix. This exercise proved to be easy and many of you responded with positive comments, especially on social media (thanks, by the way!).
Now, I'm venturing onto some slippery terrain, I guess. I will try to explain you, diehard fans of Formula 1 and other road racing series, why you should also give NASCAR a chance.
''Watching cars go around in circles? Never!''
Oh, come on! There's way more to it than that. Without further ado, here are my five good reasons to attend a NASCAR race:
1. The cars
You may prefer the sophisticated wail of a Formula 1 engine, but the sound of 43 hell-bent V8 engines revving at 9,000+ rpm will shake you to your core - especially on a small, one-mile speedway surrounded by gigantic bleachers that together resemble a modern coliseum.
2. The show
The endless lines of cars trying to access the vast parking lots early in the morning are really a sight to behold. And then just about anyone can walk through the paddocks and the pit lane to watch the teams prepare for the race. When the moment of truth finally arrives, 100,000 rabid spectators can hear the famous ''Gentlemen, start your engines!'' before a group of F18 jets fly over the track at a low altitude. Intense!
3. The crowd
Sure, the average F1 fan looks and acts nothing like the average American stock car enthusiast. The latter usually has anti-US government stickers on his bumper, gorges himself on fast food, wears his favourite driver's apparel from head to toe, and speaks English with a strong southern accent. It's a wild jungle.
4. The admission
Tickets are much cheaper than F1's. They provide a lot more access, too. Unfortunately, nearby hotels seize the opportunity to increase their nightly rates (which is also the case during a Grand Prix), hence the popularity of RVs.
5. The suspense
NASCAR races are always decided on the very last lap. On any weekend, at least 20-25 drivers have a legitimate shot at winning the race. Sometimes, the last guy on the starting grid can come back and even fight for the finish line. While the races are fairly long, watching the last few laps from the stands, surrounded by real aficionados, is definitely worth it!
So, did I convince you?
Now, I'm venturing onto some slippery terrain, I guess. I will try to explain you, diehard fans of Formula 1 and other road racing series, why you should also give NASCAR a chance.
 |
| Photo: Philippe Champoux/Auto123.TV |
''Watching cars go around in circles? Never!''
Oh, come on! There's way more to it than that. Without further ado, here are my five good reasons to attend a NASCAR race:
1. The cars
You may prefer the sophisticated wail of a Formula 1 engine, but the sound of 43 hell-bent V8 engines revving at 9,000+ rpm will shake you to your core - especially on a small, one-mile speedway surrounded by gigantic bleachers that together resemble a modern coliseum.
2. The show
The endless lines of cars trying to access the vast parking lots early in the morning are really a sight to behold. And then just about anyone can walk through the paddocks and the pit lane to watch the teams prepare for the race. When the moment of truth finally arrives, 100,000 rabid spectators can hear the famous ''Gentlemen, start your engines!'' before a group of F18 jets fly over the track at a low altitude. Intense!
3. The crowd
Sure, the average F1 fan looks and acts nothing like the average American stock car enthusiast. The latter usually has anti-US government stickers on his bumper, gorges himself on fast food, wears his favourite driver's apparel from head to toe, and speaks English with a strong southern accent. It's a wild jungle.
4. The admission
Tickets are much cheaper than F1's. They provide a lot more access, too. Unfortunately, nearby hotels seize the opportunity to increase their nightly rates (which is also the case during a Grand Prix), hence the popularity of RVs.
5. The suspense
NASCAR races are always decided on the very last lap. On any weekend, at least 20-25 drivers have a legitimate shot at winning the race. Sometimes, the last guy on the starting grid can come back and even fight for the finish line. While the races are fairly long, watching the last few laps from the stands, surrounded by real aficionados, is definitely worth it!
So, did I convince you?