14 Things You Probably Didn't Know About Racing

Car racing is anything but boring. Especially because Outback Steakhouse is giving away a Free Bloomin' Onion on Monday if Kevin Harvick finishes in the top 10 of a Sprint Cup Race. All race season long.

1. Racing takes insane technical and physical skills...

Via forgifs.com

The force on a driver's body during a turn is roughly the same amount that an astronaut feels during shuttle liftoff — 3 Gs, baby! And on straightaways, a driver basically travels the length of a football field in just one second.

2. ...and second-to-second decisions.

Computer Chess / Via computerchessmovie.com

A team of strategists and spotters watching from all different angles are in constant radio communication with the driver. It's so strategic that some people call it "high-speed chess."

3. The uniforms are becoming a new fashion trend.

Jon Feingersh / Getty Images

Sarah Kastner / Getty Images

Jumpsuits, arguably the most comfortable and protective sports uniform, are also a big fashion trend.

4. Contrary to popular belief, it's actually a team sport.

David Madison / Getty Images

The average pit crew has at least 12 members, and each one contributes to the car's success.

5. Each race car is a feat of engineering...

Thinkstock / Via cheezburger.com

6. ...that is WAY more intense than just driving a car.

Thinkstock

During a race, the driver has control of and is constantly monitoring pretty much every aspect of the car: tire pressure, water temperatures, and brake pressure. And they're expected to focus on all these things while the temp in the car reaches over 100 degrees.

7. The sound of engines revving is hauntingly beautiful.

Via gifwave.com

The roar of possibility.

8. It's not a sport that requires constant attention from the crowd or you'll miss something.

Projectjetwintig (CC) / Via youtube.com

Since races can last between 3–5 hours, no one expects you to pay attention the entire time. Here's to bathroom breaks and playing on your phone.

9. And when you are paying attention, there's no waiting around — the action happens in seconds flat.

Courtesy of Colleen Cahill

Slow sports? Ain't nobody got time for that.

10. Then there's the best part: THE CROWD.

Jonathan Ferrey / Getty Images

YEEHAW.

11. They relax at a superhuman level.

Alex Ford (CC BY http://2.0) / Via Flickr: alex_ford

12. They have sass for days.

Steve Baker (CC BY-ND http://2.0) / Via Flickr: littlebiglens

13. They storm the field and draw on the finish line.

City Of Overland Park (CC BY http://2.0) / Via Flickr: cityofop

14. And above all, they know how to party.

Phillip Shoffner (CC BY http://2.0) / Via Flickr: philipsphotos

It's the Amurrican way.

Celebrate Bloomin' Monday, where Outback Steakhouse is giving away a free Bloomin' Onion on Mondays after Kevin Harvick finishes in the top 10.