The Fascination of NASCAR Crashes

By: Loyd Bedell


With the growth in popularity of NASCAR racing, a new fascination has been born. More and more fans are tuning in and turning up at races in the hope of seeing NASCAR crashes. Even though this fascination with the very dangerous side of NASCAR racing raises a few eyebrows, the fascination with NASCAR crashes is still on the rise.

NASCAR crashes are nothing new. They have been a regular occurrence since the beginning of the sport. Crashes are unavoidable when you consider the power and speed of the NASCAR race cars. The mere occurrence of NASCAR crashes is not what alarms devoted fans and leaders of the sport. They are often disturbed by that growing interest in and response to the drama of the crashes.

An increasing number of fans are constantly searching for footage of crashes that happened many years ago. Archived footage of NASCAR crashes can be found on sites like YouTube in ever increasing numbers, and their view count illustrates the popularity. When a new crash occurs, search engine hits on the driver that crashes skyrocket and often merchandise sales go through the roof as well.

Why are People so Interested?

People are curious by nature and the idea of pushing things like mortality to the limit is fascinating. Intrigue with NASCAR crashes has a lot to do with drivers boldly taking on something that is extremely dangerous due to the speeds involved. A non-fatal crash is to the fan the ultimate demonstration of courage, because the driver walked away from an event that would have killed most other people. And when a driver loses his life, it stirs deep emotions in millions of people. Perhaps it causes people to look at their own mortality. If a seemingly untouchable can lose his life, then death can and will come for all. Interest in celebrity death is nothing new, but the added excitement of a crash gives accidents in NASCAR an extra bit of interest.

Another, less spiritual reason people are fascinated with NASCAR crashes, has to do with the commercial side of life. When a driver crashes in NASCAR, interest in that driver increases and as a result, the price of that drivers merchandise can also increase. Many people, including those who deal in NASCAR memorabilia, keep a close eye on crashes because it could mean bigger sales. There's often a spike in merchandise sales on eBay whenever a driver has been involved in an accident. It's sad that some people financially exploit the demise of a NASCAR hero, but unfortunately that's something that will probably not easily disappear.


Author - Loyd Bedell. Are you an avid NASCAR fan? At www.stockcarcrashes.com you can see videos of non-fatal NASCAR crashes.