Fast Cars

Nice story about why this blogger likes NASCAR and doesn't like the stereotypes of stock car racing.

The stereotype for the sport is that these are a bunch of hillbillies. In actuality, these are some of the smartest folks you'll find. They are innovative, meticulous, adaptive, and hard-working.

To be competitive, they must push their engine departments to make more horsepower just to maintain competitiveness. There are tons of innovations tried each year -- probably each race. Crews are meticulous with their checklists of pre-race preparations. There are a staggering number of preparations to make before the green flag waves. And during the race, the winning teams are the ones that can adapt their car to the changing track conditions. You wouldn't believe it, but a little cloud cover can totally change the way a car handles.

At the end of the race, the winning driver is always quick to thank all the people involved. Its not just him out there. If his pit crew was slow or made mistakes, he doesn't win. If the engine department didn't create a competitive and durable engine, he doesn't win. If the fabricators didn't create an aerodynamically-sound body, he doesn't win. If he doesn't have enough sponsor money to pull together a winning team and the equipment to create a quality race car, he doesn't win.