Track Star vs Field Hero

[Trip]

Originally Posted by smileyman

Like I said before the level of concentration a racer has for such a long period has to be phenomenal. I too have done the 20 minute GP and run 4-5-6-and 8 hour endurances where I got up to about an hour 20 stint. To be sharp, precise, and smooth that long takes everything you have.

A NFL player can breathe 30 seconds at a time before going back to 100% concentration. NBA stars get free throws and time outs, Soccer has enough players on field that not all are involved with every play despite being on the move.

But yeah put a Palamalu or Erlacher up against Gordon, Martin, Stoner, Hayden, Rossi and I think we know who will be able to run longer, hit harder, lift more...

mental training is far different than physical training, didn't want to really add this to part of the question, more directed to the physical side of things. The amount of concentration of a racer is not of much importance to me, because at that stage in a career a lot it is second nature going through the motions. The mental concentration of a noob riding on the track for the first time and the stress on their brain would probably be at the same level if not more. Think of your first time getting on the interstate and cranking that throttle back, that speed feels completely different now. The level of mental stamina for any racing sport would be along the same lines as motogp level, even such sports as NASCAR especially on tracks like Daytona and Talladega where they are constantly running inches from each other for several hundred miles. You become desensitized to it. Real mental tests come from new and unexpected things.