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:
Alex Bowman’s victory in NASCAR Cup Series action at Richmond Raceway was his first since the death of Hendrick Motorsports crew member Rowdy Harrell in a November 2020 car crash.
Michael Schumacher’s cheating accusations aren’t unfounded. Some, like his 1997 driving incident, are undeniable. But what about 1994?
Jeff Gordon and Kevin Harvick ganged up together and mocked Clint Bowyer’s intelligence.
Michael Jordan sent driver Bubba Wallace a three-word message about what he thinks of team’s 2021 performance.
Michael Jordan, whose 23XI Racing team started as a joke, once told Dale Earnhardt Jr. he had no interest in NASCAR ownership.
Jimmie Johnson, who won seven NASCAR Cup Series season crowns, is a 2021 IndyCar rookie with Chip Ganassi Racing.
Before Dale Earnhardt Jr. became a NASCAR star, he needed to learn an important lesson about the dangers of distracted driving.
Danica Patrick embraced her appearance throughout her career, which included posing topless for the SI Swimsuit Issue.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. once raced NBA legend Charles Barkley and the NASCAR star said Barkley “wasn’t turrible.”
Dale Earnhardt had a loyal fanbase that turned on him in 1999 after a questionable move on the final lap at Bristol.