>Now wait, I think it's a sport, but not in the truest definition. By your definition then are machanic athletes because they work on cars? - surely not.

I dont consider the average mechanic an athlete, but rather the professional pit crew members I do. That's some intense physical assertion there... you never a pro pit crew member over the wall that isnt extremely fit and well built. Crew chief & car owner is usually the only one on the team you'll see looking out of shape.

>When I think of a classic example of sport auto racing is far from it.

yeah well I hear conventional sports fan say the same thing about professional player sports these days (ya know, the types who adamantly watch college stuff). And look at pro wrestling... thats far from what some would consider a sport yet wrestlers are considered athletes.