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 Sr. didn’t offer much advice to his son, Dale Jr. will never forget a single, five-minute coaching session.
Danica Patrick says easing off the gas to conserve fuel late in the Indianapolis 500 was her biggest regret.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. used his massive net worth on a luxurious splurge, but died before he ever got to enjoy it.
Dale Earnhardt surprised observers by hiring Michael Waltrip for the 2001 NASCAR Cup Series season. Waltrip’s first outing was a disappointment, followed three days later by triumph and the ultimate tragedy.
Juan Pablo Montoya triggered a two-hour delay at the 2012 Daytona 500 by plowing into a jet dryer on the track during a caution.
Jimmie Johnson’s incredible NASCAR success started with a childish meeting over milk and cookies.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. accumulated numerous trophies from his NASCAR career. So many, in fact, that he doesn’t even know where some of them are.
Jeff Gordon has said he’s not a big believer in luck.
A look into the conspiracy theory that Richard Petty’s 200th and final NASCAR Cup Series win, which occurred on July 4, 1984, was staged.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. said he hoped being the son of a famous NASCAR driver would help him make friends. He was wrong.
