Agreed. Several things I'd like to comment on. First off, money isn't the "prime mover" in NASCAR. It takes LOTS of cash, but this year shows just what money will buy you. Jeff Gordon drives for the highest funded operation in NASCAR. This year, he doesn't even make the final 10. It takes $$$$$$$$$ to have a competitive program, but it takes a skilled driver to WIN. And in this case, even skill doesn't always get you a trophy. (You don't know how much it hurts me to say Gordon has ability.....)
Race car drivers don't have the SAME athletic skills as an NFL lineman, but it's becoming more obvious as time goes by that racecar drivers that are "athletic" have a decided advantage. Mark Martin for instance, has a workout program that rivals anyone in sports. He isn't an imposing figure, but I'd venture to say he's in fine condition. It takes stamina unimagined by most of us to sit in a racecar, surrounded in 100 degree heat, for 3 or 4 hours, and still have the incredable reactions that it takes to drive INCHES away from other cars, pit crewmen, and a CONCRETE WALL, at 200(+) MPH.
Money will get you a long way in entry level forms of auto racing (or any other motorsport for that matter) but when you reach the top rung, skill makes the difference as to who's there and who's not.
Also, you see Hollywood actors competing in auto racing, but you DON'T see them at top level events (NASCAR NEXTEL CUP, INDY CARS, ect.) There are many lower "skill level" arenas for motorsports. That's where money will buy your way in. The local "beer league" softball leagues are much the same story. Just because you can fork out a $500 entry fee to get a team in a summer league doesn't automatically qualify anyone for the New York Yankees.
Finally, we are starting to muddy up the difference betwenn SKILL and ATHLETESISM
Some of NASCARS finest make millions a year. It's been my finding that no one is willing to fork over that sort of cash to "just anyone", unless you have what skills or abilities it takes to EARN it. (unless you win the powerball /forums/images/graemlins/crazy.gif)