duey Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 I have this discussion with friends and coworkers all the time, and the opinions are generally split. My answer is no. I'm not saying that driving a race car isn't demanding, but I just don't consider driving a car in a circle for three hours an athletic feat. Just like I don't think jockeys are athletes either. Fire away my NASCAR-loving bretheren!
stevestojan Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 i think if you are doing anything where you get to sit the whole time, you are not an athlete.
its only real shh Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 yeah their athletes, and 18 wheeler drivers are super-athletes
BF_in_Indiana Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 I think this answer is two fold. I voted yes, but I don't think that racing is a "sport". I would challenge anyone to drive those cars around and deal with the heat and exhaustion they endure over 500 miles. They are all in great shape. I do however have a hard time considering something where a machine is a big factor in the outcome a sport.
erynthered Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 yeah their athletes, and 18 wheeler drivers are super-athletes 246835[/snapback]
Chilly Posted February 20, 2005 Posted February 20, 2005 What BF said. NASCAR drivers are athletes, but its not a sport.
stevestojan Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 I think this answer is two fold. I voted yes, but I don't think that racing is a "sport". I would challenge anyone to drive those cars around and deal with the heat and exhaustion they endure over 500 miles. They are all in great shape. I do however have a hard time considering something where a machine is a big factor in the outcome a sport. 246838[/snapback] so, dealing with extreme heat and exhaustion makes them athletes? Well, then, I better contact ticketmaster and get some front row seat to watch the guys down the block who are roofing for the next week. It's supposed to be 85 degrees all week. Just because its on TV and they guys deal with heat and exhaustion does not make them athletes.
BF_in_Indiana Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 so, dealing with extreme heat and exhaustion makes them athletes? Well, then, I better contact ticketmaster and get some front row seat to watch the guys down the block who are roofing for the next week. It's supposed to be 85 degrees all week. Just because its on TV and they guys deal with heat and exhaustion does not make them athletes. 246847[/snapback] Are golfers "athletes"? That's really physically demanding. How about figure skaters?
kegtapr Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 Who cares!? It's entertainment. In the end, isn't that really what all sports are?
erynthered Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 Who cares!? It's entertainment. In the end, isn't that really what all sports are? 246850[/snapback] Well, if they split hairs this could be 12 pages............
stevestojan Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 Are golfers "athletes"? That's really physically demanding. How about figure skaters? 246849[/snapback] Are golfers athletes? Yes. Figure skaters? HELL yes. I've driven from WNY to South Florida in a car with broken air conditioning. 22 hours. Am I an athlete? No.
kegtapr Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 Well, if they split hairs this could be 12 pages............ 246852[/snapback] Or if Sue shows up. Either way.
kegtapr Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 . I've driven from WNY to South Florida in a car with broken air conditioning. 22 hours. Am I an athlete? No. 246854[/snapback] No, just stupid.
Tux of Borg Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 There is more physical activity going on in the stands than down on that track.
BF_in_Indiana Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 Who cares!? It's entertainment. In the end, isn't that really what all sports are? 246850[/snapback] That's true.
BF_in_Indiana Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 Are golfers athletes? Yes. Figure skaters? HELL yes. I've driven from WNY to South Florida in a car with broken air conditioning. 22 hours. Am I an athlete? No. 246854[/snapback] Explain to me what's athletic about golf? If you say golf is athletic that means you also believe bowling is athletic correct?
Ramius Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 first off, lemme say that i like and follow nascar...but are the drivers athletes, no...the proper term i would call them is professionals...
stevestojan Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 Explain to me what's athletic about golf? If you say golf is athletic that means you also believe bowling is athletic correct? 246869[/snapback] Golf is more athletic than Nascar because the golfers actually have to do something physical. Swing a club at a ball an makle it go 300+yards. Moreso, however, is the fact that the have to walk over 3.5 miles per 18. Now, there was recently a case of a golfer who couldn't physically walk that much, adn he asked PGA to let him use a cart. No. They wouldn't let him. That same guy would be able to push a gas pedal for 500miles. And bowling is not a sport, but sadly is more athletic than NASCAR.
Peace Frog Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 I heard NASCAR stands for 'Non-Athletic Sport Centered Around Rednecks'.
Tux of Borg Posted February 21, 2005 Posted February 21, 2005 It takes NASCAR 200 laps to do what Import Racers do in a quarter mile.
Recommended Posts