Natural selection, probably. Back in the humbler stages of human evolution, when large predators and serious aggression were part of daily life, being able to blow the scene at speed was a survival trait. So was being able to chase down fast, furry food items. Natural selection favors quickness, simple as that. It feels good.
Auto racing builds on that.
Racing mainlines to your brain stem. It is probably the most popular sport in the world - and no wonder. After all, driving is more than just a spectator sport. In a very real sense, hundreds of millions of us race every time we get behind the wheel and step on the gas. But there's a limit to what your disposable income and certain spoilsport law enforcement agencies will allow you to do with your Honda on the streets.