Car Racing Categories

Majority of people are only vaguely aware of the different types of car racing. Most people do not even know that car racing is actually categorized into at least twelve categories. Most people are familiar with the Indy type of racing as well as drag racing but there are actually other types of car racing. The Indy type or Formula One (F1) racing is categorized as single-seater racing. It is also called as open wheel racing because the wheels are not covered. This is perhaps the lightest and fastest type of racing. Race cars that fall under this category are designed as low as possible that they appear to be virtually flat. F1 race cars typically have aerofoil wings that channel the wind to provide the down force.

The second most popular type of racing is touring car racing. Cars that are used for this type of racing are production derived race cars. Because of the small speed differentials and large grids, this type of racing typically features full contact racing. Generally, this type of racing feature V8 Supercars that are originally from Australia, Deutche Tourenwagen Masters, British Touring Car Championship and World Touring Car Championship.

Another popular category of car racing is drag racing. The main objective of this type of racing is to complete a given straight-line distance while over taking another vehicle in a parallel lane. This type of racing is illegal in some jurisdictions, especially if done on public highways or streets. However, there are also drag races that are sanctioned by authorities. Traditionally, drag racing covers a distance of about 400 meters. This type of racing was organized as a sport in the early part of the 1950’s. It was through the National Hot Rod Association that this type of racing gained wide acceptance.

Other types of racing include the following:

1. Production car racing
2. One-make racing
3. Stock car racing
4. Rallying
5. Targa Racing (Targa Rally)
6. Sports car racing
7. Off-road racing
8. Kart racing
9. Historical racing

Car Racing History

History was never my favorite subject. However, it is totally different when it comes to cars. I love everything about cars. I am not only interested in the technical aspect of cars but I am also interested on the way cars have evolved. I like tracing the history of automobile development. I particularly like the history of car racing or motor sports. Car racing history is entwined with the history of the automobile itself.

Auto racing history can be traced as far back as 1894 when the first petrol-fueled autos were developed. It was the French magazine, Le Perit Journal, which organized the first contest. Its main purpose was to determine performance and reliability.

The first race competitors included factory vehicles from two leading manufacturers, DMG and Benz & Chie. The first real race was held in France. The race started n Paris and ended in Bordeaux. Although Emile Levassor came first, he was disqualified imply because his automobile did not comply with the basic four-seater requirement. This meant that his automobile was lighter. Perhaps the real fault was on the organizers. They should have had disqualified Levassor before the race started. This was the very first car racing controversy.

Nonetheless, the international car racing competition did not take place until 1900. It was on this year that the Gordon Bennett Cup was awarded. I actually have a real vintage Gordon Bennett Cup trophy in my collection. Although I haven’t personally won this one, it is one of my most precious possessions. It is a piece of history.

On the other hand, the first auto race in the United States was not that far behind. It was held in Illinois in 1895. The race was over a 54.36-mile course. Frank Duryea was heralded as the first American driver who won in a car race with record time of 10 hours and 23 minutes.