You don't have to be a redneck to love...

NASCAR!! As I'm sitting here waiting for one of the most anticipated races of the year, it occurs to me that unless I wanna drive an hour to Ohio I'm goin to be watching the race by myself. That's right...other than some of my family (okay..just my brother), I don't really have any friends that enjoy NASCAR. Sure my fiance will tune in once in awhile (In the hopes of catching her dream boy Carl Edwards doing a backflip off his car), but other than that I'm usually watching the race by myself. I've heard many of excuses as to why people I talk to don't like the sport. Everything from, "They just turn left the whole time" to "It's a redneck sport"...by the way, a majority of my friends are rednecks...hmmm?? So, I give you all now some of the reasons why I love NASCAR.

1) Patriotism. When the national anthem plays, the fans are all standing and singing. People remove their hats, cover their hearts and NO ONE is saying anything but the lyrics of our national song. Also, the military flyover before each race gets just as much of a cheer as anything that occurs on the track.

2) BYOB. Hey, who can disagree that it's a good thing for the tracks to allow people to bring their own food and beverage?

3) Scanners. Is there another sport where you can listen to the strategy of the participants? Can you imagine listening to the huddle during the Super Bowl?

4) Daytona and Talledega. 43 cars...over 200mph...inches apart...enough said.

5) Fan loyalty. A fan is a fan for life. Your driver may not have won a race in years, but you still pull for him with every pass. He may be well out of points contention, but he could still win today's race...and that's why you cheer him on.

6) Personalities. You could root for the soft-spoken all around nice guy (Carl) or the complete jerk who feels it's his birthright to win every race (Go Tony!!). Trust me..this sport gives you many options.

7) Martinsville and Bristol. ...there's a lot of bumping and grinding. This also is exciting.

8) I don't have the guts to do it. I would stand in the batter's box and face any Major League pitcher. I wouldn't even see the ball, much less get close to hitting it...but I would still try. I would square up with any fullback in the NFL in full pads. He would leave cleat marks on my face...but I would still try. I would guard Shaq. He would throw me around like a rag-doll before dunking over my head...but I would still try. Ask me to get behind the wheel of 800hp, surrounded by 42 cars, bumper-to-bumper at 210mph, knowing that one tiny mistake from the guy five cars ahead could send me airborn...And I'd say NO WAY. Hence my respect for the guys doing it, and doing it well. You gotta love this sport.