Just when you thought the racing season was over, the world of motorsport has changed. COVID-19 restrictions meant that large gatherings of people were now off-limits. This has prompted some in the sport to question whether or not they can call themselves motorsport anymore. We think it’s a fair argument to make.
Is Motorsport Rallies and Challenges Still Relevant?
Many fans were still trying to wrap their head around the fact that motorsport wasn’t going to be happening this year. But it was, with the advent of ‘rallying’. This is where drivers and crews would meet in big groups to compete in exciting head-to-head races. While incredibly popular in its day, the modern era of motor sports has evolved away from its original intent. The ‘pits’, where the mechanics are located, were no longer an afterthought, but an essential part of the action. In some cases, ‘pits’ were even built outdoors to give the competitors a real winter climate experience. But that doesn’t mean that these events aren’t relevant today.
The experience of being at a real-life motorsport event is one that many people will treasure for a lifetime. Whether it’s competing in a historic car, or supporting your favorite driver from the comfort of your couch, there are many ways to enjoy motorsport without having to physically be there.
Is IndyCar Still The King Of American Auto Racing?
The IndyCar series has been around since 1911, and is one of the most established tours in American sports. With the likes of Mario Andretti, Al Unser, and Richard Petty competing over the years, it’s easy to understand why people are still so passionate about this series. The championship will be contested over 34 races this year, with several being held in front of sell-out crowds.
The indy car series still holds the prestigious title of “The Greatest” in a recent poll by Top Gear magazine. It’s not just the fans that continue to show their support either, with several IndyCar drivers having soldiered on throughout the pandemic after their respective teams shut down. With IndyCar returning, it would seem that the ‘sport’ will continue to be relevant for years to come.
Is NASCAR Still The King Of Road Racing?
This is a question that many motorsport fans have asked themselves, as NASCAR has changed considerably in recent years. Gone are the days when NASCAR was just “The Sport”, now it’s almost an identity crisis. As the name would suggest, NASCAR is now synonymous with ‘stock cars’ and their incredible speed. In 2018, NASCAR became the first motorsport series to run entirely online. And, although it may seem like a gimmick at first, it’s clear that the online format has worked. This year, NASCAR is on pace to shatter their previous record for online viewership, with 17.4 million people tuning in to the season opener from the comfort of their couches.
The King also happens to be the name that NASCAR fans have given themselves, with the official slogan being “Keep Calm And Crown Your Car.” So, it would seem that, even in the face of COVID-19, NASCAR is still very relevant. After years of dominance, it’s clear that this sport will continue to be around for many years to come.
What About Endurance Racing?
It’s been a banner year for endurance racing, with several one-of-a-kind races taking place. From the 24-hour Nurburgring to the 24 Heures du Mans, these are races that will be talked about for years to come. Teams would camp out for weeks to get everything perfect, sometimes racing for 48 hours straight without a break. These are the types of races that show extreme dedication and commitment to the sport, as well as the glory that comes with being the best.
It’s fair to say that the popularity of these events has seen a revival in the past year. With many luxury boxes and expensive merchandise shops lining the streets outside the pits, it’s clear that these are financially lucrative races for teams and organizations. Despite COVID-19, it seems that the endurance racing scene is here to stay.
Will There Be Any All-Electric Or Hybrid-Electric Races?
This is a question that many fans have been asking themselves as well, as the Formula E series has done an incredible job at keeping fans entertained during this period of time. One of the most innovative and dynamic teams in motorsport, Formula E proved that electric vehicles can be exciting to watch, and have all the makings of a legitimate sports car. It would seem that Formula E will continue to be a thorn in the side of traditional auto racing.
The all-electric series has had a huge impact on the racing world, as several teams have switched to all-electric vehicles or hybrids. The shift towards greener vehicles has been a game-changer for many teams, with drivers looking to reduce their ecological footprint as much as possible. With the benefits that these cars offer, it’s no wonder that many fans are interested in this type of racing. With Formula E remaining one of the most popular and prestigious motorsport series, it would seem that all-electric and hybrid-electric vehicles are set to make a significant comeback in 2020.
Will NASCAR Offer Any Changes Or Evolutions?
It’s been a tough year for NASCAR, as the economic impact of the pandemic severely restricted the ability of teams to compete. After years of dominance, it’s clear that NASCAR has changed, with more stringent regulations regarding safety, and changes to the way that they do business.
While it’s great to see that NASCAR has changed to adapt to new times, it’s also important to remember that these changes are for the better. It would seem that NASCAR has learned from its mistakes, and will try and make amends where they can. The new governance could result in significant changes for the better.
What About The Future Of Motorsport?
Despite the positive developments that have come about as a result of the pandemic, it’s important to remember that the world of motorsport is still very much in the post-pandemic era.
It would be foolish not to acknowledge the positive changes that have occurred following the pandemic. Not only have motorsport returned, but it also seems as though it will remain a popular pastime, with several new series and teams set to make their debuts in the next few months. With many changes and innovations to the formula, it’s clear that this is a sport that will continue to evolve and grow.