Race car driving has played a pivotal role in culture for years. People come from all over to watch cars, driven by the best
drivers, make their way down and around tracks and circuits. There are a number of car racing categories, including drag
racing, sports car racing, go-kart racing, stock car racing and off-road racing. Various countries have influenced the sport
with popularity soaring throughout the years. It seems that people have always enjoyed watching drivers hit high speeds
in beautiful vehicles. There is a labor of love involved in the process, because drivers have to take excellent care of
their vehicles and provide upgrades to get the greatest performance possible.
At its core, automobile racing always includes vehicles, a course of travel and a finish line. Whether the race takes place
on a track, course, or open road, the end result remains the same. However, auto racing has more variety than most sports,
due to the versatility in rules, vehicles, and settings. Some of the earliest race car events were organized in France,
while the sport skyrocketed in popularity in the United States following World War II. As technology has evolved throughout
the years, so too, has the sport. Unlike other sports, which feature progressive change, while staying relatively the same,
auto racing has grown leaps and bounds, due to advancements in the automobile industry as a whole. Some famous race car
drivers over time include Danica Patrick, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt. The sport has seen a growth in
female drivers gradually, since Janet Guthrie was the first female driver on a super speedway in 1976.
Some of the most famous races include the Daytona 500, the Indy 500, the Grand Prix and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. People travel
from all over the planet to bear witness to these races, allowing them to take in the sport and watch the best competitors
strive for the prestigious awards. People who want to become familiar with the sport should learn the terms and rules associated
with it. While it may seem simplistic on the surface, these races feature a variety of point systems and rules that may
not seem readily obvious. Drivers now also operate in team systems and compete for playoff spots, depending on the sanctioning
body, so people who would like to become fans should understand the technicalities involved.
The pit is one of the most important features of auto racing, and consists of about five to 20 certified mechanics. These
mechanics help keep the driver on the road, by refueling, changing parts of all types, rotating tires, and making sure that
the driver has everything at their disposal to thrive. People, who want to become involved in the sport, either as a driver
or pit crew, typically go to school to learn the ins and outs of vehicles and competitive racing.
Auto racing today is bigger than it has ever been. Race car drivers are being paid handsomely for their services both on
the track and in endorsement deals. This is evidenced by the fact that in most auto racing competitions, drivers' cars are
outfitted with advertisements and logos from sponsors. People also have more options than ever to embrace the sport and
get their racing fix. Anyone who wants to learn more should put in the research and figure out what they enjoy.