I would have to say it's dangerous entertainment.Or just a really fast carnival ride...remember bumper cars? Although competition is the name of the game here I guess. Perhaps the drivers are in fact a type of athlete since they must endure challenging obstacles such as road conditions, long races (endurance), and must have great reflexes. My only dislike of this sport is that there are too many things that can go wrong (fatal errors if you will). One cannot "crash and burn" on a football field. Sure, you can break you neck but you ain't goin up in flames..(which gives me the creeps if you get my drift). So to answer your question Bill, a little of both....cheers....Brent