Auto Racing: What You Need to Know

Cars are an integral part of human culture and society, and that is unlikely to change any time soon. However, the love we have for cars extends far beyond their practical use. We love the speed, the high-octane action, and more. Which explains why car racing has become such a popular sport. But, what is auto racing? Where did auto racing originate? And how did it become what it is today?

What is Auto Racing?

Auto racing, or motorsports, refers to the practice of racing any sort of vehicle powered by an engine. Obviously, car racing is the most popular variant on auto sports, with organizations like Formula 1 and NASCAR being the biggest names in the game. Formula 1 is especially popular on online sportsbooks.

Online sportsbooks are exactly what they sound like. Websites where you can place bets on any and all of your favorite sports. Whether you are interested in car races, martial arts, or good old team sports, these bookies have you covered. And best of all? Many of them double as casinos.

That’s right, in 2023, you can actually play your favorite casino games from your own home, or even on the go. And if you are a fan of auto racing and gambling, you will be happy to know that many online casino websites have introduced slots based entirely around racing. So, if you are so inclined, check them out. You might find you have a real knack for them.

But, how did auto racing come to be? Some might be surprised at how long ago the sport originated, and others will find all the different variations on auto racing fascinating. Without further ado, let’s take a look at the origins of auto racing.

What are the Biggest Organizations in Auto Racing?

As we said before, the biggest organizations in auto racing today are Formula 1 and NASCAR. Formula 1 is, by far, the more popular. Enjoyed throughout Europe, Asia, North and South America, there is a reason that F1 is known as the highest tier of open-wheel racing.

• Formula 1

Formula 1 cars distinct themselves as being the fastest cars in regulated road-course racing, which further cements the popularity of the sport. On top of that, some of the most notable drivers of all time come from Formula 1. The following is a list of just a few of the biggest names to ever drive an F1 car:

• Michael Schumacher
• Lewis Hamilton
• Max Verstappen
• Juan Manuel Fangio
• Nikki Lauda

With events in Monaco, Canada, plenty of European countries, and more, F1 has certainly earned the right to call itself the number one. However, in the United States of America, NASCAR is the king of the auto racing scene.

• NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing, LLC, or simply NASCAR, is a long-enduring sanctioning and operating company, who have been organizing stock car races since the late 1940s. The events sanctioned by NASCAR draw a ton of people from all over the United States. However, if you make the mistake of thinking NASCAR is US-only, think again.

The races sponsored by NASCAR have become huge in Mexico, Canada, Great Britain, and huge chunks of Africa and South America. So much so, that the company has even sanctioned quite a few races in said countries. Though a success, none of those events have come close to some of the NASCAR classic races, most notable of which are the ones that take place in Daytona, Florida.

NASCAR is a huge part of American popular culture. Notable films like Logan Lucky, Days of Thunder, and even the Pixar iconic Cars franchise take huge inspiration from NASCAR-sponsored auto racing. On top of that, the company has licensed quite a few video games, many of which are classics of the racing genre.

Where did Auto Racing Start?

The origins of auto racing can be traced to France, perhaps unsurprisingly, as F1 is still incredibly popular in the country today. What might fascinate some of you is that the sport began in the late 19th century. In 1894, a popular French newspaper organized a car race from Paris to the city of Rouen. The initial idea was to promote the newspaper. However, the race exceeded the expected popularity.

Pretty soon, other European countries followed suit. Only six years after the Paris-Rouen race, an American journalist and money baron, James Gordon Bennett, established the Gordon Bennet Cup, which led to closed-circuit racing, as open-road racing was banned throughout the continent.

Auto racing grew in prominence during the two world wars, and escalated further in the mid-to-late 20th century. Today, it remains one of the most popular sports. Now that we know where auto racing began, some might wonder at all the different motor sport events. So, let’s take a look at all the different forms of motor racing that you might not have heard of.

Other Popular forms of Motor Racing

Obviously, most of us are familiar with car races, motorcycle races, and even kart races. However, some might be surprised to learn that these are not the only vehicles that we race today. A surprisingly popular form of motor racing includes truck racing. As you can imagine, truck drivers race on circuits especially designed for larger vehicles. Monster Trucks are probably the most popular trucks meant for racing.

But, it doesn’t stop there. For those who are impressed by the sky, air racing is probably the most exciting form of motor racing. Pilots get behind the controls of an airplane, and race across pre-established air circuits. Air racing is quite a fascinating sport, with a huge following across Europe. Other than the two mentioned, popular forms of motor racing include:

• Drone racing
• Lawn mower racing
• Snowmobile racing
• Boat racing

Conclusion

For as long as cars have been around, people have been fascinated by their speed and power. It is no surprise then that auto racing has become as big as it has. If you are new to the sport, we hope that this article can help you better understand the ins and outs of auto racing, and give you a brief introduction to the larger world of motor sports.