[wolfeskins]

Originally Posted by redsk1

Athlete of the Year to me, implies a level of personal achievement vs competition. Of course, JJ has been dominant in racing. I know too, that driving a stock car, for hours and hours in brutal condition aint easy.

You've got to rely on a good team in racing and more importantly the car itself. I can guarantee, that if JJ, drove for a lesser team or engine builder, he wouldn't be as successful. Also, I just don't think drivers should be classified w/ all other athletes. Maybe, it's because I grew up watching the old regime of Nascar like Darrell Waltrip, Dale Sr, Harry Gant, and others. Jimmie Spencer...not much of an athlete, although a heck of a driver.

I don't know..just never really thought of a Nascar driver as an athlete. That's not downgrading their talent. Just an opinion.

i agree with ya and i'll even take it a step further. to me, an athlete is someone who participates in a sport. i do not consider nascar a sport.