Motorsports Awareness Month is celebrated every year in August in the United States. It highlights this underappreciated sector of sportspeople and brings them into the limelight. While this month celebrates all types of motorsports, it also seeks to educate people on the safety measures one must take.
History of Motorsports Awareness Month
Motorsports have a long history of innovations and creations and they enjoy immense popularity across the globe. One important piece of equipment required for motorsports is motorized vehicles. On January 29, 1886, an engineer named Carl Benz filed a patent in Berlin, Germany, for a ‘gas-powered vehicle.’ This date is now known as the day the car was born. The engineer had to create an engine that was small enough to fit into a vehicle and strong enough to propel it. His four-stroke engine ran at 400 revolutions per minute and delivered enough power to drive a vehicle.
This and similar advancements in vehicle technology eventually paved the way for motorsports. On July 22, 1894, 21 drivers stood in line with their vehicles on the Boulevard Maillot in Paris to compete in the first-ever automobile race — an endurance race. This was held on public roads from Paris to Rouen, stretching for 127 km and the event was witnessed by thousands of spectators
Now, thousands of people still flock to the race venues to watch live races, and millions more tune into their televisions to catch the live broadcasts. The advent of motorsports dates back to the American-European conflict that formed the base for early auto racing, which has now evolved into different categories of racing.
Motorsports Awareness Month was originally conceived to promote sporting events, spread excitement, and encourage people to watch the races with their friends. However, over the years, the month has also started being aimed at spreading awareness on the need for adequate safety measures to keep people safe on the road.
Motorsports Awareness Month timeline
The first-ever motorsport event is held at Boulevard Maillot next to the Bois de Boulogne in Paris.
A wealthy businessman Emil Jellinek enters the Nice Race Week under the pseudonym ‘Mercédès.’
The Mercedes-Benz W 25 competes for the first time at the Eifelrennen held at Nürburgring.
Mercedes-Benz makes its Formula One debut.
Motorsports Awareness Month FAQs
What are the different types of motorsports?
There are many different types of motorsports such as Formula One racing, sportscar racing, stock car racing, drag racing, rallying, and off-road racing, to name a few.
Who invented Motorsports?
A 42-year-old engineer Carl Benz filed a patent with the Imperial Patent Office in Berlin, Germany, for a ‘gas-powered vehicle.’
What is the oldest motor race in the world?
The French Grand Prix, which returned to Formula One after a brief hiatus, is the oldest Grand Prix in the world.
How To Celebrate Motorsports Awareness Month
Play an online motorsports racing game
If you can’t participate in a motorsports racing game in real life, you can still get the thrill of it virtually. Gather your friends and host a party where you all compete in a friendly racing game.
Learn how to drive safely
Everyone loves the thrill of riding or driving a motor vehicle but, at the same time, it is important to ensure you are trained and experienced before you try any stunts. Make sure to learn how to drive safely to avoid any accidents or fatalities.
Enroll in a safety course
Whether you are or aren’t a professional motorsports driver, it is necessary to be aware of the various safety techniques and skills. Hands-on training can help you to develop fundamental skills, good mental strategies, and the ability to handle a crisis situation.
5 Amazing Facts About Motorsports
Motorcycles are faster
Due to the lighter weight of motorcycles in comparison to motorcars, they can accelerate faster.
Regular cars inspired by race cars
Almost every function in a regular car is inspired by a race car, for instance, the rearview mirror was to ensure that other drivers don’t overtake the racer, and now it’s used for the driver’s safety.
Lightning speed
The cars in NASCAR are superfast and have often reached over and above the speed of 200 miles per hour.
Indianapolis 500
The ‘500’ in the Indianapolis 500 stands for 500 miles and it takes a racer 200 laps to complete those many miles.
Formula One Car exhaust heat
The exhaust’s heat in a Formula One car is enough to melt aluminum.
Why We Love Motorsports Awareness Month
Motorsports bring people together
Motorsports are adored by millions of people across the globe. Some even travel to other countries just to watch the races. It brings together individuals who share the same love for the sport on a common platform.
Motorsports are stimulating and thrilling
Motorsports are high-energy and exciting. The intensity of motorsports brings about an adrenaline rush that is unbeatable.
Evolution of cars
Motorsports require cutting-edge technology embedded in the cars for high performance. Thus with every race, you will get to see a new range of sports cars with innovative designs and cutting-edge technology.
Motorsports Awareness Month dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 | August 1 | Thursday |
| 2025 | August 1 | Friday |
| 2026 | August 1 | Saturday |
| 2027 | August 1 | Sunday |
| 2028 | August 1 | Tuesday |
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