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:
Brad Keselowski and Dale Earnhardt Jr. had plenty of races during their time on the NASCAR circuit, including one sprint to the bathroom.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. revealed on his podcast an amazing artifact he recently discovered and how it provides all the details on how NASCAR almost had a different name.
Dale Earnhardt Sr. was not a fan of HANS safety devices. NASCAR made the equipment mandatory less than a year after the seven-time champion’s death.
NASCAR legend Jeff Gordon scored an autograph from his hero as a kid and it had a lasting impact through his racing days.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. once gave the protocol he uses to contact other drivers if he is at fault for a NASCAR crash.
Denny Hamlin admits he is anxious heading into Homestead but hopes his past success and current setup will prove to his team and his fans that 2021 could be a special year for the No. 11 team.
When NASCAR owner Rick Hendrick, stricken with leukemia, was unable to attend the Daytona 500 in 1997, he got a pleasant surprise.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. wasn’t the only member of the Earnhardt family who wanted to take a swing at Jerry Glanville.
Jeffrey Earnhardt is a fourth-generation driver in one of NASCAR’s most successful families and the grandson of Dale Earnhardt, the seven-time NASCAR Cup Series champion.
Randy Owens was Richard Petty’s brother-in-law and trusted pit crew member. He tragically died trying to save Petty from his burning car.
