Racing has been part of human culture since the days of chariot racing in ancient Greece. The thrill of driving at unimaginable speeds and setting records intrigues many sports enthusiasts. Today, auto racing is one of the most popular motorsports in the world. Not only is it thrilling to participate in, but it’s exciting to watch from the stands, too.
Whether you’re a driver or a spectator, read on for the basics of car racing.
How It Began
The creation of petrol, or gasoline, led to the invention of the internal-combustion engine in the 1880s. In 1894 the first organized car racing competition was held in France. The 50-mile race, topping speeds of 10 miles per hour, began in Paris and ended in Rouen. The first official long-distance race was held the next year, again in France. Drivers had to make a 732-mile round-trip race from Paris to Bordeaux. The winner averaged speeds of 24.5 mph. As with most early races, speeds weren’t as fast as they are now.
Organized car racing began in the United States on Thanksgiving Day in 1895 when drivers traveled over 50 miles from Chicago to Evanston, Illinois, and auto competitions made their mark on United States history.
Forms of Car Racing
Car racing governing bodies divide national and international car races into various classes and subclasses. Types include Grand Prix racing, speedway racing, stock-car racing, sports-car racing, drag racing, midget-car racing, karting, hill climbs, and rally driving to name a few.
Formula Racing
The most popular type of racing is formula racing, or open-wheel racing. It requires the best driving skills. Generally, only the best of the best drivers partake in Formula 1 races. This particular race is split into two styles: Formula 1, and, as it is known in America, IndyCar. On average, the aerodynamic vehicles that compete in Formula 1 races cost millions of dollars to build. Each one is put together to meet the regulations of its particular race. Formula E, with all-electric race cars, is another popular open-wheel race.
Sports Car Racing
The second-most popular class of auto racing is sports car racing. As the name implies, sporty cars with high-performing engines go head-to-head in this Grand Touring level race. Lamborghinis, Ferraris, Corvettes, and Porsches are among the vehicles used in sports car racing. Races can last between two hours and 24 hours. There are two divisions in sports car racing, one intended for professional drivers and the other for amateurs.
Showroom Stock Racing
Showroom stock racing is considered the perfect gateway for those new to car racing. Vehicles in this series are unmodified to lightly modified and race with like vehicles. The strict restrictions to the type of suspension, tires, wheels, aerodynamics, and brakes that performance vehicles can be fitted with are part of what makes this race an easy in for novices.
Stock Car Racing
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, or simply NASCAR, has made stock car racing very popular among race car drivers and fans. The origins of stock car racing can be traced to Prohibition, when moonshiners upgraded their vehicles, but kept their stock appearance, to outrun the police. Inevitably, moonshiners began participating in national races, resulting in a new racing series. Oval tracks are the norm for all NASCAR races. Generally speaking, these races run up to 400 miles long.
More Car Races
Rallying is a race that takes place in snowy, muddy, sandy, or dirt-filled terrain. Drag racing consists of timing, aerodynamic drag, track grip, and breaking, which all play a major part in a car’s ability to reach high speeds over short distances.
Meanwhile, Monaco, Australia, Finland, Europe, the US, and the UK are all home to a plethora of yearly car races.
Becoming a Race Car Driver
If you want to get into race car driving, know that it takes time, and knowledge is an essential part of finding success in the field, as well as an important factor in staying safe.
Before embarking on a career in race car driving, you should consider the steps you will need to take. Basic needs include:
- Countless training sessions
- Promotion
- Marketing
- Purchasing a vehicle
- Maintenance for your vehicle
- Mechanical knowledge
- Travel time and costs
- Fitness and reflex level
- Confidence
- Proper licensing
- Sponsorship
It requires patience and a large investment of time and money to succeed as a race car driver.
Behind the Wheel
Modern-day car races vary in vehicle, terrain, time, length, and speed. They’re also sponsored by mega-corporations, and automobile manufacturers compete to build the next best race car. Whether you’re interested in attending a few car races or are contemplating life in the fast lane, there’s no denying that car racing is a thrilling experience for everyone involved.