It’s easy enough to make a valid argument that the superspeedway classification is a case of semantics, but for whatever reason, the nomenclature has stuck. A superspeedway is essentially any sports car racetrack that exceeds 200 miles per hour in speed; in most cases, the complex loop configuration and/or length of the track determines the speed at which a vehicle can travel, not the engine strength. The phrase originates from the early 1950s, when tracks like Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway were first classified as superspeedways, before the name was officially approved by the governing body in 1957.
What Is An Indianapolis Motor Speedway?
One of the first superspeedways was the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, which opened in 1911 and was the precursor to today’s IMS. The historic facility is a testament to the power of engines and the glory of motor sports. If you’ve never been there, then it’s probably time to make the trip. With more than a thousand events held annually, there’s always something going on at IMS, from the Indy 500 to the USAC Silver Crown Series.
What Is A Daytona International Speedway?
Like Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Daytona is a historic facility that saw the rise of motor sports in the early 20th century. Daytona International Speedway opened in February 1913 and was originally designed for vehicles with internal combustion engines; it was the first year of Indy cars racing there. The term superspeedway originates from one of the first motor races held at the Daytona Beach track, when the average lap speed was well over 100 miles per hour. Today, Daytona is best known as the home of the Daytona 500, the premier event of NASCAR‘s season.
Who Wants to Race On A Superspeedway?
If you’re reading this, then it’s almost certainly too late to apply for a race license at Texas Motor Speedway, the state’s most famous racetrack. Texas Motor Speedway opened its gates in 1954 and has become famous for its annual Spring Race, a 400-mile marathon that pits a variety of racing vehicles against one another. The event is the first and only superspeedway of the season, and teams of up to four people can apply to race. While the event itself is a blast, the real draw is in the tradition of the run, with the speed and the name attributed to it. If you’ve never been there, then it’s definitely time to make the trip. The facility is open year-round, and tickets are quite affordable.
What Are The Best Tracks For Supercars?
While many consider the Indianapolis Motor Speedway and Daytona International Speedway to be the gold standard for superspeedways, there are a number of other tracks around the world that are just as viable, if not more so. For example, the Nürburgring in Germany and the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi are two other prominent examples of superspeedways.
These are just a few examples of the many superspeedways that exist, and while most are located in North America, there are a handful in other parts of the world as well. With a bit of planning and research, you can make your trip to one of these legendary tracks, whether it’s in the U.S. or elsewhere.