I consider it a sport definatley. Think about it; you're competing against other racing drivers to get to first place, and whoever gets to the finish line first wins the prize. This is the same concept as in athletics, only you are using a vehicle. I can understand why people consider it not a sport since it doesnt require muscular training to compete. But it does require you to master a skill, which is driving at fast speeds while keeping in control of the vehicle. Which is highly technical. This is why its called motorsport ;)
And this is what sport means in the dictionary:
- Physical activity that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often engaged in competitively.
- A particular form of this activity.
- An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of rules or customs and often undertaken competitively.
- An active pastime; recreation.
Makes sense to me. :) You have to physically move a gear stick to change gear, you have to physically turn the steering wheel when you want to turn, and you have to push pedals with your feet. It may appear lazy to some, but all who drive can tell you that driving for long periods of time is very strenuos on the body. Drivers are advised to pull over and rest from driving after doing so for long periods of time.
As much as I enjoy watching NASCAR. It isn't a sport. Why? You can't play it for leisure. And that's one of the reasons that makes a sport a sport
You can run for leasure without needing to compete in a race. The same applies to driving. You can go to open day circuits and thrash your car to bits. Or you can walk and get pleasure, the same as you can if you drive casually. It's still engagement in physical activity.
Not that I'd race in my embarrasing *erhem*.... ride! :P
To me, sports are about physical ability, not mental. But that's just one person's opinion on the subject.
Sports require mental preparation too. Mindsets play a great deal on how well you perform. Controlling the mind under great pressure can be much more physically demanding of the body than physical activity itself.
You see footballers when they shoot for goal; they don't just stand there paying no attention to the ball and then when the whistle is blown they run hit and hope. They focus themselves using power of the mind. To relax, keep calm, and channel their energy. They visualise shooting for goal and making it. They visualise where the ball is going.
Might sound all bogus to you, but it's true.
Anybody in sports will tell you... preparation is key. Fail to prepare, prepare to fail.