I have been to a couple of NASCAR Busch Series races. I had a lot of fun, but it *is* hard to follow, especially on a short course..you almost get dizzy watching it. I don't say I follow it, because I don't know the drivers, but it is fun to not see the same guy win every time. Sometimes the blue car wins, sometimes the white car.
It's interesting to see the mid pack runners and watch them hash it out. In person, you can also watch the backs of the cars in the turns and watch who really is loose and pulls it back together....or not.
Yes, there are a lot of cautions, if a guy spins, they come out and clean up the marbles. I didn't realize it was staged. I know they do have a rule that says if you cause the caution even by pit in, you have to do a "punishment" lap so you don't get an advantage.
F1....I have tried to get into this, but I just can't. I won't say that I watch car racing for the "contact", but it does make it more interesting. In F1, if you have the slightest contact, the car explodes and you're out of the race. In NASCAR, it's fun to watch a guy that got punted still manage to compete.