[jm951]

NASCAR does have it's roots in the rural south and not a few of the early guys were part time moonshine runners. The races are generally run on an oval paved track with banked curves so the cars can get up the high speeds and still afford a good view from the stands. The early days saw Detroit getting involved with "win on Sunday, sell on Monday" being the mantra. Start adding in advertising, sponsorship, and a bit of showmanship, and you have an event that draws a large crowd. They do run a couple of road courses, but that's not the norm.

Why I don't like NASCAR, even though I grew up very near the World 600 in Charlotte? Boring racing for the most part, even though the pit crews can put on a show, the crews in F1 are much more finely coordinated IMHO. The technology of the cars has moved far away from anything resembling what's sold in the showrooms and the "rivalries" among drivers look to be a motorsports version of WWF to me. Some folks like it, I don't care for it.