AuDIDAS4:SZR

The same question can apply to all forms of racing I suppose. I've never really thought about it and don't know how I'd answer the question to be honest.<ul><li><a href="http://sports.espn.go.com/rpm/nascar/cup/columns/story?columnist=hinton_ed&amp;id=3539848">Are drivers athletes??</a></li></ul>

BJC::wokka wokka

"But in my opinion, in poker, those guys are athletes. Being able to do what they do for a week straight, playing all those games for hours on end and the focus they have to have."

So is a business owner, lawyer, doctor, etc is an athelete? They all pay their dues with little to no sleep through the weeks.

ESPN is not a pure sports channel. Hence the E for entertainment.


But what to consider an athelete is a pretty subjective topic. I wouldn't call a poker player an athelete though that is for sure.

pattycakes® iCode

I'm a mathlete. I suffer mathletes foot and squareroot itch.

Tifosi

To be a F1 driver you need: Amazingly quick reflexes, hand-eye coordination, agility, stamina and be in a physical condition that can rival any marathon runner or astronauts. IIRC, their heart rate are ~120/min and that has to last for at least 2 hours. And not to mention the G-force (&gt;9G, and that's without a pressure suit on) their body and mainly the neck muscles has to endure during series of opposite turns or full acceleration or heavy braking situations, they are indeed an athlete in every sense.

BenM@University Audi

How about pool players?

It's kind of an apples vs oranges thing. I love playing basketball because I can get a sweat and the physicality of it. I hate golf because it bores me to tears. But when my ankles and knees won't let me play basketball anymore, maybe I'll take up golf.

I'd liken that to the F1 vs Drag racing thing, they're different skill sets.

I will say though, F1 drivers are incredible athletes like tifosi said, with incredible reaction times, some of the fastest in the world. F1 also doesn't have launch control for 08 So they are essentially drag racing from a standing start.

All things considered, I think an F1 racer could figure out the drag racing skillset quicker than a drag racer could pick up F1 racing...and I'm in no way saying one is better than the other.

Also, I don't think anyone can just jump into anything at a "pro" level and "dominate" the competition

Higher750

I think they went through a week with Alonso. The amount of running and lifting he does is insane. He really does train as though he is going to run a marathon or triathlon.

I can't find the link...

pattycakes® iCode

<img src="http://www.dvdtown.com/images/displayimage.php?id=5363">

Omid:S4:Nogaro

Just ask Brazil. Takes less skill to drag race, so they're not worthy.

Couver

It is different, but requires special abilities that not the common person has. Just like any other sport.

HeartlessNomad12

the time they spend on conditioning is a joke