I know here is the thing. I went to a race, and actually went because of the excuse to drink beer on a Sunday. I left that race a fan... I am not telling you you'll have the same experience but it is much much much different then on TV.
I was the guy who ripped on it haha. Used to bust my buddies chops all the time about it, now I'm like SOB I like it! IF you get a chance to go to a race, it will change you.
IMO its kind of like truck pulls/tractor pulls. If you never went to them but just saw it on TV you'd be like this is kind of dumb. However, when you go to them in person, and see/feel the power you have a mad respect for it.