An interesting take on NASCAR

[Liz]

I'm not a NA$CAR Fan in any way shape or form. But this article in the Wall Street Journal has a very interesting take on the reason NA$CAR is so popular -- this is a pretty positive article and I thought you guys might enjoy it.

Unlike most sports, the culture of Nascar, perhaps even more than the racing itself, is elemental to its success. God and family values permeate. A calendar chock full of weekend races from February to November takes Mother's Day off. The race weekend is an event with the liturgical flavor of a tent revival meeting, with fans coming from great distances and many camping out in RVs.

Ahead of the main event at Bristol, a parachutist lands on the track trailing an enormous American flag. A prayer of invocation is said to reverent silence. Kids from the Motor Racing Outreach ministry youth group sing the national anthem. And Naval fighter jets cap the pre-race festivities with a tight-formation flyover. Flag, God, Military, Racing. It's a Red-State recipe that plays well in post-9/11 America.

http://www.opinionjournal.com/la/?id=110003932

[oily oaf]

Ah its all becoming clear to me now. My liking for Nascar stems from my deeply held religious beliefs and my almost saintly lifestyle for a moment there I thought it was down to the exciting wheel to wheel racing, death defying fireball inducing wrecks and pit road brawling. Wot a relief! Seriously though when the Champ cars raced at Brands this year and the old reverend said a few words before the start I did find it strangely moving and I say that as someone who feels uneasy at weddings, christenings and funerals which are the only times I am to be found in the Lord's house. Blimey I think I'm becoming born again!

[massifheed]

Amen!