In 1885, the Germany engineer Karl Benz designed and built the first ever automobile. A year later, Benz received the first patent for a gas-powered vehicle, and by 1891 he built his first four-wheel car. It would not take long after the invention of the automobile for people to ask the question “What if they raced?”
In 1894, less than a full decade after Mr. Benz had created the initial prototype, a French newspaper organized and funded the very first motorized vehicle race. The track stretched from Paris to Rouen, and the massive success of the event led to the creation of what we today call motorsport.
What is Motorsport?
Motorsport or autosport is a term used to encompass all forms of competitions done with motorized vehicles. From automobile races, to motorcycle races, to drone, slot car, truck, snowmobile, and even motorboat races, the term “motorsport” describes it all.
The popularity of autosports is incredibly large. Fans from all over the world tune in to latest races from the various competitions. Perhaps understandably, the most popular motorsports are those in which automobiles compete. However, motorcycle races are also incredibly popular, especially sports like motocross.
Of course, when a sport gets major traction, the punters are not far behind. Motorsports are some of the most popular events in the world of sports betting. Millions are spent on the various events annually, and bookies pay very close attention to the latest odds and news.
In 2023, sports betting is largely done online. And it is no different when it comes to motorsports. Various popular and legitimate sports betting websites cover events like NASCAR, Formula 1, Motocross, etc. And with the interest in these sports growing, we thought we would share a few things you need to know, before you start betting.
#1 – the Most Popular Motorsports?
The first thing you will want to know is what the most popular motorsports are. Certainly, we have all heard of Formula 1, which currently holds the number 1 title as the biggest international auto race. The highest class of international racing, Formula 1 is famous for having the uncontested, fastest cars in the world of auto racing. The sport has also produced some of the most well-known drivers and athletes, like Michael Schumacher, who remains one of the greats.
Today, F1 still retains the title of most popular motorsport in the world. However, a competitor comes from the United States. NASCAR has always been the number one favorite in the USA. Recently though, the sport has also been gaining major traction in European countries like the United Kingdom and Germany, as well as the US’s neighbors, Mexico and Canada. While still nowhere near as popular as F1, NASCAR is slowly gaining incredible worldwide popularity, and may just overcome Formula 1 in the future. Though the prospects of that are doubtful.
For those for whom fast cars are just not enough of an adrenaline boost, motocross is an off-road motorcycle race. Held on coarse circuits, the sport is often classified as an “extreme” sport. Though it has been around for over 100 years, motocross has recently garnered incredible popularity, becoming easily one of the most popular motor racing events in the world.
#2 – The Most Popular Motorsport Events
Now that you know the most popular motorsports, the next step is to familiarize yourself with the most popular motorsport events. As we’ve said, the sport’s popularity has grown immensely, so you are spoiled for choice when picking an event to bet on. However, there are some that stand as the cream of the crop, and are definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of fast vehicles.
The first example we wanted to talk about is the Isle of Man TT. Held annually since 1907, the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy is one of the oldest motor racing events. However, that isn’t the reputation that most know it by. The Tourist Trophy is infamous as one of the most dangerous, if not the most dangerous event in the world of motorized racing.
The event has garnered incredible popularity in the world of racing, and is now accompanied by a series of licensed video games, which take players to the dangerous track, and help them to experience the thrill, without the danger.
Finland is one of the countries where motorsports has truly taken off. So, it is no surprise that they are home to one of the most impressive races in the world. The Rally Finland (or Suomen ralli) is a rally competition, known worldwide as the fastest rally event in the World Rally Championship. This, coupled with its importance has earned it the moniker “The Grand Prix of Rallying.”
Other important and impressive motorsport competitions include: The Japanese Grand Prix, the Berlin ePrix, the Portland IndyCar Grand, etc.
#3 – Different Types of Bets
Finally, you should be aware that betting on motorsports can be very varied. Obviously, the bets that most are familiar with are the “to win” bets. Often called straight bets, this type of bet involves placing a wager on which driver will win the race.
However, that is not all that the world of motorsports betting has to offer. Fans of racing can place bets on who will have the fastest lap in a tournament, which racer will win a Grand Prix, which driver will come out on top in terms of points, and similar outcomes of an event. A rather popular, high-risk bet, is wagering on a Triplet. In other words, a punter is betting on the same driver to win a pole position, a grand prix victory, and the fastest lap.
Another, more exotic kind of betting, involves placing bets that have no effect on the outcome of the event, but rather predict whether or not drivers will take certain actions. For example, a rather popular wager is whether or not a driver will make a pit stop. Similar bets include whether or not the safety car will enter the fray during a Formula 1 competition.
