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:
Danica Patrick won once in her IndyCar career but never found victory lane in NASCAR.
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. has a pretty unusual phobia, the NASCAR star and his wife turned that fear into a savvy business opportunity.
Jeff Gordon and Clint Bowyer return to Phoenix this weekend and the site of an ugly incident between the pair in 2012. Bowyer appears ready for more and has fired the first shot.
After a NASCAR fan suffered through a week blighted by death and burglary, Jeff Gordon stepped in to save the day.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. displayed top-notch wit when he was asked about being pulled over for speeding on his way to a 2016 NASCAR race at Texas Motor Speedway.
Dale Earnhardt admitted to always being shy and awkward, especially around people for the first time.
Kevin Harvick is looking for his first victory in 2021 in the Stewart-Haas Racing No. 4 Ford after winning nine times last season.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. took a side gig in 2003 to become a Playboy photographer for a day with the famous Dahm triplets and his prized Corvette GTR as his subjects.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. once admitted the he had an online addiction, but still considered the overall experience to be a net positive.
Longtime NASCAR driver Michael Waltrip made over $700,000 in 2013 but spent the racing season living above a pizza parlor.