The Races in North America That Attracted the Most Viewers

Environmental groups and conscientious consumers across the continent have exerted pressure on various industries, leading to difficulties for many. While hybrid cars are gradually gaining prominence in the automotive sector and clean energy initiatives aim to displace petrol and gas, there remains one industry that continues to thrive and enjoy widespread admiration: racing. Numerous racing championships are held annually in North America, and the vehicles participating in these races are far from being hybrid cars. This can sometimes perplex newcomers as they try to discern which races are considered the “authentic” ones to follow. Here are some helpful pointers.

NASCAR

The establishment of the National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) dates back to the 1940s when Sir William France founded it. Initially, a driver named Bill France organized the National Championship Stock Car Circuit (NCSCC) in 1947, which led to a collective effort by several individuals to establish the regulations governing the championships. Initially, there were three distinct series: Modified Cars, Roadsters, and Strictly Stock. Over time, NASCAR evolved, and it currently comprises seven officially recognized series.

Among these, the most fiercely competitive series is undoubtedly the Sprint Cup, encompassing 36 races over a span of 10 months. The top racers in this circuit, owing to their sponsorships, have been known to earn millions of dollars and have amassed a devoted following of racing enthusiasts across the United States (although NASCAR enjoys less popularity in Canada). Jimmie Johnson, Brad Keselowski, and Carl Edwards are among the prominent figures in this series.

Regarding the most significant individual race in NASCAR, it unquestionably is the Daytona 500, often referred to as the “Super Bowl of NASCAR.”

Formula 1

Due to being overshadowed in popularity by NASCAR in the United States, Formula 1 is likely the preferred racing championship in Canada, largely due to the presence of the Montreal Grand Prix. This event gained significant global attention and, in 2005, was the third most-watched sporting event worldwide, following the Super Bowl and the UEFA Championship. Formula 1 is a long-standing championship with races held across different continents, including recent additions of Grand Prix races in Bahrain and China.

The Montreal Grand Prix has historically attracted nearly 300,000 tourists during its peak years. Many international celebrities are known to attend the event and indulge in the vibrant nightlife of Montreal throughout the three-day race weekend. The race itself is unforgiving due to its challenging sharp turns and the infamous “Wall of Champions,” which has witnessed numerous crashes involving some of the best drivers in the circuit over the years. The race takes place at the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve, which also hosted a NASCAR event in 2007.

IndyCar Racing

Determining the third position among the top racing championships is difficult since NASCAR and Formula 1 enjoy prominence in their respective countries. However, IndyCar is a highly regarded racing championship that garners significant attention. It merged with CART (Champ Car World Series) in 2007 and is broadcasted on major US networks, including NBC and ABC, as well as Sportsnet in Canada. Even residents of the United Kingdom have the opportunity to watch these competitions through the Sky Sports networks.

While NASCAR remains highly popular in the United States, Canada finds its preference in Formula 1, primarily due to the renowned Montreal Grand Prix. This event attracts international attention and is considered one of the world’s most-watched sporting events. Additionally, IndyCar racing stands as a respected championship, drawing significant interest and enjoying widespread coverage across various networks.