NASCAR What???

OK! I am one of those who don't see the "fun" in watching and following all of these annual NASCAR events. I was in KC and I can't beleive all the hype about it all. Actually all I had to do is go to my local Home Depot and realize that they had a race car parked in the front lot. So rather than poking fun of this NASCAR craze, can someone give some insight to what is so exciting about the sport NASCAR? To me it like watching golf! Going to the event in one thing, but making weekend plans to watch NASCAR on television?? What am I missing??