- Formula Racing
- Sports Car Racing
- Stock Car Racing
- Rallying
- Drag Racing
- Off-Road Racing
Off-road racing
Off road racing is not really at the top of the list when it comes to the racing that people watch. However the people who compete in the races will tell you that they are the most fun form of motor sports. Unfortunately they are also one of the most dangerous.
Usually when people talk about off road racing they are talking about racing across deserts. This is the type that is popular in the United States and which has spread to Africa through the popular Dakar Rally which is the biggest off road race in the world. There are some other types of off road racing that are pursued in Europe which involve racing over difficult terrain but this is not all that popular. Off road racing can involve long distances or it can be a fairly short race around a set course.
The most popular type of off road racing is the long distance rally type. This is what is done during the Dakar Rally. This involves racing thousands of kilometres through the African desert. This type of racing is a test of endurance more than anything else and most of the competitors will drop out before they reach the end of the race. There are other similar types of events that are held over shorter distances that are also popular, particularly in the United States.
The other type of off road race that is popular is the one that is held over a set course. This will usually be a course that is several kilometres long on which the participants will complete a set number of laps. These races are much shorter usually lasting just a few hours. While the races are shorter the speeds attained are much higher. These courses also tend to have jumps in them to add to the challenge.
Almost all off road racing is done in vehicles that are specifically designed for the purpose. Some may be modified trucks but most are custom built. The type of vehicle used will depend in large part on the type of race you are in. A race on a closed course rewards speed and since it usually has jumps a lightweight vehicle is usually used. For long distance races durability will be much more important. In most races there are several different classes so a variety of different vehicles can be used. This can range from large trucks to dune buggies to motorcycles.
Over the years off road racing has developed a bit of a reputation for being dangerous. This is especially true for long distance races like the Dakar Rally. Driving cars at high speeds in areas were cars were never intended to go poses several dangers. In addition some races like the Dakar Rally go through areas that are not politically stable, more than one competitor has been shot at over the years. As a result deaths are not all that uncommon with off road races.