The World From A NASCAR fan's view

NASCAR season is finally back, with all the excitement that is the Daytona 500. We have 36 weeks of excitement and often suspense. I have been a fan for about four years now and have come to love it.

Here are a few ways you can compare NASCAR to real life.

1. Life always throws twists, turns and curves.

Not unlike life, NASCAR doesn't get interesting until there's an obstacle such a crash, safety caution or even a delay. Most of the time you may simply be cruising around over and over. Then you have to deal with the other stuff.

2. It really doesn't matter where you start.

Getting the pole (#1 starting position) does help. However, it all boils down to how many laps you can lead and ultimately where you are at the end of the race. During the longer races such as Daytona, Atlanta and Charlotte, you have more of a chance to bounce back as a driver. For example, the winner of this year's Daytona 500 doesn't always go on to win the championship. There is a lot of racing.

3. Having a strong support system is important.

Many may think it's all just the driver. Sometimes it's how good the car has been all week in trials and practices. You also have your crew chief, the always exciting pit crew, and of course your fans. These are important for a driver to reach victory lane.

4.  Nighttime is often more fun.

Let's admit it, the night races are often the more fun ones to watch and go to. After dark is when we go to movies, dinner, bowling and other fun activities. Everything seems better under the stars and bright lights.

5. Things tend to pause for the end of year holidays.

There of course are no races during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. You see lots of folks that also start mentally ending their year around Thanksgiving and starting anew come New Year's. Everyone needs a break and NASCAR definitely gets it.

6. Everyone will not like you.

If you root for NASCAR long enough, you develop your favorite drivers and the ones you wish would retire forever. Many are glad that this is Jeff Gordon's final year and many are sad. In life, everyone won't like you then either. You're almost like a driver. That's when your support system is most important.

I'm ready for the green flag to drop and for the engines to start!

What are some other ways NASCAR relates to real life? Why do you enjoy NASCAR?