33 replies to this topic

[Andrew Hope]

I've been trying to to explain my love for racing to my girl for a few months now and it struck me today it might be a decent idea for a thread here as I'm sure loads of us have explained or taught our better halves or mates that don't care about racing or somesuch about the sport and why we follow it the way we do.

Ever had any luck explaining racing rules or why you like it so much to someone who's never been interested in it? What does your significant other or best mate or whatever think about racing? Ever successfully converted someone or is everyone you've tried to explain racing to left just as confused and indifferent as before? How would you go about explaining your passion for racing to someone who's barely ever seen a race of any kind before? Any good stories to tell on the subject? etc etc.

[Crafty]

open her wardrobe, point to her shoes.
close wardrobe.
point to your archive of race footage.

"its the same" tell her.

[Andrew Hope]

Didn't mean to look like I was slyly trying to find ideas, but cheers for that. I tried explaining it all to her and she doesn't really get it, anything racing is 'Nascar' to her usually so I just told her F1's been there for me since I was six and she's only been around the last couple years and my heart has a seniority list.

[Risil]

Racing's like the moon landing, but every weekend.

Srsly though, good luck. You're slightly better off than the sort of football fan who has to explain why the seemingly random movements of a Gaetano Scirea or Miodrag Belodedici should be held in the sort of reverence, and examined in the sort of detail, usually reserved for the books of the Biblical canon. At least there's the un-ignorable evidence of your Valentino Rossis, Greg Moores and Kamui Kobayashis.

Edited by Risil, 23 July 2011 - 19:44.

[Frank Tuesday]

Why I love racing (not F1, or even motorsport, specific)? To me, racing is a pure sport. The concept (get to the finish line first) is simple. There is a start line, a finish line, and a route between. Whoever completes it in the shortest time is the winner. From the start to the finish, pure racing is free from procedural dictates. That is not to say that racing is simple. There are many different ways to win or lose. Books have been written about racing tactics, and people have spent years perfecting tactics. After the event, people will discuss and argue the merits of the tactics employed by the participants, sometimes for years after. Ultimately, tactics only value is that the lead to the end result.

Point A to B. The beauty is the simplicity.

[Louis Siefert]

take her to a Gp and talk to her about what questions she has and don't be pushy and tell her "look!" your missing it
let her discover it on her own
get a nice grandstand seat with cover and make the day about her
go shop in the local market and buy some fresh bread to bring to the track to eat with the fresh salami and plan a little picnic in between sessions let her do her own thing on friday and choose either sat or sunday if she doesn't want to go on sunday sell her ticket to someone that is cool enough to share the race with outside the track and give her a hundred dollars to do her own thing if she doesn't want to go
but trust me play it coy and she will be begging to go the following year
you are in montreal correct?

[NateF]

As I was leaving work on the Friday before the British GP, chatting to a colleague about weekend plans etc, told her I was going to watch the GP, received a look of contempt and response of how much of dullard I was to want to watch 'cars going round in circles', no point in an explanation in the face of that.

[HuddersfieldTerrier1986]

As I was leaving work on the Friday before the British GP, chatting to a colleague about weekend plans etc, told her I was going to watch the GP, received a look of contempt and response of how much of dullard I was to want to watch 'cars going round in circles', no point in an explanation in the face of that.

Yup, I've had the 'but all they do is go round in circles and whoever starts first wins and nothing ever happens' routine before. Usually I try and explain why it's more than that, but most of the time I find it easier to give up because they refuse to listen.

[Outsider]

Didn't mean to look like I was slyly trying to find ideas, but cheers for that. I tried explaining it all to her and she doesn't really get it, anything racing is 'Nascar' to her usually so I just told her F1's been there for me since I was six and she's only been around the last couple years and my heart has a seniority list.

sure don't tell her that!

[velgajski1]

open her wardrobe, point to her shoes.
close wardrobe.
point to your archive of race footage.

"its the same" tell her.

[TennisUK]

Mrs Tennis has never understood it in the slightest, indeed I'd say of all the things or concepts to ever have happened on this planet, motorsport would be one of the most unappealing to her. Since seeing Senna however, while retaining her total lack of interest in watching it, she at least understands how it *can* be compelling - and that's half the battle. She has a vague interest in some of the science (as that's her job) but the competition side has always confounded her. Before seeing the film she thought my interest in it was a bit strange.

[Afterburner]

Some people find different parts of the sport to be interesting. Personally, I'd suggest focussing less on the actual racing aspects and more on the backstories of each driver--explain their personalities, their histories, their passion for what they do and their motivation for racing. Basically, try to give her a brief (and it's really hard to keep things brief with all the interesting personalities in the sport these days, but that may work to your advantage) rundown of all the important historical bits. She may not be able to relate with the concept of the actual racing--car handling characteristics, setup, tyre compound differences--but she may be able to relate with the human side of the sport, which would in turn get her interested to see who would win. It all sounds a little bit like a soap opera, but if you do it right--and then sit her down to watch a good race like the Canadian GP--you may get her interested.

