If you get together a group of men from the US and some from other areas of the world, particularly Europe and move the conversation on to motor racing sooner or later an argument will develop about which is the best, NASCAR or Formula 1? A sharp division will then appear between the two groups of fans. Equally, irrespective of what a person from either camp says, it is extremely unlikely that you will get anyone to change his views on the subject. They are either a NASCAR or Formula 1 supporters and that is how it will stay.

Therefore, the intention within this article is not to even attempt to cross that divide. Here we will simply look at the benefits and disadvantages that each sport has and leave you, the reader, to make up your own mind.

NASCAR

NASCAR ia a uniquely American sport and has been since its inception in the late 1940's. It is the closest sport to racing an ordinary production car that you can get and perhaps that is what gives it the appeal.

There are several advantages for the NASCAR fan. The most obvious of these is that at the majority of the race tracks, apart from the road courses, as a spectator you are able to see virtually of the race from a ringside seat rather than get fleeting glimpses of the machines as they speed by once every circuit. Additionally, because the tracks are wide and the straights are relatively, there is a reasonable amount of sharp breaking, overtaking, tailgating and certainly a great deal of side-by-side racing.

Similarly, the rather complex way in which the points are distributed within the series and the types of races run means that the championship lead can change sveral times within the season, which makes it a more nail-biting experoence for drivers and fans alike. Another advantage is that a large majority of the cars are likely to last the distance and be in close contention with the winner right up until the finish line.

Where opponents would say that NASCAR had disadvantages are in two areas. Firstly, at least on the oval tracks with all turns in the same direction, this could be said to make for less excitement for spectators and reduced skill on the part of the driver. Secondly, it is said that the "lucky dog" rule, whereby a driver can gain a lap back after a caution is displayed, is unfair and not in the interest of the sport.This can lead to drivers being given an unfair advantage.

FORMULA 1

Formula 1 takes place in some of the most exotic scenery in Europe and, more recently,

• 1
• 2
• next page >>

---

Add your voice

Know something about NASCAR vs. Formula One?
We want to hear your view. Write now!