Why America Loves NASCAR (Hint: Because it's not black.)

The Village Voice ^ | 10/14/.2005 | David Wright

[Colonel Kangaroo]

"By saying NASCAR isn't black, I mean it isn't African American. And NASCAR is not at all black: Not in the cockpits of the stockcars; not on the pit crews; rarely, if at all, among the multitudes filling the 160,000-seat speedway stands...."

[Colonel Kangaroo]

Are there some racists who like NASCAR because it's almost all white? Yes. Are there some other racists who do NOT like NASCAR merely because just because it IS almost all white? Yes. On the reverse side of the coin you'll find similar reactions to the NBA.

Typical broad brush sterotyping from the left. Broadly suggesting that NASCAR fans are generally motivated by racism seems to me to be about as legitimate as broadly suggesting that in general, black fans of the NBA are also racist.

I love basketball and hate watching cars go around in circles, but I wouldn't want to put divisive politcal or racial connotations on people due to what sports we happen to enjoy.

[JohnLongIsland]

why do canadians play hockey and mexicans play soccer?
i guess the predominantly caucasian canadians are racists because they have enough brains not to run around kicking a ball in shorts in the middle of winter.

[kenth]

That has to be one of the most ridiculous article's I've ever skimmed over; all just to try to come up with a profound comparison to the Bush administration.

[Chickensoup]

You didn't know the Bush administation is racist? What kind of dumb bunny are you? I always thought that NASCAR is about people whose enjoyment is loud cars and VROOOOOOOOMMMM VROOOOOOOOOMMM. Different cultures have different tastes.

[Chi-townChief]

Unfortunately, none of us can walk out of this theater.

Au contraire, David - I bet there's thousands of travel agents who would be more than happy to sell you a one-way ticket to anywhere else you want to go.

[Chickensoup]

My sarcasm tags didnt make it onto the first sentence of my post.

[Neil E. Wright]

David, when did you start writing for the "Village Voice"???? ;)

[kenth]

;-)

[neal1960]

I lost interest in NASCAR when Helton and France Jr. took over. Not to mention each week is like a soap opera or the WWF.(Staged) IMHO

[NapkinUser]

I'm neutral on basketball and golf.

Soccer and hockey: not with a gun to my head.

I like baseball and football and that's about it.

[razorback-bert]

Read the section about "Friday Night Lights", the man just hates the south.

[HuntsvilleTxVeteran]

The root of Nascar was the Mexican road races!

[Jackknife]

Having been a NASCAR fan since I was a kid in the 70's, and knowing many other racefans, I find this is a load of bull. I personally went to the spring Atlanta race with a black friend of mine, who is a bigger fan than I am! (if that's at all possible!)

Also, there are a few black crew members. All one has to do is watch a couple of races on TV to see them.

And another thing (since I'm on a rant), I have rarely come across white people at the tracks that don't want black people there, or that go because it is a 'white' event.

I feel better now.......

[Alberta's Child]

I agree with you. Once NASCAR made a decision to expand into large metropolitan areas throughout the U.S., they really committed themselves to selling the "sport" to casual fans who had no real interest in stock car racing.

It seems like every major sport goes through a similar process, and often ends up alienating their traditional fans in the process.

[GladesGuru]

Actually, there is solid data regarding the lack of wisdom involved in "head"ing a ball. Such impacts do have cumulative effects, on younger players - and eventually on older player.

[babydoll22]

As long as a sponsor can have more than one car, NASCAR will always look staged. Too many times, the second place car's team mate will cause a caution so there can be green, white, checker shootouts.

[rudy45]

ping

[sneakers]

I get polled by Zogby quite freqently. (Usually once or twice a month) There are several questions that are in every single poll - no matter what the subject matter. One of them is "Are you a NASCAR fan?". I always thought that was a really strange question. Now I know why it is there. Sheesh!

[GOP_Proud]

People like NASCAR because it's A RACE not because OF RACE.

[Mr Ramsbotham]

The kind of people who like NASCAR are of a class that generally are fascinated by (1) things that go fast; and (2) things that make loud noises. That's it, as far as I can tell.