Indianapolis 500 Nascar

I a going to push some buttons on this one I am sure...  A couple weeks ago I was told that "we" were having a Indy 500 party??  I then proceeded to ask "what exactly is that"?  I was told "only the biggest, most important race of the year"!  I thought to myself for a minute before I spoke, I was sure I was going to offend someone.  I cannot sit and watch a car go around in circles and waist a whole Sunday doing that.  Would someone please tell me what the fascination is.  When I watch football it is all about the home state and favorite players, groups of people and it is I consider a "real" sport or at least interesting! Much like baseball, hockey or even golf!  I just can't for the life of me see why people find it interesting to watch a car go as fast as it can with out blowing the engine and tires to see who can finish on the same circle over and over..  Well there I vented a little, the party was a huge success and everyone had fun playing cards and talking since the race was rained out.  Unfortunately we had to go without the TV on Monday night just so the man could watch the race that he sat up half the night to see who won... So strange!