Personally it's the apperciation of design, craftsmanship, the mechanics, and the fun that cars can create. Modification is a form of self expression for me. Building and racing machines that dominate their rivals scratches a competitive itch. Then there's the primal enjoyment of having something powerful as a car under your direct command that's intoxicating.

And of course watching shows for inspiration, or entertainment watching others achieve what I personally cannot.