Written by Andrew Monson
Motorsport as a topic is the same broad concept around the world, vehicles with complex motors going around tracks and drag-strips with the intention of being faster than your peers.
However, the culture behind motorsport is vastly different around the world with the two biggest markets currently being the American motorsport scene and the European scene, but how do they compare and are they more similar than most would like to admit?
As the resident American here at TFS, I feel it is only right that I dive deeper into this topic (Yes, an American feeling entitled… shocking).
When you think of motorsport in Europe, the usual titans come to mind: F1, MotoGP, ELMS, and FE. Each organization brings its own offerings to the overall value of motorsport.
F1 is by far the pinnacle of motorsport, from the history of the sport to the technological advancements that benefit everyday transport as well as the sport itself. For over 70 years F1 has been where the greatest drivers in the world go to compete for the most prestigious honour in the sport.
On the opposite end of the pond, we have the United States. When you think of motorsport in America, you might think of left turns and car wrecks, but that is only the surface of American motorsport culture.
Like Europe, there is a fair share of well-known series held in the US, some that come to mind are NASCAR, IndyCar, NHRA, and IMSA. Each series is vastly unique in its own way.
It is understandable why NASCAR can seem boring or “simple” from the outside looking in but once you dive into it, you can see it is much more. The playing field in NASCAR is far more even than F1 with far more drivers and teams capable of competing for wins and points in any given race.
The same could be said for IndyCar as it is a spec series which makes for less innovation in exchange for much closer and even racing throughout the entire grid.
While on the topic of IndyCar, it plays host to the “Greatest Spectacle in Motorsport” the Indy500. The Indy500’s history is so deeply rooted in not just motorsport history, but in American history as well. The first Indy500 happened closer to the fall of the Holy Roman Empire than the most recent running of the Indy500 last Sunday.
I believe that the differences between European and American motorsport culture shouldn’t divide fans, but instead should bring together the masses to share a love for fast cars since at the end of the day every track is just a funny looking circle.
Edit: My motorsport Mount Rushmore is Lewis Hamilton, Dale Earnhardt Sr., Ayrton Senna, and Michael Schumacher (in no order).
Question: Who is your motorsport Mount Rushmore, and why? (Let us know in the comments)
The Fastest Sector 