Motorsports
Motorsports have been around for nearly as long as motors have been inside cars. Two of the most famous racing circuits are NASCAR in the United States and the intercontinental open-wheel F1, though motorsports also include off-road rally-car racing, drag racing, and motorcycle racing.
NASCAR was founded in 1948, began contesting races in 1949, and held its first Daytona 500, one of the most prestigious and famous events in North American racing, in 1959. NASCAR contests Cup Series, Xfinity Series, and Camping World Truck Series races across the United States. Star drivers such as Cale Yarborough, David Pearson, Richard Petty, Jeff Gordon, Darrell Waltrip, Dale Earnhardt Sr., and Dale Earnhardt Jr.
Year founded: 1948
President: Steve Phelps
Winningest driver, races: Richard Petty (200)
Winningest driver, cup titles: Richard Petty, Jimmie Johnson, Dale Earnhardt Sr. (7)
Formula 1 started racing in 1950 and has since become the premier racing series in the world. F1 contests more than 20 races on five continents each year, with the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) serving as the governing body. Renowned drivers such as Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, and Ayrton Senna starred on the F1 circuit.
Year founded: 1950
FIA President: Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Winningest driver, races: Lewis Hamilton
Winningest driver, championships: Michael Schumacher, Lewis Hamilton (7)
Featured articles:
Read the latest news, rumors, and analysis on NASCAR and F1:
The inaugural NASCAR Cup Series race at the Circuit of the Americas was a near-disaster because of the rain. NASCAR’s rule change in response was too little, too late.
A look back on the numerous incidents between NASCAR Cup Series drivers Tony Stewart and Brian Vickers, including one that cost Stewart $50,000.
With a hand from Guy Fieri, Clint Bowyer got his revenge on Jeff Gordon during a trip to the tropics.
A look at the drivers with the most NASCAR Cup Series wins at Sonoma Raceway.
Jimmie Johnson is one of the all-time NASCAR greats, but he’s not expecting the same success with IndyCar.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. says he loves talking about his late father’s failures.
Formula 1 great Lewis Hamilton is an example of a driver who picked a car number with special meaning behind it.
After finishing third in Ohio, Ty Gibbs called the race winner, A.J. Allmendinger, “dirty” for a late-race move.
Danica Patrick drank with the boys at age 16 and was labeled a “party girl” before she became the most successful female driver in racing history.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. remembers being excited to meet his brother Kerry for the first time because the vibe in the house wasn’t good.
