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.
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.
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