Formula One racing and NASCAR are two of the most popular auto racing sports in the world. They both have a long history and tradition of competition, and both attract huge crowds of spectators. But how do they compare in terms of popularity?
A recent study by motorsport marketing agency Repucom found that Formula One is more popular than NASCAR globally. The study looked at data from over 27,000 people in 21 countries and found that Formula One was more widely known and had a higher level of interest than NASCAR.
However, the study also found that NASCAR is more popular than Formula One in the United States. In fact, NASCAR is one of the most popular sports in America, with an estimated 75 million fans. By contrast, Formula One is not nearly as popular in America, with only about 10 million fans.
So while Formula One may be more popular globally, NASCAR remains the king of auto racing in America.
History of Formula One
Formula One, also known as Grand Prix racing, is the highest class of single-seater auto racing sanctioned by the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The FIA Formulae are a set of rules which govern all aspects of Grand Prix racing. The cars are purpose-built race cars which are required to meet stringent safety and technical regulations.
The first Formula One World Championship season was held in 1950, and since then there have been 67 Formula One seasons. Michael Schumacher is the most successful Formula One driver of all time, having won 7 World Championship titles. Lewis Hamilton is currently the most successful active Formula One driver, having won 5 World Championship titles.
The popularity of Formula One has seen a significant increase in recent years. In 2017, the sport had an estimated global TV audience of 425 million people. This was a 14% increase from the previous year. The 2018 season is expected to be even more popular, with several marquee races taking place, including the Monaco Grand Prix and the British Grand Prix.
History of NASCAR
The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing (NASCAR) is an American auto racing sanctioning and operating company that is best known for stock-car racing. The privately owned company was founded by Bill France Sr. in 1948, and his son, Jim France, has been the CEO since August 6, 2018. The company is headquartered in Daytona Beach, Florida. Each year, NASCAR sanctions over 1,500 races at over 100 tracks in 48 US states as well as in Canada and Mexico.
NASCAR is second to the National Football League (NFL) among professional sports leagues in terms of television ratings in the United States. Internationally, its races are broadcast on television in over 150 countries. In 2014, NASCAR was the preeminent motorsport property in terms of revenues, with a take of US$3.8 billion that accounted for approximately 43% of the sport’s total revenue share of US$8.9 billion.
The sport grew from illegal street races during Prohibition when drivers raced on back roads to avoid police detection of their moonshine running activities. After World War II ended and the NHRA(National Hot Rod Association) was formed in 1951 to organize drag racing events across America, Bill France saw speedway racing as a way to bring Americans together again now that the war was over. He envisioned a series of races across America that would test not only a driver’s ability to handle different types of cars on various types of track surfaces but also their ability to endure long hours driving cross country day after day while living out of suitcases in motels along the way
Popularity of Formula One
The most popular racing series in the world is Formula One. The series has been around since 1950, and is currently contested by 10 teams with two drivers each. The cars are purpose-built for racing, and use very powerful engines (up to 15,000rpm). The races are held on tracks around the world, with the majority being in Europe.
The popularity of Formula One has ebbed and flowed over the years, but it currently enjoys a higher profile than ever before. This is due in part to increased coverage on television, and the fact that some of the sport’s biggest names are currently racing. These include Lewis Hamilton (who has won four world championships), Sebastian Vettel (who has won four), and Fernando Alonso (who has won two).
NASCAR is popular in America but doesn’t have nearly as much popularity as Formula One does worldwide.