[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.

[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.

[Neil E. Wright]

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

[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.......

[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!

[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.

[Buffettfan]

I remember watching a show about race a few years ago and most of black people that were intervied stated that they preferred to watch programs and sports that consisted of "people more like them". Of course the white host never challenged them on it any further and neither did any of the white participants of the show. I thought to myself, hey , that is fine, as long as everybody else on the planet can do the same without being called a racist.

[pageonetoo]

Broadly suggesting that NASCAR fans are generally motivated by racism...

Bullshiite. Nascar fans are almost completely motivated by...

[kb2614]

I love motorsports, but not NASCAR (more into sportscar racing like LeMans, Sebring, etc.). I'm also white, hmmmmmm. Guess that makes me a wine and cheese honkey racist.

This is from the Village Voice. They make the NYTimes look sane.

[Vaquero]

I am even handed:

I am of European decent so color me whatever color you want.

I HATE Basketball and Hockey. so the 2 balance each other out.

I use to LOVE NASCAR.....until back in the 70's or early 80's or whenever...they stopped using STOCK cars. I was one of the "race on Sunday buy on Monday" guys. In 1967 I bought a brand new Plymouth Satellite just like Mr. Richard Petty drove. NOW, whats the point they obviously race, race cars now and not STOCK cars. I am no longer interested.

I have recently received an email, here at work, TOP TEN list of reasons why there are no black NASCAR drivers, but because of Freep rules and because I do not wish to insult any group I will demure. I do believe the PC practice of not airing out a groups foibles in comedic form (ala Don Rickles...Dice Clay etc), causes more harm than good....its good to be able to laugh at the idiosyncrasies of one group, while they laugh at yours. We are too stiff as a nation these days. Just my $0.02

[elli1]

[David Wright]teaches in the MFA program at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

MFA program UICU

IOW, Wright is a professor of fiction.

[repubpub]

I don't like NASCAR or basketball. I’d rather watch hockey, football, some baseball and a little of golf.

[Buffettfan]

Let's see now. America loves NASCAR because it's not black but America also loves the NFL and NBA (as evidenced by mostly whites faces in the stands)because it is mostly black. Makes no sense to me. Just another attempt by a liberal writer to paint blacks as victims and to keep them thinking that there is an organized conspiracy to keep them dowm. Pathetic race baiting article.

[geezerwheezer]

I've been to a NASCAR race and you couldn't get me to another one on your life! Too much noise, to many rednecks, fights everywhere, too much beer being drunk, and way too many tatoos!! I did not enjoy it at all, but the 159,999 others did, and I say, "good on ya'!"- ain't my sport of choice. Same with pro basketball, pro baseball, and the NFL. I like free sports, like high school & college, where they do play for the school and not the paycheck, and quite honestly, I don't care if you are red, white, or black! Do your best and have fun doing it. This article goes way past the true meaning of sport and casts a pall on us. The author is dumber than a box of rocks if he cannot see past his version of racism, but that is his problem, not ours!!