While recently discussing the World Cup with a co-worker, he made the comment “Well, it’s more exciting than watching a bunch of cars drive around in a circle.” So, I’ll take this opportunity to defend my sport of choice and, in the meantime, get in a couple of shots at all of his favorites.
First of all, I notice ESPN, while promoting the World Cup, doesn’t know what to call it. They don’t say the World Cup soccer championship, because it’s only soccer in the U.S. Everywhere else it’s football, but ESPN can’t bring itself to call it that. That would be too confusing to the average U.S. fan. They would object to that saying there’s only one sport of football and the Broncos play that, although not very well. When I was a kid we called it kickball and I think that’s more appropriate for the sport.
This guy’s argument centered on the fact that kickball players are true athletes and racecar drivers aren’t. I guess it all depends on your definition of what an athlete is or isn’t. Anyone showing athletic ability such as running, jumping, etc. would be considered a true athlete to some, whereas someone who sits in a car and drives fast would not. I beg to differ. I believe it takes more ability such as hand-eye coordination and quick reflexes to drive a racecar than it does to run around kicking a ball. As I’ve been know to say many times, if you have no true athletic ability you become a runner or a bicycle racer. A small step up from those so-called athletes is a soccer player.
If you can’t play golf or tennis, football, baseball or basketball to name a few, you run or ride a bike. Or kick a ball. Where a bowler fits into this argument is a mystery and perhaps racecar drivers too.
Now to the sports themselves. I’d rather watch a pace lap than a soccer match. It’s just boring to me. And keep in mind I like to watch golf on TV. Maybe it’s a lack of drama in soccer or maybe it’s just I could care less who wins and that accounts for the lack of drama or tension or whatever it is that’s missing, for me that is.
As for auto racing, obviously I have my favorites who I’d like to see win, but there’s also the hero-worship thing. I save my highest form of respect for the men and women who risk their lives for the love of the sport. They’re brave beyond belief. Kinda like test pilots. People willing to put their lives on the line for the sensation of going fast and to live to tell about it afterwards — to earn the highest level of respect from fans that exists. Bullriders fit into that same category for me. Also, when I was a kid it was a huge deal as to who had the fastest car. Racing was the ultimate test.
Soccer players don’t. Neither do runners or cyclists. In the middle are golfers, tennis players and the like. Again, bowlers are the odd ones out. Try as I’d like, I can’t defend them.
I promise you, every sane person in the world would be scared to get behind the wheel of a Top Fuel dragster. How many people would be scared to get on a bicycle or kick a ball. Not to mention running, which is just a step up from walking mind you.
As a fan, I’ve never been more excited than I have been watching drag racers or NASCAR racers. It’s a rush that can’t be described. I’ll admit it’s an aquired taste. You either love it or hate it.
On that note, I can’t complain about the horn blowing during the World Cup matches. It you want to hear real noise, go to the drags. Or to Bristol for a NASCAR race.
I don’t think less of people who don’t agree with me. In most cases, they can’t help it that they are wrong. It’s more than likely the way they were raised. It’s not an argument where there’s a winner. It really is just a matter of opinion. To each his own.
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LM Otero, The Associated Press
