Originally posted by Mike

Most of the Nascar drivers I've seen (so far) are family oriented and put out a good name for themselves and the sport.

You can't be a drug-addict and drive a car 200mph. But, you can certainly be a drug-addict and dribble a basketball.

-- Mike

I really hate to add fuel to this since it is not Z oriented but I had to comment. Since last April, Kevin Grubb (NBS), Brian Rose (CTS), Shane Hmiel (NBS), and Dave Goulet from Kevin Lepage's pit crew have been suspended for violating the substance abuse policy as well as Scott Wimmer being arrested for DUI. Let's not forget Tim Richmond back in the 80s who was suspended for substance abuse prior to his AIDS related death in 1989. This sport is not immune to this sort of thing. They just spend so much effort on presenting a wholesome image. They are people too. Young people in the spotlight, the fame and fortune. They can make bad choices just like anyone else. Unfortunately, people with this celebrity type status are looked to as role models. People are looking in the wrong direction.

No, certainly not immune to 'human' behavior. But, one of your examples was from the 80's. That's a long time ago and it leads me to believe the frequency is a lot less when compared to the NBA. Every week I hear about something new happening with them...

Of course I should realize that we have a lot more NBA / NFL teams and players when compared to racing. So, maybe it is an unfair comparison.

Oh well, we all have our opinions.

My biggest gripe with all of "pro sports" is that probably 90% of these athletes are in it for the money and glamour, and not for the love of the "sport". If you look up "sport" in Webster's dicitonary, does it say anything about 40 million dollar, multi-year contracts?

Racing is not a sport anymore, it's a business. Only the amateur racers who work hard, and pay their own way to do what they love is the real "sportsman".

How many of them would drive in Nascar, IRL or whatever, or play baseball, b-ball, football etc, if they only made as much as someone who works like a dog to bring home under 100K a year?

My answer is, not very many. They always like to remind us that they love what they do, but, would they love it if they weren't being made multi-millionaires?

Originally posted by 2ManyZs

How many of them would drive in Nascar, IRL or whatever, or play baseball, b-ball, football etc, if they only made as much as someone who works like a dog to bring home under 100K a year?

My answer is, not very many. They always like to remind us that they love what they do, but, would they love it if they weren't being made multi-millionaires?

Actually, I believe there are more racers that would do it for the love than you really think. Take a look at Stewart and Earnhardt Jr.... I frequently see these guys racing in other divisions. They certainly don't need the money.

Notice to all who read this: I apologize to Carl. I knew his post was supposed to get a laugh. And my post was just an opposite view to what he posted. I too like all forms of racing. Some more than others. American LeMans Series is my favorite. I dont condone anyones bad behaviour if they are a professional. Role model or not. There will always be trouble makers in any sport. How about the recent NHL fiasco?

My response to Carl's post was simply me venting against anyone who bashes one form of racing over another. And yes, I know it wasnt Carl's words but something he found elsewhere. I just got caught in the moment and it ticked me off.

Its the same situation as one I faced once when I went into a Big A auto parts store and the counterman laughed in my face when I told him what car I drove (Z of course). I just find it ignorant when someone (Not Carl) says that IRL is better or NASCAR is better.

This forum has always had a long standing tradition of not segregating against the "other guy".

Again, I apologize to Carl. I am finding all the comments great reading though.

Chris

Originally posted by 240ZX

Man, you guys are sharp, and cruel too.........I was wondering how long it would take for you to catch that one (grammer)!

Hurt me, whip me, but please don't move in next door.....thank you! :stupid: :stupid:

I wasn't trying to be cruel. Just trying to turn what began as a humorous thread back in that direction. Nor was I trying to bash the sport. Just making some observations. I do watch Nascar. The six incidents I mentioned were in less than one years' time. The example from the 80s stuck out to me because it was highly publicized. The have had their share over the years. Nascar does a better job of keeping negative things out of the press. And for the most part, when these guys are found to be on drugs they don't drive anymore. Who would you rather share the arena with if he was on drugs? A football, baseball, basketball or hockey player? Or a guy driving a car 200 mph. Having said that, I am not condoning drugs in any way but I don't really care how these idiots choose to ruin their lives. When I say idiots, I don't mean just Nascar but the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, actors, the fool up the street, whoever! I don't have any control over their lives.

And, I too, apologize to you Carl for helping to take this thread where it has gone.

Originally posted by sblake01

And, I too, apologize to you Carl for helping to take this thread where it has gone.

Carl, will you, CAN YOU forgive those of us who have contributed to this thread?

I think the "Z-content" sensitivity is getting a little out of hand. Is it not true that the regular visitors/contributors to this site have found a group of somewhat like-minded folks to banter with?

At any rate, I don't necessarily equate racers with athletes. They are somewhere between athlete and entertainer, kind of like PGA golfers. Does racing at 200mph for several hours require stamina? Hell yes. (It's phenomenal to me that someone can absolutely bake in one of those cars, fight emotion and control adrenaline. Certainly, there's a good measure of hand-eye coordination involved as well.) However, they're a far cry from the level of athleticism as NBA, MLB, NHL or NFL athletes.

Oh yeah, Z cars were made in Japan and the Japanese love baseball. ...almost forgot my Z content!

Originally posted by MDyer

I think the "Z-content" sensitivity is getting a little out of hand. Is it not true that the regular visitors/contributors to this site have found a group of somewhat like-minded folks to banter with?

I don't think Z-content matters at all in this "Funnybone" forum.

This thread started out as a joke and rapidly expanded into serious discussions.