Should motorsports be in the Olympics?
Setting the Stage
Do you remember those fantastic summer days when you were a kid, spending your hours running or cycling around your neighborhood pretending you were racing at the Olympics? And yes, I'm talking specifically to those of us who were always pictured crossing the finish line of a grand motor race. For me, it was always the Indy 500 with snarling engines and squealing tyres that evoked an adrenaline rush unsurpassed by running or swimming. Fast forward a few decades and while I've traded my childhood go-kart for a more modest Honda, the allure of high-speed motorsport still pulls at my heart strings.
Which brings us to a question that's been burning a hole in my gears for a while: Should motorsports be in the Olympics?
The Thrill of Motorsport
Let's not pretend that you or I can truly get inside the head of an olympic athlete. But you've got to imagine that completing 100 meters and breaking a world record is about more than raw power. It involves a heady cocktail of skill, guts, precision timing, maybe a pinch of good fortune and, most importantly, an unyielding will to succeed. Now, I don't know about you, but that too sounds an awful lot like what our talented motorsport drivers contend with on every tricky turn and straightaway. All that adrenaline pumping through their veins while keeping a laser focus on the road, doesn’t that sound eerily similar to the experiences of Usain Bolt, Michael Phelps, and Simone Biles? Our beloved adrenaline pumping, heart pounding, edge-of-your-seat motorsport too is a test of ultimate skill, reflex and endurance.
Busting Myths: It’s Not Just About the Machine
Let's dispel a common myth. People often argue that in motorsport, much of the credit goes to the machine rather than the man. But let me play the devil's advocate here. Is Usain Bolt’s record-breaking run just about his genetically gifted body, or is there a significant element of training, discipline, skill execution, and mental strength playing a significant role? Similarly, professional drivers are much more than just 'guys who push pedal to the metal.' Coping with G-forces similar to those experienced by astronauts, enduring extreme temperatures inside the cockpit, and making lightning-fast strategic decisions all while driving at breakneck speed – these drivers are hardcore athletes in their own right. Ask any motorsport racer and they'll tell you, it's not just about the car – it's about the human behind the wheel.
The Olympic Spirit<\h2>
The essence of the Olympics is about celebrating the pinnacle of human ability and performance. The charm lies in seeing individuals from different countries compete in the spirit of sportsmanship. It's about breaking barriers, pushing limits and exemplifying unity. Now take a minute to think about the thrill of motorsport, the camaraderie between drivers, the respect they hold for each other and the limit-pushing battles on the race tracks. Hard to argue it doesn't embrace the Olympic spirit in its own high-octane way.
The Big Question: Practicality?
Now, the feasibility of incorporating motorsport into the Olympics is definitely a big talking point, and I'd be dodging the issue if I didn’t bring it up. With various forms of motorsport, each with a unique set of rules, which one would make the cut? Furthermore, could we deal with the carbon footprint it would eventually leave behind? These are complex questions, and perhaps even hurdles, but not necessarily deal-breakers. A hybrid or electric powered motorsport event, perhaps?
Role Model on Wheels
Over the years, Olympic athletes have embraced the role of societal icons who inspire and influence generations. And I believe that our motorsport athletes stand tall in this regard too. Heroes like Lewis Hamilton, who is not only supremely talented and successful but is also using his platform to promote social justice and climate responsibility. Or Danica Patrick, who shattered the glass ceiling in a male-dominated sport. If a kid can be inspired by Michael Phelps to dive into a pool, why can't another be inspired by Patrick to hop into a racing machine?
Summing it Up<\h2>
So, should motorsport be in the Olympics? As an ardent fan of the speed and skill of motorsports, I say: why not? If we are about celebrating human spirit, skill, and sportsmanship, motorsport surely ticks all those boxes. It may not be track and field, but it's a sporting spectacle in its own right. And in the grand Olympic circus of clashing titans and soaring underdogs, motorsport may just add that extra bit of fuel to keep the flame burning brighter. With engines roaring and hearts pounding, it may well be time for a podium finish for motorsport under the five rings.
About Author
Hi, I'm Trenton Beauchamp, a sports enthusiast with a passion for motorsports. I've dedicated my life to analyzing and understanding the intricacies of high-speed racing. As a writer, I love to share my knowledge and insights about the world of motorsports with my readers. I've had the opportunity to cover some of the most prestigious racing events worldwide. Through my writing, I strive to bring the adrenaline-pumping excitement of the race track to life for my audience.
