Formula 1, NTT IndyCar, and NASCAR Cup are three of the most successful motorsport series in the world, each with its unique characteristics and fan base. And like any serious sports enthusiast, fans of each series will claim theirs is the pinnacle of motorsport racing. So, what’s the best motorsport series in the world? First, let’s dive into the key differences between these racing series in terms of cars, racing style, speed, and tracks.
The Cars
Formula 1 cars are the epitome of cutting-edge technology and innovation. These single-seater, open-wheel cars are designed for maximum aerodynamic efficiency and downforce. F1 cars are powered by hybrid power units combining a turbocharged V6 engine with an electric motor, producing around 1,000 horsepower. The cars are lightweight, weighing approximately 752 kg (1,658 lbs) including the driver.
F1 teams build their cars from the ground up, starting with the design phase, followed by manufacturing and assembly. Each team has its own factory where different departments work on specific parts of the car, such as aerodynamics, engine, and chassis. This allows for a high degree of customization and innovation, making each car unique. They have to follow a specific set of guidelines or regulations when building their cars, but each team can go about it their own unique way with whatever innovations they come up with along the way. Literally hundreds of millions of dollars are spent by each team to engineer their cars every year and a lot of this technological innovation eventually ends up making it’s way to consumer cars. Some examples of this are active suspension, KERS – kinetic energy recovery system, Carbon Fiber and paddle shifters. Along with the Driver’s Championship, the teams are also competing in a Constructors Championship, where the most winning/best car wins at the end of the season.
The downside to having each team build their own car is that there are clear differences in the performance of the teams cars and the team with the best car almost always wins the race, which can get predictable and dull if one team in particular has a much better car and runs away with the season. The upside however, is that it’s interesting to watch the teams spend the entire season upgrading their cars, trying to gain an edge over their competition, adding a whole different layer to the series.
IndyCar vehicles are also single-seater, open-wheel cars but are generally less technologically advanced than F1 cars. They use a 2.2-liter twin-turbo V6 engine, producing around 700 horsepower. IndyCars are designed to be more robust to handle the high-speed oval tracks they often race on. They weigh about 730 kg (1,609 lbs) without the driver.
IndyCar teams use a standardized chassis provided by Dallara, and while they can make some adjustments to the aerodynamics and suspension, the core structure of the car remains the same across all teams. This creates a more level playing field and emphasizes driver skill and team strategy. The series’ larger field also adds another dimension as there can be up to 33 cars in some races like the Indy 500.
NASCAR cars are entirely different from F1 and IndyCar, featuring a closed-wheel design and resembling production cars. They are powered by naturally aspirated V8 engines, producing around 750 horsepower. NASCAR vehicles are much heavier, weighing approximately 1,450 kg (3,200 lbs) without the driver. There’s a more complex racing scoring system in the NASCAR Cup series, which even includes a post season.
Similar to IndyCar, NASCAR teams use standardized cars, known as stock cars, which are built to specific regulations. While teams can tweak certain aspects like the engine and suspension, the overall design and structure are consistent across the series.
The Racing Style
Formula 1 races are known for their precision and strategy. The races take place on a variety of circuits, including street circuits, permanent road courses, and a few hybrid tracks. F1 races typically last around 90 minutes, with drivers needing to manage tire wear, fuel load, and energy recovery systems.
IndyCar racing combines road courses, street circuits, and oval tracks. The diversity of tracks requires drivers to be versatile and adaptable. IndyCar races can be longer, especially the iconic Indianapolis 500, which lasts around three hours. The racing style is more aggressive, with closer wheel-to-wheel action compared to F1.
NASCAR races primarily take place on oval tracks, with a few road courses included in the schedule. The races are much longer, often lasting three to four hours. NASCAR racing is characterized by its pack racing, where cars run in close proximity, leading to frequent overtakes and high-speed drafting.
The Speed
Formula 1 cars are incredibly fast, with top speeds reaching around 360 km/h (223 mph). They excel in acceleration, going from 0 to 100 km/h (0 to 62 mph) in about 2.6 seconds. The focus on downforce allows F1 cars to maintain high speeds through corners.
IndyCar vehicles can reach higher top speeds on oval tracks, hitting around 380 km/h (236 mph). However, their acceleration is slightly slower than F1 cars, taking about 3 seconds to reach 100 km/h (62 mph). The car design used in IndyCar prioritizes straight-line speed over cornering ability.
NASCAR cars have lower top speeds, maxing out around 321 km/h (199 mph). Their acceleration is also slower, taking about 3.4 seconds to reach 96 km/h (60 mph). The heavier weight and less aerodynamic design contribute to these lower speeds.
The Tracks
Formula 1 races on a global stage, with circuits located on five continents. The tracks vary widely, from the tight streets of Monaco to the high-speed straights of Monza. Each circuit presents unique challenges, requiring teams to adapt their car setups accordingly.
IndyCar races primarily in the United States and Canada, with a mix of oval tracks, road courses, and street circuits. The variety of tracks in the IndyCar series demands a high level of versatility from the drivers.
NASCAR races almost exclusively on oval tracks in the United States, with a few road courses included. The oval tracks range from short tracks like Bristol Motor Speedway to superspeedways like Daytona International Speedway. The emphasis on oval racing creates a unique style of competition, with drafting and pack racing playing significant roles.
So, which is the best?
Well, I suppose that all depends on who you ask. If you’re into international glitz and glamour, enjoy technical detail, endless strategy minutia and track variation than Formula 1 could be the answer. If high speed competitive racing with a large field of open wheel cars and both road and oval tracks is your thing than IndyCar could be your thing. And if you like tightly packed oval racing with drafting and uncertain outcomes with almost guaranteed crashes than NASCAR is the place for you. Either way, there is no real answer. All three of these series are at the very peak of motorsport and feature many of the best drivers in the world.
And of course these are not the only racing series that deserve your attention. There’s the Super Formula Championship in Japan, the Australian Supercar Championship, the Stock Car Pro Series in Brazil and of course FIA World Rally Championship, IMSA and many many more.
