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:
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. is a NASCAR legend, he owes his relationship with his wife, Amy, to another woman named Jane.
During his struggles with concussions, Dale Earnhardt Jr. kept secret notes on his iPhone, just in case the unthinkable happened.
Perhaps the most preventable death in Formula 1 history occurred in 1973. Simple changes to fire safety would’ve saved Roger Williamson.
Jeremy Mayfield saw his professional racing career with NASCAR come to a complete halt after a disastrous decision in his personal life.
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. has plenty of experience behind the wheel, he and his wife once had a drunken go-karting accident.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. once raced for the family business, but tension grew.
While Dale Earnhardt Jr. built up an impressive resume on the NASCAR circuit, he admits that he had fun rather than making the most of his talent.
Davey Allison was a NASCAR star in the prime of his career in 1993. His life tragically ended that summer in a violent helicopter crash at Talladega Superspeedway.
Hall of Fame NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr. nearly made a regrettable mistake when it came to one of his dad’s prized possessions.
While Danica Patrick spent almost three decades in the world of motorsports, she doesn’t miss racing now that she’s retired.
