Athlete of the year ?

[MarshCappa]

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.

[striperman36]

Originally Posted by MarshCappa

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.

You gotta be in shape to as stated above. I used to race karts, and even a 30 lap feature is a challenge. You are on the edge the entire time.

Micheal Schuamacher in F1, literally brought a gym and a trainer to every track, his workout routine would make any pro sports athelete walk away exhausted.

Mark Martin works out 6 hours a day 6-7days a week. the guy is 50. in amazing shape. He almost one it yet again.

[basswipe]

I'll explain.

Nascar racing in itself defines competetion.Its so tight its scary.

43 men/cars everyweek.

Possibilty of death very possible,Adam Petty,Kenny Irwin,Tony Roper and Dale Sr.to name a few who have died.

How about going 500 miles in a car that's so hot to be unbearable.Drivers literally lose several pounds during a race.These
guys white knucke race almost every week,Daytona and Talledega will scare the crap out of most.

All this means you must be physically fit to say the least.

JJ just won 4 cups in a row=ahthlete of the year.