by Tracey Lloyd

Created on: September 18, 2008   Last Updated: November 24, 2008

The major difference between NASCAR and Formula 1 is that in Formula 1 we routinely travel through right and left handed corners! No velodrome like oval tracks for the warriors in the most technologically advanced sport that there is on Planet Earth.

Even the names of the sport portray the massive gap between the sports, NASCAR well it sounds like "nasty" or even a particularly horrible disease of cattle (some might say that cattle is an apt description of the majority of NASCAR fans). Formula 1 the ultimate, the pinnacle, gives mind to dashing gentlemen of the 1950s and 1960s, risking life and limb in order to the be the best then relaxing with a glass or two of champagne. It brings to mind the phrase "lifestyles of the rich and famous".

Formula 1 caters to all nations and allows its fans to dream of a jetset lifestyle, flinging from a luxury yacht at Monte Carlo Harbour to the forests of Germany, the luxury of the Arabian states, the technological paradise that is Japan and the laidback chill of Sao Paulo. Not only does Formula 1 have the edge over NASCAR in venues, it also wins hands down in the manufacturers that take part in the sport, Ferrari, BMW, Mercedes, Renault historic marques with a long heritage in racing and prestige driving, these names alone are enough to make you drool over the glamour involved in Formula 1. What does NASCAR have the Toyota Camry! Be still my beating heart! I'm sorry but there is no glamour attached to a car that is normally driven by fathers and sales reps.

Finally, the all-important drivers, Formula 1 has worldwide drivers which gives every kid (both small and big) the opportunity to dream that one day they could follow in the footsteps of Lewis Hamilton (England), Giancarlo Fisichella (Italy), Felipe Massa (Brazil), Robert Kubica (Poland) or Mark Webber (Australia). NASCAR is limited to attracting Americans and rejects from other forms of motorsport such as Juan Pablo Montoya and Jacques Villeneuve, who both moved to NASCAR when they were no longer deemed good enough for Formula 1.

Yes, I admit it, I am a dyed in the wool Formula 1 fan for a couple of hours every other week I am given the glimpse of world where business and sport mesh into a fine art. There is much to be learnt from Formula 1 teams on how to run a successful business that is based on being innovative and fresh and always needing to be just that little bit better than the competition.

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