Originally posted by Jared
While this is discussion for some other day, I know Richard Petty is great guy, but I (and a lot of others) do not consider NASCAR a sport, thus making eliminating him as a sport hero.
But, yes, staying until there is no one left asking for an autograph is a heck of a nice thing to do.
At the time though, NASCAR was much, much lower on the national profile than it is now. Open wheel racing was much more popular (i.e. CART). Even boxing was more popular. Today, I think it would be damn near impossible to do that, since NASCAR has grown so much.
While this is discussion for some other day, I know Richard Petty is great guy, but I (and a lot of others) do not consider NASCAR a sport, thus making eliminating him as a sport hero.
But, yes, staying until there is no one left asking for an autograph is a heck of a nice thing to do.
At the time though, NASCAR was much, much lower on the national profile than it is now. Open wheel racing was much more popular (i.e. CART). Even boxing was more popular. Today, I think it would be damn near impossible to do that, since NASCAR has grown so much.

How can you say NASCAR is not a sport!!!!! Is it because you think it's not a team oriented sport, or because there is no ball involved, or because you don't think it takes any physical strength or endurance? I mean, please let me know what your reasoning is.
Also, I need to know if you have ever been to a NASCAR race in person. Because for those who have never been in person, you cannot judge this sport, yes I said sport, without seeing it live. If you are going by what you see on TV, you are being misled. This is by far one of the most exciting sporting events to see in person.
One more question, do you consider golf, tennis and fishing sports?
Without knowing your answers, I am still going to make my rant about NASCAR.
1. NASCAR is a TEAM sport. The driver could not do it without a crew, a staff, owners, sponsers, etc. etc. There is so much that goes into racing, if you haver never been behind the scenes, you could never begin to fathom.
2. As far as it not being tough, I would love to see anyone of you, or your "sport" stars get in a NASCAR and drive 500 miles at speeds sometimes in excess of 200 mph's. It takes strength, stamina, endurance and great physical ability and talent. Not any Joe Schmo can become a great race car driver (and I say this because I do not want to limit this to just NASCAR, all auto racing to me is a sport, have you ever watched an F-1 race........WOW).
These men (and women) risk there lives for this SPORT. The greatest NASCAR driver to ever live (IMHO) died for this sport. And for those of you who dont know who I am talking about, I am talking about THE one and only, #3, - The Intimidator - Dale Earnhardt.
One of the greatest race car drivers ever, Ayrton Senna, F-1 driver, died racing. This list goes on with names of great drivers who died racing their cars. If that isnt love for what you do, I dont know what is.
I would love to go on and on, but I have work (damn thing is always cutting into my time on this board). I am sure I will have more to say after I get some responses.
And I want to make this clear. I did not grow up a NASCAR fan, I did not grow up in the South. I am a Yankee, born and bred. Lived and raised my whole life in CT (until moving to Okla 6 yrs ago) but I liked NASCAR before moving. I will say this, if you havent been to a race, that is the only reason you cant appreciate it for what it really is. I urge you to try and see one if you havent, I promise you wont be disappointed.
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