Motor racing is one of the most thrilling sports in the world. The sport involves heart-stopping runs and turns that leave the fans thrilled. People’s fascination with fast-moving machines keeps motorsports popularity at an all-time high.

There are several motorsports that fans follow around the globe. Let’s look at the most popular:

The most popular motorsports around the world

Formula 1

Also known as F1, Formula 1 is the world’s most popular international motorsport. It’s the top-most single-seat, open-cockpit, and open-wheel professional auto racing contest governed by Federation Internationale de I’ Automobile (FIA) or International Automobile Federation. The Formula One Group owns the race.

Participating cars and drivers follow the rules provided by the governing body. The race has been a source of thrill and excitement to fans since its start in 1950. A series of races called Grand Prix take place around the globe in an F1 season providing fans with different experiences. The 2023 season is set to be the largest ever.

This motorsport is most prevalent in Europe, South America, and Asia, with Monaco Grand Prix the most popular event rolled out annually. Lewis Hamilton, Michael Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, and Fernando Alonso are some of the biggest names in Formula 1 from the past couple of decades.

Formula 1 motorsport cars racing on the track

NASCAR

NASCAR is another famous motorsport that is regarded as safer than the F1. It started in 1948.

NASCAR, which stands for National Association for Stock Cars Auto Racing, is the most-watched auto race in the United States. The Daytona 500, NASCAR Championship race, and Coca-Cola 600 are the most-followed NASCAR races.

Participating cars have the same engine ability though they look different on the outside. Some of the greatest names in NASCAR sports include Richard Petty, Dale Earnhardt, Jimmie Johnson, Jeff Gordon, David Pearson, and Bobby Alison.

Moto GP

Moto GP is your favourite auto racing sport if you are a motorcycle fan. The contest is high from start to finish, with riders separated by one or two seconds. Fans get thrilled when bikes jump fly several feet tall or when they beat a muddy corner at an incredible speed.

It is an unpredictable race with riders trying to edge over each other strategically on the tracks providing views with scenes to remember.

Popular Moto GP riders include Giacomo Agostini, Angel Nieto, Valentino Rossi, Marc Marquez, and Joan Mir.

IndyCar

IndyCar forms a significant part of American sporting history dating back to 1909. It is the first open-wheel racing league in the U.S.

According to its fans, this is the best race, as it incorporates round tracks and road courses. To them, this promotes diversity which is not available on all roads or all-street offered by F1.

Participating cars resemble those in F1 through open-seat design and open cockpit to set the vehicles for maximum speed.

Joseph Newgarden, Alex Palou, and Scott Dixon are some drivers who have made their name in IndyCar sport in recent history.

IndyCar motorsport racing

WRC

What about cars racing above 130 miles per hour over multiple terrains, sharp turns, and crazy jumps? This is why most people refer to WRC as crazy driving. The driving skills involved in every stage of the race are incredible.

The race allows fans to watch drivers driving different car brands and showcasing their skills on rough terrains. 

Tommi Makinen, Carlos Sainz, Colin McRae, Sebastian Loeb, and Sebastian Ogier are some of the biggest names that graced the WRC world.

Motocross

This is another crazy auto-racing sport that is gaining popularity around the globe. The sport originated in the United Kingdom in the early 1900s before spreading to other European nations and the rest of the world. 

Motocross is full of thrills and drama, where riders race on rough terrains with hills and sharp turns. The tracks are often muddy, adding to the difficulty of the sport. These features make motocross an adventurous but dangerous sport, and it is common to see participants pulling out of the races with only the tough ones completing.

Popular motocross competitions in the world include:

  • AMA Motocross Championship
  • FIM Motocross World Championship
  • Motocross des Nations
  • British Motocross Championship

Stefan Everts, James Stewart (Bubba), Ricky Carmichael, Bob Hannah, Jeremy McGrath, and Roger De Coster are some of the greatest names in the motocross world.

Indianapolis 500

Also known as the Indy 500, Indianapolis is among the world’s oldest auto races. It’s an open-wheeled, open-cockpit auto race held each year at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway U.S.

The inaugural Indy 500 took place in 1911 and has evolved from then to the current one, which involves 200 laps.

Indianapolis 500 motorsport racing

Final Thoughts

There is no argument for the popularity of the above motorsports globally. Each sport has its rules governing it, with the safety of the drivers and riders as a critical priority. 

It is challenging to pick the best motorsport to follow as all of them are enjoyable to watch. The skills, endurance, and rough terrains involved are worth your time.

For even more content like this, check out our Motorsports section.