NASCAR Winston Cup Drivers: A Sociological Profile

Abstract

NASCAR racing is a popular competitive pastime for many Americans. This study examines Winston Cup stock car drivers from sociological perspective, analyzing their demographic information and their racing motivations and history. The researcher used a 33 item questionnaire to develop a qualitative and quantitative profile of a “typical” 1987 Winston Cup driver. The researcher obtained data on 77 Winston Cup racers during the 1987 season. Information included drivers’ age, race, gender, marital status, number of children, education, place of birth, place of upbringing, family involvement in racing, motivation for racing, fitness training, athletic participation, racing experience, career satisfaction, and feelings of success. Results include indications that NASCAR racing is a white, male dominated sport, and that prior family involvement in racing and spending one’s childhood in the southeastern US are influencing factors in becoming a professional racer. On average, Winston Cup drivers need 20 years of racing experience, however, colleges do not provide racing training and so most professional racers do not pursue higher education. Suggestions for further study include investigating the gender divide in racing and a sociological study of “racing communities” at Winston Cup tracks.