Is race car driving really a sport?

May be...

I don't think race car driving is a sport. It's like a chess game that use strategy and skill. Players like Kasparov and other grandmasters in chess, it involves endurance and stress but I could call it a sport. If sit here in front of my computer for 12 hours answering questions here, can you call it sport? I think not. It does not involve strenuous physical activities except the hand holding the wheel. My bottom line is BIG NO!

Actually believe it or not it is an endurance sport being in a small space and driving for hours on end never letting go of the wheel in 100+ degree heat no bathroom you should try it



Actually a lot of them do and they also so train about five days a week to stay in top physical health

As much or moreso as American Gladiators, ping pong, or rock climbing. Follow a driver's regimen for merely 1 week, ride a single lap absorbing the G-force in severe turns at near 200 mph and you will not only answer your own question you will not ask such a dumb question here again.

A sport requires mental and physical strength and endurance. Anyone who says racing at any level isn't a sport is not thinking logically.

I suppose you believe dancing isn't a sport...?
Helio C. won the Championship in that competition! (so that answers "Yes" to your 3rd ?
&
I suppose you believe snowboarding isn't a sport ?
or windsurfing?
3 of your ignorant questions. I guess the title "Ignoramus" would apply to all of these that can be answered YES to.

What is the athletic physical ability that is needed to excell? Do professional race car drivers excell in other sports at world class level?

I can promise you and no track and field athlete could withstand the rigors of the current generation of F1 cars. Two hours of constant high-g lateral loading.

Drivers reflexes must be far, far quicker than what you seem to call an athlete. If a runner trips, no big deal. If a driver "trips" in a race.... they could die.

And by the way, several F1 drivers participate in bicycle races in the off season to stay in shape.

But I guess someone like Lance Armstrong isn't an athlete in your book either.