So these have all been probably asked before, but since this is my first F1 forum with what appears to be a larger international userbase (I'm a long time poster on the Speed Channel forums, which is heavily US and Canadian-centric), I'd like to ask a few questions, to get other people's perspectives.
I'm interested to see if these answers from different cultures, since F1 coverage and interest is so limited here in the US. (Well, Speed gives us good coverage in terms of airing P2, Quali, and the Race, but we get very little coverage on the news, ESPN, etc. In other words, it's hard for the average person here to even get the chance to be interested in F1, from lack of awareness. I'm also interested in seeing other Americans' (both US and Canadian) answers.
1) What got you into F1?
2) What keeps you interested in F1?
3) Do you root for drivers and/or teams who share your nationality?
4) How much do you look forward to actually attending a race, and how important is it to you to actually witness either your home GP, or one nearby?
My answers:
1) The Ferrari F40. I was about 7 years old in 1988, and it sort of started my interest in cars. I think it was either a folder, or a trapper keeper (those binder things school kids use that hold papers, folders, pens, etc) that had the F40 on it. This sparked my interest as a kid in cars, and Ferrari especially. Reading on it led me to F1. Then in 1992, I remember looking at every store for Geoff Crammond's first version of his GP game/sim series. With no luck finding it locally, I ended up getting Indycar Racing. This did nothing to persuade me from F1, as I still tried to follow F1 via magazines and the occasional broadcast (on I believe either ABC or ESPN). It wasn't until the 2002 season, when we got digital cable (and Speed channel) that I was able to watch every race. I've since missed 4 races, one while I was en-route from Belgium to Germany via train, and the other 3 when I first moved to Los Angeles and had no cable.
2) The technology. I also like the strategy involved. I root for Ferrari, and a few other teams, so drivers don't have much of an impact. I do like watching drivers progress over the years though, even if I don't necessarily root for them.
3) As I said, I root for Ferrari. Being in an American, with the exception of Scott Speed and Michael Andretti, there hasn't been much for me to root for based on nationality. I'm also not that heavily influenced by nationalistic reasons. I'd like to see an American do well in F1, but I wouldn't root for one just because of his nationality.
4) I've always looked forward to attending a race, but sadly have not. I live just about 4 or 5 hours from Indianapolis, but due to various reasons I have been unable to attend. This last year ('07 season) I was going to be working on a work project, and being that I'm freelance, I couldn't pass up the amazing opportunity (not so much the money, but it was for a huge company, and really boosted my resume and portfolio - or will rather, when the NDA expires). Part of the project needed to be done before being passed to me, so I would not receive my stuff till Friday morning, which meant a period of weekend work. The four years leading up to that I had family/friend weddings to attend, and the two years prior to that I just didn't have much money, as I was trying to make a go of freelancing for a living. So for the 2008 season, I've made it my goal to attend a race no matter what. It'll either be Montreal, or since I've been thinking of going back to Europe, or possibly Asia, I might attend a race overseas. Overseas races I'd like to attend would either be Spa, San Marino, or Monza, and then probably the Japanese GP.
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my parents knew this and to keep me busy they were turnin on the TV when a race was on so I won´t bother them I guess 
but I hope I would in a near future and I have a wish my first live GP to be in Monaco