Racing fanatics know that there are a number of different types of auto racing, but even some of the most avid lovers of the sport may be unaware of just how many different types of auto racing there are. Here is an overview of five different types of auto racing and what sets them apart from the rest.
- Formula racing
Formula racing is one of the most well-known and popular forms of auto racing the world over. It is often what comes to mind first when people think of auto racing. Some of the most prestigious and well-known racing events are also formula events such as Monaco’s Grand Prix and North America’s IndyCar Series including the legendary Indianapolis 500. Formula racing involves single-seater cars with wheels located outside the body. Races are conducted on open-wheel circuits that are specially created.
- Stock car racing
Stock car racing is one of the most popular forms of racing in the US. It uses customized production model cars and is usually conducted on closed oval tracks. The pre-eminent stock car racing association in the US is NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing), and two of the most well-known events are the Daytona 500 and Southern 500 which make up the Sprint Cup Series.
- Drag Racing
Drag racing is sometimes known as street racing and is sometimes conducted informally and illegally on city streets. Drag racing is sometimes conducted in regular cars that have been specifically modified for speed and performance and other times dragsters are specifically built for that purpose. Legal and professional drag racing is generally conducted on a short, straight track that is generally only 200 or 400 meters long.
- Off-road racing
As the name implies, off-road racing takes place on a variety of different off-road environments such as sand, mud, snow, or other natural terrains. Racers use a range of vehicles, such as production cars, trucks, SUV’s, motorcycles and other 4-wheeled vehicles. They are generally modified to deal with the varying demands of off-road terrain. One of the most notable off-road events is the Baja 1000 in Mexico.
- Monster truck racing
Monster truck racing is really more of a form of entertainment than anything and is conducted on large tracks that are often specially built for the event in large coliseums. Monster trucks are generally lifted several feet off the ground by oversized tires and are sometimes used to jump large obstacles like busses, cars or stacks of hay bales. The Monster Jam is one of the most notable monster truck racing events in the US.