Culture can be defined as "the behaviors and beliefs characteristic of a particular social, ethnic, or age group" (source: dictionary.reference.com). Motorsports, of course, is defined as "competitions, especially races, involving motorvehicles..." We have defined this site, rspeed.org, as motorsports culture, which as you can imagine, means we are focusing on all aspects of motorsports-related culture.
What does motorsports culture mean to you? Most likely not the same as it means to me, or to another person. For me, I enjoy everything from drifting and track days to car shows and the weekly hang outs. However, these days it seems like everyone has something to say about their fellow enthusiasts, just for being interested in a different aspect.
What's wrong is that newcomers to the sport are seeing the all too familiar flaming, mocking and bickering of their peers. It should matter that there are new people interested in the sport, rather than picking apart everything they have to offer. Many times the newcomers are a little wet behind the ears and need the guidance of the more experience enthusiasts to help them out.
Also typical of the culture as of late is the apparent animosity between fellow enthusiasts at your local hangout. As enthusiasts, we should be so lucky to have found other people to socialize with, exchange ideas, and offer help to another person. It is very apparent that people are letting jealousy and other emotions dictate how they feel about their fellow enthusiasts.
Having been into motorsports since before I could drive, I was able to see both myself and my friends progress through much of this. It's easy to play the role of the conceited asshole who always knows more than everyone else, but you will get much more respect being humble and respecting others in the industry. Every chance you have to be "that guy," you also have the chance to help out a fellow enthusiast.
Remember to take this editorial with a grain of salt, because I'm just another one of those pricks in the industry trying to tell you how to be
Mike Centola
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