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:
Jimmie recalled the moment when he realized he made the big time in NASCAR.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed on his podcast the confrontational conversation he had with his father that forever changed their relationship.
While Junior and Kelley are the only children of Dale Earnhardt Sr. and Brenda Jackson, Dale Jr. wasn’t the only sibling Kelley looked after.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. admitted on his podcast how he was drunk and had partied until just an hour before accepting his father’s award for most popular driver in 2001.
Kerry Earnhardt had the door slammed in his face as a teenager when he was hoping to meet his siblings.
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. now has plenty of money in the bank, he and his brother, Kerry, once found themselves facing a sizable phone bill.
Jeff Gordon took a shot at Kyle Larson during the Coca-Cola 600 and later had to eat his words when the No. 5 car won the race.
Kyle Larson has won twice in the 2021 NASCAR Cup Series after Hendrick Motorsports gave him a second chance following his suspension over the use of a racial slur last year.
Toni Breidinger hopes team owners and sponsors can live by her five-word motto so she can reach her NASCAR goal.
The 1987 Indianapolis 500 is remembered for Al Unser Sr.’s shocking win and a tragedy when a fan was killed by a tire that went airborne into the stands.
