NASCAR is one of the most underrated sports nowadays. A lot of people claim all the drivers do is turn left. This is technically true, but there's so much more to it than that. I have been going to the races in New Hampshire since I was a baby and we've gone almost every year since. To me, there's nothing better than being back at the track and camping out for a weekend full of fast cars.

Going to the track will totally change your opinion about racing all together. Being there and experiencing everything first hand is so much better than just watching on TV. The thing that people don't realize about racing is all of the strategy and mind work that goes into it. Different tracks call for different types of cars and different strategies for teams and drivers as well. Track rules and speeds are a big factor for the drivers as well. It may seem boring just hearing all of that, but believe me, it's worth the experience going to the track.

At the track you also get a look at all of the behind the scenes that goes into racing. You get to see just how high the banking on the track is and how hard they have to drive to keep their car in line. These are pictures I've taken at New Hampshire Motor Speedway where you can see some of the banking. It's not the best angle, but you should see the hill we have to walk up to get to this first view. It's crazy to think a car drives along an angle that steep.

When it comes to the drivers not being "real athletes," that is 100% not true. In order to sit in those extremely hot cars for hours, they have to be physically fit. A lot of the drivers exercise so much outside of racing. Whether it's biking, running or doing triathlons, they do it all. They also use so much body strength during the races that keep them going during the many hours of racing they do. This sounds like a real athlete to me.

Another reason NASCAR is anything but lame is the crashes these drivers get into and they keep racing. If you don't believe me, Google the worst NASCAR crashes and you'll understand pretty quick. They flip, slide, and crash going 100+ mph. Some don't end well, but others just leave the driver shaken up, which you can imagine why.

I have to say, the absolute best part of NASCAR is the people involved with the sport. I've had the opportunity to meet quite a few drivers and they've all been the nicest people. Everyone involved with this sport is totally committed and loves what they do. (Even the pit crew workers have fun with fans while they're touring the pits as you can see with this picture from a couple years ago.) You also meet amazing fans during your weekends at the races. We have a whole group of people who I've known all my life from our time at the speedway, and they are some of the best people I've ever met.

Still not sure about how you feel about NASCAR? Buy tickets for the race in your area this year. I promise you that you will not be disappointed. Be prepared for heat, a lot of noise, and a great time while you're there. There's nothing like it.