People from all over the world are obsessed with just about anything that involves fast cars and high-octane driving action. While the Fast and the Furious movies have done a great job of pushing the concept of auto racing into the realm of impossibility and movie magic, nothing beats the real thing. If you're a fan of high-speed car chases, then watching an actual car race will keep you on the edge of your seat. But before you get up and go to the nearest racetrack, it's time you learn the many different types of racing out there.
Formula 1 Racing
The pinnacle of motor racing, in the form of the F1 Grand Prix series, Formula 1 racing is the fastest and pinnacle of technology for racing in the world. The teams and drivers represent the best of the best, and the cars they drive are always at the bleeding edge of automotive technology. F1 cars are single-seat racers designed specifically for the series. They are open-wheel racing cars with a chassis that is made of carbon fibre and aluminum, making them lighter and faster than regular cars. F1 cars have a top speed of around 250mph, reaching 60mph in only 2.5 seconds.
Races are held around the world, including Australia, Canada (Montreal), Germany, Monaco, Japan, and Brazil, to name a few. The official name for the F1 season is the FIA Formula One World Championship, which is sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA).
Stock Car Racing
If you love NASCAR, then you'll love stock car racing. It's the same adrenaline rush and nail-biting action, except you'll see it through a different lens. Stock car racing or NASCAR races are held on oval tracks and usually feature 40 drivers racing with high-performance stock cars. Each race is called an "event," and there are three types of events. A qualifier is the first event of the night, then there is the "feature" race, where the top drivers compete for the season title. Finally, there is a "consolation" race, where lower-ranked drivers are pitted against one another.
The biggest difference between stock car racing and Formula 1 racing is the rules. In F1, the cars have to be single-seaters with an open cockpit, while NASCAR require a roof and the wheels to be covered by the body which loosely resembles a normal street car. In both series , there are strict regulations how the teams build their cars.
Drag Racing
Drag racing is one of the oldest forms of racing, and it's still one of the most thrilling. It's pretty simple to understand. Two drivers race their cars against one another, starting from a standing start, down a strait track, to a set finish line, and the winner is the one who covers the set distance in the shortest amount of time. You'll see the drivers rev their engines to the max, then the starter will drop the flag/light, and they'll be off to the races.
Rally Racing
Rallying is a form of racing that is held on gravel or paved public road ways. Typically they find tight, twistly public roads that they temporarly close off for the race. Races are broken up into stages or sections that start in one town and end in another. Also a unique thing to Rally Racing is the use of a navigator (Sitting ni the passenger seat) to help communicate the turns in the course ahead. Unlike other forms for racing the rally drivers doen’t get to practice each corner multiple times at full speed. They typically get one sighting run at a controlled speed, followed by their one timed run. Basically, it's a test of a driver's skill and handling as they navigate tight corners and uneven terrain.
The FIA World Rally Championship (WRC) is the premier rally racing event held all over the world, with the greatest names in rallying competing for the title. The WRC is also broadcast on television, with some of the best rally racing action being shown on live TV.
Conclusion
There you have it. Some of the most famous auto racing tournaments in the world. Each of these types of racing is very different from one another and has its own appeal and following. If you're in a city where there's an auto race, then get yourself a ticket and go over there, you'll be glad you did.
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