by Michelle Lynne Smith

Created on: October 11, 2010

Nascar is probably one of the more family oriented entertainment franchises available today. Whereas many sports are geared towards specific genders, and a lot of entertainment is targeted at age specific audiences, Nascar is widely viewed as something the whole family can enjoy.

Look at the crowd during the pre race show, and you will see people of all ages. There are moms pushing strollers, with babies in them wearing hats or shirts featuring their parents favorite drivers. Next to them are dads carrying kids on their shoulders as they all walk to get hot dogs or go to their seats. Or take a look at the infield, where families have their RV's parked for the weekend. You'll see parents at the grill while their kids are throwing a football or walking the family dog. It's the one weekend when the kids aren't begging to play more video games, dad actually wants to come out of the garage and mom is just glad someone else is in charge of the food.

If you need more proof that Nascar is fun for the whole family, just listen to the drivers. They often talk about their own childhoods and how they started racing at a young age. They talk about their parents sacrificing to buy them a go kart and the support they've given them their entire careers. Or watch right before the race starts, when many of the drivers are spending time with their own kids before they get into their cars. During his post race celebration at Dover, Jimmie Johnson even brought his newborn daughter to Victory Lane with him to help celebrate his win. If this doesn't encourage some family bonding time, I don't know what will.

In an age where professional athletes and celebrities are mired in public scandal and controversy, the drivers of Nascar have managed to stay out of the limelight. With guys like Tiger Woods involved in a sex scandal, and Lindsay Lohan in and out of rehab, Nascar has maintained it's clean cut, if somewhat rough, image. Sure fights break out on Pit Road and words may be exchanged in the garage, but these are grown men who compete in a high stress and dangerous environment. But parents can sit down with their kids and watch a race knowing they probably won't have to be explaining how their favorite driver was just arrested or involved in a shooting. 

These are just a few reasons why Nascar is great family entertainment. It is one of the few things these days that families can enjoy together, whether on TV or live at a racetrack. I know my husband and I can't wait to share it with our kids when they get older.

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