Great Pics!!
I didn't like racing until about 8 years ago.
The concept, drive fast, turn left seemed rather silly to me too.
But what's the object of golf? or bowling?
Wrecks will brought me into it, I watched a whole race for a couple of times, then started to see the science, technic, finesse, and skill.
GG - imagine trying to run the Viper around your block 10 times, and your times being within 1 second on a clear track. That's simply skill and practice.
Add to it the pit crew - get the Viper's gassed up and change the tires in 17 seconds..
Just like most other sports, you have underdogs, set backs, people getting fired.
World wide I would have to say auto racing is 2nd to soccer.