Add NASCAR to the long list of things about which I’ve “Changed My Mind.”

Not from watching more NASCAR on TV, mind you. Nope. Not interested. But I’ve seen just enough to get it. That is, to understand its appeal.

And this comes after watching this year’s Tour de France, specifically paying attention to the inter and intra-team relationships/rivalries. Specifically Team Sky — where, supposedly, sprinter Mark Cavendish “begged” his team to let him win stage 18. In an earlier stage, you’ll recall, Cavendish had pulled off his own lone-wolf strategy, and won a stage without the support of his team.

It’s not what you’re supposed to do, and commentators, plus the racer himself, hinted that he was in trouble with his team for doing so.

Ten days later. Well, just watch the video: http://www.euronews.com/2012/07/21/tour-de-france-cavendish-wins-stage-18/

Without wasting your time in technicalities, suffice to say that few finishes have been that exciting. But the guy doesn’t “come from nowhere.” There was an exquisite team strategy that put him in position to win.

To my point — I’ve followed NASCAR hardly at all, but enough to tell that this dimension — the inter and intra-team rivalries and strategies — is a big part of its appeal. That guys (or gals) on bikes is more interesting to watch than guys in motorized boxes… I guess that’s a matter of taste. Same as this…

Driven to Hunt showcases NASCAR personalities as they hunt across North America.  From pit crew chiefs, team owners to some of the hottest drivers in NASCAR racing today, Driven to Hunt will take you from the track to the woods for a behind the scenes look at the other passion of the NASCAR community, hunting the great outdoors.

doesn’t appeal to me in the slightest. But I can understand how others like it and relate to it and follow it, and others make money from that fact.