The history of this particular genre of racing dates back more than 2,000 years to speedways like the Coliseum of ancient Rome. Chariot races at the world's first bullring with grandstands were no-rules affairs that were quite heavy on rubbin' and wheel bangin'. Later, slick promoters devised even bloodier sports to satiate the ever-escalating thrill quotient of race fans. But that's a whole 'nother story. The fans in the grandstands were going wild.
Any driver can spin another driver out to win.
The real skill comes when you make a pass without touching the car you passed. Of course not. Likewise, the famous chariot-racing scene in Ben Hur is not at all about speed and horsemanship. Rather, it deals with intimidation, dangerous wheel-banging maneuvers and the racing fans' lust for blood. Rest in Peace Dale Earnhardt.