I have a confession to make — I love NASCAR! I thought I drove this track alone, and as a rebel, that’s fine and dandy with me. NASCAR is ingrained in my bones as the speed, sound, and thunder brings my mind into focus while these incredibly talented drivers take their vehicles and bodies to top speeds. These cars are built from the ground up and are pure racing beasts.
Attending a NASCAR race is a sensory experience you’ve got to try. You’ll see bright colors, hear the growling sounds of the engines and the awesome fans, smell the hot tang of brake dust and rubber, and feel the sun burning your skin on a smoking hot day. There is nothing in the world like attending a NASCAR race in person.
My love started with the Indianapolis 500; I wouldn’t miss this race even as I watched it alone figuratively and in reality. Then, somehow, I was introduced to NASCAR, and my track has never been the same. It’s a sport that most in my (Jewish) tribe have not accepted in their lifestyles, so I sought fervent fans from other groups to fill the void.
Yet last night an individual spotted the #18 (Kyle Busch for those of you not in the know) hat on my head, and I was inspired! Could there be more Jewish NASCAR fans out there than I thought?
We bonded as if we were two track mates that spent a lifetime together, even though it was only minutes. We were brought together by the love of a sport that was not part of the “Jewtopia” world but was solidly a part of our world.
I know there are others out there from my tribe who hide this passion behind a closed door and T.V., and I aim to bring them out of their closet to be a proud Jewish NASCAR fan. Don’t worry; it doesn’t matter if you’re a good, bad, or indifferent Jew – you can still love NASCAR!
So, dare to show your rebel Jewish colors. Don’t let “the mob” tell you what sport to watch, join our “mob” instead. You’ll find others in our tribe, and we’ll build our new community together!