107 Pursuit

There are so many racing series in the world that it is difficult to know where to begin. What better way to start than by looking at the top 5 most popular series in the world?

Finding out all about these next 5 series gives viewers a good grasp of the idea of motorsports and allows them to branch out to other series! So if you’re looking to just get into motorsports or branch out and know more about other series, this is a good place to start.

Formula 1

It is no secret that Formula 1 is the most popular branch of motorsport globally. This is due to the worldwide fanbase it has accumulated over traveling to over 23 countries annually to race with 24 races on the 2024 calendar. Since the 1950s, the sport has amassed fans from over 30 countries and counting as new tracks are added occasionally.

Considered as the pinnacle of motorsport, it features the fastest cars, cutting-edge technology, and the most skilled drivers. Running from March to November, drivers and teams compete in the championship and constructor’s competitions. Both competitions usually have the same team win but sometimes it is a driver and constructor of different teams.

F1 races are known for their strategic complexity, with teams making calculated decisions regarding tire changes, pit stops, and race strategy to optimize performance and maximize points.

Legendary drivers Ayrton Senna, Michael Schumacher, and Lewis Hamilton, all who have broken records, have fabricated the rich history surrounding the sport acquiring an acclaimed viewership worldwide.

The most popular sites to watch Formula 1 on are ESPN, SkySports, and F1TV (personally, it is worth it), with many other free sites as well. It is still simple to keep up with the sport even if you cannot purchase these sites on instagram, twitter, and other social media platforms with the lively viewership.

Lastly, the F1 reality TV show “Drive to Survive” is also a good place to begin watching the sport (I would not recommend basing opinions off of it).

NASCAR

The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing is the motorsport heart of the United States. It’s known for its high-speed oval track racing featuring stock cars, which are modified production cars. NASCAR events typically involve multiple races over a weekend, with the main attraction being the NASCAR Cup Series race. The Cup Series features top drivers competing in races that can last several hundred miles.

Throughout the season, drivers accumulate points, with playoff spots awarded to the top drivers. The playoffs consist of several elimination rounds, culminating in the Championship 4 race, where the highest-finishing driver among the final four contenders is crowned the champion.

NASCAR races are known for their lively audience and vibrant environment, with United States spirit being seen throughout the entire sport and its events. NASCAR events become more than just races, they energetically celebrate speed and American spirit.

The most iconic race of NASCAR includes the Daytona 500 where history has been made over and over again. The Daytona 500 features an oval track with a 33 degree incline where drivers race at high speeds. This track has fostered intense competitions between drivers and teams since the late 1940s, becoming a landmark for American culture.

Some of the most successful teams include Hendrick Motorsports, Joe Gibbs Racing, and Team Penske. Drivers come from diverse backgrounds and often have experience in various forms of motorsports before reaching the top level.

NASCAR has their own television series on Netflix called Full Speed.

INDYCAR

Short for the Indy Racing League (IRL), IndyCar is a premier open-wheel racing championship based primarily in the United States. It is known for its high-speed oval racing and road course events, featuring a diverse mix of circuits. Think of it this way, F1 and NASCAR circuits are mixed to be featured in IndyCar.

IndyCar traces its roots back to the early 20th century with the Indianapolis 500, first held in 1911. Over time, the sport evolved, splitting into different series before coming together in the late 2000s under the IndyCar name. The Indy 500 has remained to be an iconic staple in the sport.

IndyCar engines feature two manufacturers: Chevrolet and Honda. The IndyCar series is the main competition of the sport consisting of a series of races held across North America.

Points are awarded based on finishing position in each race, with additional points for leading laps and pole position. The winner of the Indianapolis 500 earns double points.

Notable teams include Arrow McLaren SP, Andretti Motorsport, Chip Ganassi Racing, and Team Penske with notable drivers being Scott Dixon, A.J. Foyt, and Mario Andretti.

IndyCar also has their own docuseries called 100 days to Indy which is free to watch on CW.

MotoGP

MotoGP is the premier class of motorcycle road racing events held on road circuits sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de Motocyclisme (FIM). It is the pinnacle of two-wheeled motorsport. The first event took place in 1949 and now has 1000cc engines. The engines have evolved over time from 800cc engines.

Before MotoGP, there is Moto2 and Moto3 that feed into MotoGP. Prominent manufacturers include Yamaha, Honda, Ducati, Suzuki, KTM, and Aprilia. Valentino Rossi, Marc Márquez, and Giacomo Agostini are among the legendary drivers of the sport, known for their high achievement in the sport and unique riding styles.

MotoGP bikes are models that showcase advanced technologies not found in commercial motorcycles. They include features like seamless shift gearboxes, carbon brakes, and advanced electronics. These bikes can reach speeds over 350 km/h (217 mph) and produce over 250 horsepower.

The season typically runs from March to November, featuring around 19-21 races held globally. Each Grand Prix weekend includes practice sessions, qualifying rounds, and the main race. Points are awarded to the top 15 finishers in each race, contributing to both the riders’ and constructors’ championships.

Iconic tracks include the Circuit de la Sarthe (Le Mans) and Mugello Circuit. The Assen TT in the Netherlands, Italian GP, and Japanese GP are among the most prestigious races.

Hitting the Apex is a documentary released by Netflix that follows the lives of MotoGP drivers as well as the sport.

Formula E

Formula E is a single-seater motorsport series that uses only electric cars. The series was established in 2011, with the first season in 2014. It represents a significant shift towards sustainable motorsport, aiming to promote electric mobility and renewable energy solutions.

Races, known as ePrix, are primarily held on temporary street circuits in major cities such as New York, Berlin, and Hong Kong.

A typical race day includes two practice sessions, a qualifying session, and the race itself. All of these are held in one day!

Drivers are divided into groups, and each group has a limited time to set their fastest lap. The top six then compete in a “Super Pole” shootout for the top grid positions. The race lasts for about 45 minutes plus one lap. Unlike traditional racing, Formula E races have unique elements like energy management strategies and Attack Mode.

Attack Mode is a strategic element where drivers must drive through a designated activation zone on the track to gain a temporary power boost. The exact duration and number of uses per race are predetermined and vary from race to race. Furthermore, FanBoost allows fans to vote for their favorite drivers, giving the top five vote-getters a temporary power boost during the race.

Formula E features major automotive brands like Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Mercedes-Benz with a diverse roster of drivers.

Formula E Unplugged is a series that shows what goes on in the Formula E paddock.

All things considered, the world of motorsport has lots of aspects to offer for all interests! There is never a dull moment in these sports. These premier motorsport series promise excitement, drama, and unforgettable moments on every lap.