My NASCAR Lessons

I watched NASCAR for the first time yesterday. I was over at a friend's house for a barbecue and her family was watching it on television. I know very little about the sport.

I did not know that there are in fact two different activities where cars are driven at high speeds in a circle for hours: NASCAR and speed racing. I learned that each uses a different kind of car.

I did not know that races can take numerous hours. The NASCAR race we watched was 400 laps. It took something like 5 hours for the drivers to finish. I didn't watch for all of it. People in the stands did, however. I was amazed.

I saw Ashley Judd. I learned she is married to a NASCAR driver. Her husband won the race.

I also learned that crashes are quite common. Though they added entertainment value (which in a way I find sad), they didn't occur frequently enough for me to remain entertained.

I don't fault those who enjoy or derive enjoyment from watching the sport, I just do not understand how they enjoy it. But if they do, good for them. Just as I can't understand the thrill of watching cars drive in circles, I suppose many wouldn't understand how or why I enjoy some of the things I do.