Some people close to me used to have almost no interest in motor racing or Formula One at all. One evening, I was having a discussion with them about youthful people/sportsmen in the world who have achieved success at a young age, and thanks to me, the topic inevitably turned to Sebastian Vettel and his rise to success--how, even now that he's on his way to being a double World Champion at the age of twenty-four, he's still down-to-earth, humble, and protective of his family life. They were a little interested about how a young sportsman like Vettel had kept a level head despite being at the top echelon of racing, and after a little bit of convincing, I got them to sit down and watch the Canadian GP (not including the stoppage and the safety car periods, to keep things interesting). By the end of the race, they knew quite a bit about the dynamics of each team and the personalities of each driver, and were even interested in a few incidents that had happened in the past (e.g. Spygate) and how the next race had panned out. All it took was to "sell" it to them from an angle they could understand (in this case, less of a stance about racing and more about the personal side of F1), give them an exciting race, and they were hooked. They haven't been keeping up with the races due to a few other reasons, but when I talk with them about Formula One now, they understand why I enjoy it and who I'm talking about.

All it takes is to deliver the sport in a perspective that someone can understand, and they'll probably find an interest in it. Not a foolproof method, of course, but it might help you out a little.

Edited by Afterburner, 23 July 2011 - 22:57.

[Secretariat]

It has been pretty difficult over the years. I have tried to explain my interest and passion for motorsports to many family, friends, or people that ask about it. They just do not get it and see it as a pointless and boring thing to watch; the proverbial "they are just going around in circles." I get some movement on opinions when I get them to at least come to a karting track. I have tried to acknowledge that sometimes it can be boring but direct them to some of the nuance: racecraft, car control, on-track ethics, technology. I have used the analogy that some people can appreciate art in a museum: type of paint, technique, subject matter etc. and some can appreciate the skill level in motorsports both from a driving and technology prespective. That you dont have to be an art critic or motorsports enthusiast to know you saw something special. Some can appreciate the comparsion to art or some other skill, trade or craft.

I must say that these days my wife can listen to me discuss things and takes some interest...she is an angel. But that is why I had come to places like this. Sadly only time I have people asking me excited questions is when there is a big accident (Allan McNish at LeMans and JR Hildenbrand at Indy) that makes the news or someone dies (Paul Dana in the then IRL in 2006) are recent examples.

[Ise]

With me its easy. Most people either don't understand or don't want to understand. The only people I know like motorsport are more interested in drifting, and thats just not my cup of tea.

[karne]

I had an horrific time of it earlier this year when one of my university lecturers wanted to know "how I justified following motor racing in this climate context". Yeah. Studying journalism in a Canberra university = all my tutors (except one) are left wing greenie loving idiots.

I remember being flabbergasted by this question, because I'm sitting there going, "First, you're assuming I actually believe this crap being shoved down our throats that we're responsible for climate change. News flash, it's been changing for 4.8 billion years. Second - WHAT THE ****?"

In the end I just said to her, Because it's a real sport, it's a great sport, and it does a whole lot less damage to the environment than say, golfing. Did you know an F1 car uses less fuel around a racetrack than a four-wheel drive?

And after that I refused to justify myself to anyone. Why should I have to justify my passions? I don't make anyone else justify them to me.

[beanoid]

Nope. You're all going at it from the wrong direction. You need to try something more basic.

Show her a picture of any motorcycle racer without his shirt on. She'll be converted immediately.

Here, let me help get you started:

Ben Bostrom

James Toseland

Jorge Lorenzo

Nicky Hayden

Ben Spies

Full disclosure (for those of you who don't already know): I am female myself, but have converted many of my girlfriends this way. Start with the bikers, then move gradually to the good-looking car dudes (Jenson Button, Mark Webber, Fernando Alonso, Tom Kristensen, etc.) I guarantee it works. All the women I've shared this knowledge with are now addicted devotees of motorized sports. They even now follow the competition and understand the rules and even some of the technical stuff (one friend is fascinated by tire technology).

It works. I swear. Although probably not much help with the university lecturer guy.;)

Edited by beanoid, 26 July 2011 - 02:58.

[teejay]

I dont bother explaining anymore, I just tell them I feel sorry that they miss out on the passion, the excitement, the highs, the lows, and the brilliance of man and machine being pushed to their limits.

[karne]

It works. I guarantee it. Although probably not much help with the university lecturer guy.;)

Unfortunately, while said lecturer was a woman, she would not be open to this kind of approach.


However, it IS a good one, although I would of course start with Mark Webber, being the best-looking guy on the grid.

[Zarathustra]

Why bother? Can you not enjoy something without your other half?

[beanoid]

However, it IS a good one, although I would of course start with Mark Webber, being the best-looking guy on the grid.

[kismet]

I don't explain. As long as they let me do my thing without being insufferable ***** about it, I really don't care whether they understand or approve. If someone's genuinely interested, I may offer an explanation of sorts but if it's just general whining along the lines of "I don't understand how anyone can watch that yada yada yada", I won't even bother. Feel free not to understand but don't presume your opinion is worth any more than mine. And frankly, I think I'd be a little annoyed if someone tried to 'convert' me. That I'm not watching this or that is not a problem that needs to be fixed, thank you very much. If someone wants to send a shirtless Jorge Lorenzo to mow my lawn or whatever, I'll appreciate the thought but it likely won't increase my MotoGP intake. So there.

