International Sports Car Racing Day: 6 Iconic Car Races In The World

Every third Saturday in the month of March is observed as the International Sports Car Racing Day. It was fitting then that the Formula 1 season 2022 kickstarted on the same weekend with the drama-ridden Bahrain Grand Prix. On this occasion, we've decided to list out 6 of the most iconic car races in the world.

Indianapolis 500

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The Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500 is an annual automobile race that's held in the US during the country's Memorial Day weekend. Part of the IndyCar Series, it's one of the greatest spectacles in racing and is being held since 1911. It's one of the three races that form the Triple Crown of Motorsport, which has only been won by British driver Graham Hill. Some of the most unique aspects about the Indy 500 are a 33-car field line-up for the start, the annual singing of "Back Home Again in Indiana," and the winner chugging a bottle of milk upon being presented the trophy.

24 Hours of Le Mans

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No doubt, you've already heard about this one. The 24 Hours of Le Mans race is the world's oldest active endurance racing event and is also part of the Triple Crown of Motorsport. Held at the Circuit de la Sarthe in France, it is basically won by the car that covers the greatest distance in 24 hours. However, there are various categories of cars that are competing against each other here rather than all cars racing one another.

Monaco Grand Prix

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This is the race that completes the Triple Crown of Motorsport. The annual Monaco Grand Prix is part of the Formula 1 competition and it is what defines the tiny country that is Monaco. It's a street circuit that's one of the most demanding in Formula 1, as it features a narrow course with many elevation changes and tight corners as well as a tunnel. Every year, the race attracts the who's who of the world to the adjoining marina that is nestled with yachts.

Rally Finland

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The pride and joy of the Nordic racing tradition, Rally Finland is part of the World Rally Championship. This race is so difficult for non-Nordic racers to master that since its start in 1951, only seven drivers from countries other than Finland or Sweden have won it.

Bathurst 1000

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Australia also has an iconic annual car race in the form of the Bathurst 1000, which is held on the Mount Panorama Circuit in Bathurst, New South Wales. Happening since 1960, this race comprises a track made up of public roads, but its elevation is a challenge for the drivers along with the sharp turns and tight roads. This V8 Supercar race has now been renamed Supercars Championship and is always a highly contested event.

Daytona 500

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The final iconic racing event that we want to bring to your notice today is the Daytona 500, which is one of NASCAR's most prestigious events. Taking place in Daytona Beach, Florida, the 500-mile race is one of four ‘restrictor plate' races on NASCAR's calendar, which means a device is inserted into the engine intake to limit its power due to safety concerns.