I don't consider myself a racing fan though i do occasionally watch some of the bigger races. I would definetly consider these drivers athletes. Consider the risk they put themselves at and the speeds and distances of the races there is a considerable amount of mental as well as physical endurance needed to compete at that level. I know I couldn't drive 200mph for 500miles wearing a flame retardent jumpsuit on 150 degree track in the middle of the summer with no AC. Like all other professional sports they make it look easy and effortless but there is some serious skill out there. My hats off to them and I have no problem with a driver getting athlete of the year. Hasn't Tiger won that? I would venture to say that there are some people that believe golfers aren't athletes either.
|