There are as many reasons for NASCAR's popularity as there are NASCAR fans. Well, maybe not that many, but close. Let's take a look at some of the more important.

First - the racing is more competitive then any other form of motor sports. Sure there are rare exceptions when someone will take a NASCAR race by 15 seconds or more, and even rarer exceptions when an INDY, or Grand Prix circuit contest, will be won by less then that. But race in and race out, NASCAR finishes are breath taking. Some complain about the constant changing of the rules to deliver this. But that's what it takes.

Second - there's constant "action" during the race. Most forms of racing have lead changes, pit stops, and crashes. But NASCAR has more of them then any other.

Third - visible and visceral. Rarely is any of the "action" missed. With the exception of the occasional road race (which some would just as soon see dropped) most NASCAR races are in stadiums where everything is visible, most of the time, to most of the spectators. The environments also provide for overwhelming sensory input, bright cars, thunderous noise, and a unique blend of high octane fuel, sun tan lotion, and burning rubber.

Fourth - spectacular, but safer crashes. It's not that people go to races to be entertained by crashes. But, there's no denying that crashes get the crowd's adrenaline flowing. Crashes shouldn't be, and probably can't be, engineered out of racing. But, a sport that builds up it's stars, must protect them too. And NASCAR has succeeded at that more then the other forms of racing. There is a natural advantage, as the cars are large enough to allow engineering in safety standards as they emerge, and that has been done consistently.

Fifth - recognizable stars. Marketing and longevity are the differentiators here. Because of the tie ins with major retail brands that use the drivers and cars in their sales campaigns, and because the drivers tend to have longer careers and can build up name recognition, the stars of NASCAR are a major attraction.

Sixth - a battle between good and evil. Well, not really. But many of the fans see it that way. Certain drivers are seen as having black hats, for whatever reason. And the good guys should win through. Sometimes they do, but one fans villain is often another fans hero. All of that adds to the emotional draw of the races.

Seventh - cars that people can relate to. Formula One and Indy cars may represent a higher level of on the track performance. But seeing your Ford, Dodge, Chevy, or now even Toyota, look alike fighting it out is easy to become attached to. Helps the fans to relate to the racers, and attracts the sponsors that finance everything.

Eighth - something for everyone. Young stud drivers for the women, beautiful wives, girlfriends and groupies for the men, graying experts as father figures, constantly advancing technology for the geeks, wild infield parties for the party animals, all wrapped up in a carnival atmosphere for the young at heart. What's not to like?

All of this holds at the NASCAR super speedways, but is even more evident at the many small Friday night tracks, that are spread all over the country. The next time you have a chance to take in race, see if you don't agree.

Learn more about this author, Vic Moro.
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