2017 Ironman National Tickets

The 2017 Ironman National isn't an event that you would typically associate with auto racing, but the similarities between these two popular sports are surprisingly close.

Motorsports like Formula One, NASCAR and IndyCar are all about speed, stamina and endurance. Drivers push themselves to the limit during high-stress races that last hours on end. Similarly, triathlons such as the Ironman National require athletes to run long distances, bike for miles and swim across expansive bodies of water. In both cases, physical strength and mental fortitude are key to success.

The Ironman National, in particular, is one of the most grueling races in the world of sports. Held annually in Crawfordsville, Indiana, it brings together some of the finest endurance athletes from around the globe. Competitors take on a series of challenges that include a 1.2-mile swim, a 56-mile bike ride, and a marathon-length 13.1-mile run.

Sound intense? It certainly is. But what's interesting is how this kind of competition mirrors the adrenaline-fueled nature of auto racing.

At the Ironman National, athletes must tap into a deep well of inner strength if they want to come out on top. They need to be able to push themselves to their limits without breaking down physically or mentally. Similarly, drivers in motorsports have to remain focused and mentally sharp at all times. A single mistake can mean the difference between winning and losing.

But the similarities don't end there. Both sports also require extreme levels of physical fitness and strength. Endurance training is a daily requirement for athletes who compete in triathlons and motorsports alike. This means rigorous workouts designed to build stamina, improve cardiovascular health and develop muscle tone.

In both cases, athletes must be ready to push themselves beyond what they thought was possible. They have to be willing to suffer through setbacks, disappointment and even outright failure. It's this kind of resilience that sets the best apart from the rest.

So while it might seem like a stretch to compare an Ironman National to an auto race, the similarities are definitely there. Both sports require dedication, commitment and a willingness to push beyond what most people think is humanly possible. It's no wonder that they inspire so many people to become athletes themselves.