When most people hear “NASCAR,” they probably think of fast cars, loud engines, and if you’re from Chicago some seriously annoying traffic during the street races. But what many might not know is that NASCAR (short for the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is actually one of the biggest professional motor-sports in the U.S., right up there with Formula 1 (F1). Even though it’s been around for decades and has a passionate fan base, NASCAR doesn’t seem to get the same love or attention as other major sports.

So why is that? One big reason could be the lack of media coverage. Outside of major race weekends or the occasional street race that shuts down half the city, NASCAR doesn’t get much screen time. A lot of students might not even realize it’s still a thing unless they’ve got a family member who’s a die hard fan, or they’ve had to reroute their drive because of a race.

But here’s the thing: NASCAR is actually really interesting once you get into it. Unlike many sports, the rules in NASCAR can change from race to race, which keeps things exciting. Drivers and their teams are constantly trying to find clever strategies and small advantages to get ahead. There’s a lot more thinking and planning involved than just driving in circles, even if that’s how it might look at first.

So, should NASCAR be promoted more? Some students think so.

“I think NASCAR should be promoted more because of the grand championships and performances,” says freshman football player Brody Anderson. Freshman Abel Vladimir Whittie, who’s a chess player and metal music fan, agrees, “NASCAR should definitely be promoted more. It’s really interesting, and it tests your patience with all the laps.”

Many fans believe NASCAR deserves more visibility, especially among younger people. With better promotion and outreach, it could attract a whole new generation of fans. Instead of just being known for road closures and noise, NASCAR could be seen for what it really is, a high-stakes, fast-paced sport full of strategy, competition, and adrenaline.

So next time you hear about a NASCAR event, maybe don’t just roll your eyes at the traffic. Give it a shot, you might be surprised at how fun it actually is.