[Crafty]

Nope. You're all going at it from the wrong direction. You need to try something more basic.

Show her a picture of any motorcycle racer without his shirt on. She'll be converted immediately.

Trust you to come up with that approach

[beanoid]

Trust you to come up with that approach

[DankBank]

Because race cars and dinosaurs are the coolest things ever and always will be.

[DrProzac]

If beanoid's method () wont work, try talking about the historical side of F1. It's really moving - think about Roger Williamson and David Purley or Francois Cevert and Jackie Stewart or Senna-Prost rivalry. Lauda quickly returning to racing after his accident, Rindt posthumously winning the championship. Plus man and machine, pushed to the limits in a totally different era, when risk of death was both substantial and a normal thing. You just need to describe it properly, so it will touch her emotional side
Than you can explain that the sport (and technical) side of current motorsport is also fascination for you. And that it is still a struggle for both the man and the machine and that while it changed a lot it is still dangerous (a lot of recent examples can be made - also tragic).

I dont bother explaining anymore, I just tell them I feel sorry that they miss out on the passion, the excitement, the highs, the lows, and the brilliance of man and machine being pushed to their limits.

Me too. I sometimes talk about it (if someone at least tries too listen ), but not with an intention to "convert" anyone.

@DankBank: you forgot boobs and rockets.

Edited by DrProzac, 27 July 2011 - 13:03.

[GSiebert]

I usually start with giving a link to a TT or Cadwell Park video.

[Callisto]

Its very difficult to explain to somebody why you like f1.i guess its a bit like trying to explain why a person likes a certain music track/genre

[Sausage]

Unfortunately, while said lecturer was a woman, she would not be open to this kind of approach.


However, it IS a good one, although I would of course start with Mark Webber, being the best-looking guy on the grid.

Yes Mark Webber might be the best starting point for women. I kid you not, my wife never fails to mention him whenever he shows his face around. She's not interested at all in motorracing but is usually around when I watch and occasionally when I have Motogp on or something I get comments like "is F1 on?" and vice versa, don't even start with Nascar or Indy or whatever. It's all one big same-same to her

Last sunday still when the podium was on she said "oh the black guy won!". Alonso to her must be invisible, she never even notices or mentions him when he wins. She says every time Vettel is ugly as hell, but knows he's winning, and that's about it for driver knowledge. But Webber oh, whenever he's on she asks: "Hey it's Mark Webber!, did he win?" oh dear...

On the flipside I only recognise and know by name one of her thousand perfumes, so yeah not all that different

[Afterburner]

Its very difficult to explain to somebody why you like f1.i guess its a bit like trying to explain why a person likes a certain music track/genre

That's a good analogy. I find explaining my like for F1 to people as difficult as explaining my like for Pink Floyd to them. Oddly enough, the reactions I get when trying to define either interest is pretty much the same--some blank stares and a few mild comments of blatantly mock interest to shut my annoying mouth up.

[Sakae]

Didn't mean to look like I was slyly trying to find ideas, but cheers for that. I tried explaining it all to her and she doesn't really get it, anything racing is 'Nascar' to her usually so I just told her F1's been there for me since I was six and she's only been around the last couple years and my heart has a seniority list.

What are you planning to do when she say - it's them or me, make your mind, and we are going to see my maaa on Sunday, like it or not!! (stamping accidently her foot on your big toe, leaving you gasping for air).

[Sakae]

I don't explain. As long as they let me do my thing without being insufferable ***** about it, I really don't care whether they understand or approve. If someone's genuinely interested, I may offer an explanation of sorts but if it's just general whining along the lines of "I don't understand how anyone can watch that yada yada yada", I won't even bother. Feel free not to understand but don't presume your opinion is worth any more than mine. And frankly, I think I'd be a little annoyed if someone tried to 'convert' me. That I'm not watching this or that is not a problem that needs to be fixed, thank you very much. If someone wants to send a shirtless Jorge Lorenzo to mow my lawn or whatever, I'll appreciate the thought but it likely won't increase my MotoGP intake. So there.

the same here

[faaaz]

My gf actually ended up watching the British GP with me..and she was pissed off that Mark webber was given team orders. Although during the pos race interviews she was more focussed on facial structures than actually what is being said. Some people, not just women, will never understand F1. I'm sure most of you guys have no interest in fashion or shopping. I certianly don't, so I dont want to be dragged into it. So i dont really drag my gf into F1. Everything is peaceful.

[Risil]

My gf actually ended up watching the British GP with me..and she was pissed off that Mark webber was given team orders. Although during the pos race interviews she was more focussed on facial structures than actually what is being said.

To be fair it's difficult not to focus on facial structures when Mark Webber's on the telly.

[V8 Fireworks]

It's not no more difficult than explaining Cricket to Baseball fans, or Rugby to Aussie Rules fans... i.e., very!

But all they do is carry a ball over a line, they hardly ever kick the darn thing and they call that football?...;)

Edited by V8 Fireworks, 28 July 2011 - 06:09.