Motor sports are one the most popular forms. These events are very popular because of the speed at which drivers race down the track at speeds exceeding 100 mph.
The oldest motorsport race was held in Paris-Rouen, France in 1894. It was organized by two Frenchmen, who were inspired by horse-drawn carriage races they had seen while on vacation.
The French Grand Prix
The French Grand Prix is one the oldest motorsport races. This prestigious event was held for the first time in 1906 and continues to be run today. Its origins can trace back to organized automobile racing, which was established in France in the latter years of the nineteenth-century.
In 1906, the first Grand Prix race was held on a 103km stretch of public roads near Le Mans. It was won by Hungarian driver Ferenc Szisz in a Renault.
Over the next few decades, the circuits used to stage the French GP grew to include sixteen venues. Although the number of venues that hosted this renowned race isn’t as impressive as its rivals it’s still an impressive record for an international race.
Even in its early years, the French Grand Prix was known for its death-defying races. The 1901 Paris-Berlin race was remembered for its impressive average speed by Henri Fournier. But it was also a deadly race, with numerous incidents involving drivers as well as spectators. A competitor driving a Mors also hit a tram in Metternich, and crashed into a child at Reims, killing him.
The French Grand Prix returned to Formula 1 in 2018, after a ten year absence. While it will be sad to see it disappear from the schedule after a successful return, it’s understandable why Formula One is taking the decision.
The French Grand Prix is an iconic race that has been a fixture of the Formula 1 calendar for over 100 years. It has also been home to some of the most famous drivers in history. Michael Schumacher is the most dominant driver in French racing history. He won the race eight times and was on the podium 11 times.
The French Grand Prix is one the most exciting events on a calendar. It has witnessed some of motorsport’s greatest duels, including a fight between Rene Arnoux (Gilles Villeneuve) It has a unique layout that has been altered since its opening.
The Isle of Man TT
The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy (aka the TT) has been long considered one of the most popular motorsport events in the world. Each June, motorcycle racers compete in a variety of classes on the closed two-lane country roads of Isle of Man.
This is a dangerous place, but the TT is unique in that so many people make the effort to watch the races. Although many road racing events are closed to the public, the Isle of Man TT allows spectators to get up close and personal in the paddock with the stars, mingling and feeling part of the event.
It’s a totally different atmosphere than any other racing series. The fans who make the effort to attend have created a strong sense community. Many shops, restaurants, and hotels on the island close during the TT. Many of these are run by local residents who profit from the influx in money from the 40,000+ race fanatics that flood the island once a year.
The TT is known for its infamous ‘dangerous obsession’, but it’s also extremely regulated and organized. Each stage has its own timetable and all road traffic is prohibited during the races.
While this is a good thing for the safety of the riders and spectators, it can sometimes result in traffic problems on the course. This is especially true for races that start early in the morning or when there are large crowds.
The unique history of the Isle of Man TT is another thing that sets it apart. Although the Isle of Man hosted the first car trials in 1904, motorcycle racing was not established until 1907. In England, a law was passed in 1903 that prohibited automobile races on public roads, so the Isle of Man became an ideal place to compete with cars.
Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit
One of Britain’s great motoring heritage sites is Brooklands Motor Racing Circuit. This track was Europe’s first permanent racing track and is the oldest motorsport race in Britain. It was built in 1907. It was the brainchild of Hugh Fortescue Locke King, a patriot who wanted to develop British-made cars after he saw them in action at the Coppa Florio races in Italy.
The track was used for speed and distance records, as well as auto testing, shortly after opening. Just two weeks after it opened, Selwyn Edge drove a Napier around the circuit in 24 hours at an average speed of 65mph. The feat made a huge impact on public opinion and was later broken with an Austin Healey car and a Bentley.
In the 1920s, motor racing re-emerged at Brooklands after extensive repairs and Grand Prix motor racing was established here. Henry Segrave won his first 200-mile race in a 1.5L Darracq Talbot. He became a popular British driver, winning both the French Grand Prix e San Sebastian Grand Prix (both on Sunbeam Racing Cars).
The track was closed during World War I but it was requisitioned by the Royal Flying Corps and became a military training centre. It was a hub of activity with workshops creating wartime aircraft and naming the area.
Brooklands was home to many of Britain’s earliest businesses, including Vickers Aircraft which designed and manufactured the Wellington, Viscount, and VC-10, as well as racing. It was also the home of Concorde, the world’s first supersonic aircraft. This legacy lives on today through the Brooklands Museum that focuses exclusively on the history.
Although only a section of the original track remains, the rest is now thriving. Brooklands Museum, Mercedes Benz World, as well as a hotel of high quality are located on the 330-acre property. Its historic buildings and WWII hangars, as well as a fascinating collection of trucks and utility vehicles that were used on the site when it was a busy military base, make for an excellent day out for the motorsport fan.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans
The 24 Hours of Le Mans is one of the oldest motorsport races in the world. It has been held every year since 1923 and is part the FIA World Endurance Championship. It is held on the Sarthe circuit of road-racing in northern France and is a major event.
In the beginning of the race cars competed against one another to see who could travel more distance in 24 hours. The winner was awarded the Rudge-Whitworth Triennial Cup, but this idea was abandoned in 1928.
Over the years, the race grew into one of the most popular events in the world. The track was a magnet for the public, who came eagerly to see their favorite drivers race in some of the fastest cars on the planet.
By the 1950s, major car companies such as Ferrari, Aston Martin, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz began sending multiple cars to compete in the race. They spent millions of dollars to perfect their cars, and took home the win.
Racing dynasties have existed and fallen over the years. Bentley and Alfa Romeo were famous for winning four consecutive Le Mans races in 1930s. Ferrari and Porsche dominated 1960s and 1970s.
Today’s race features 59 vehicles and 177 drivers representing 30 countries. The largest number of drivers comes from Great Britain, followed by France and Italy.
The 24 Hours of Le Mans, like most major sports, is an international event. Teams from all over the world compete for the title of “Le Mans Champion.” It is a hugely successful race and has an impact far beyond France. It’s also a great place to test out new technology, which can be applied on other tracks in the future.
Although the race is an unforgettable experience, it can sometimes be confusing because there are many classes of cars competing. The track is well-organized, and you will be kept informed by knowledgeable TV commentators.