Racing has always played a large role in the automotive industry. Automakers love to boast about racing wins, competing in specific series, and all of their sponsorships.

Beyond being a sport where the best drivers and teams are pitted against one another, modern racing is equally as competitive on the tech front.

Car racing has evolved to be so much more than just watching fast cars drive around a track, so here’s a list of all the major types of auto racing that you can watch on TV and even take part in.

Car racing tends to be a global phenomenon, with races held around the world at some of the most historic racing tracks. On this list, you’ll find everything from iconic 24-hour races to quarter-mile drag races. Unfortunately, while these are all the major types of car racing, many series aren’t readily available to watch in the U.S. For car enthusiasts in America, NASCAR, drag racing, and Global Rallycross (GRC) are easily accessible on television. If you’re really looking into racing, a few series even offer the chance to compete.

Open-Wheel

Open-wheel racing is the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about car racing. This is the pinnacle, the top rung of the whole shebang, as Formula One (F1) and IndyCar are part of this category. As the name implies, the cars used in this series have drivers sitting in open-top cars, while the wheels are exposed. While F1 and IndyCar cars may look similar, these racing series have different rules, performance specs, and tracks.

F1 vs. IndyCar

There are a few major differences between F1 and IndyCar, such as where the series race. IndyCar races on ovals and road courses, while F1 only races on road courses. Other differences include fuel types, locations, top speeds, aerodynamics, and budgets. F1 cars use high-octane gas, while IndyCar uses ethanol. F1 is a global series with races worldwide, while IndyCar races predominantly take place in America. F1 cars generate more downforce, enabling them to take corners at higher speeds, but they have lower top speeds. F1 teams agreed to a budget cap of $145 million in 2021, dropping to $140 million in 2022 and $135 million for 2023-2025. IndyCar’s budget is much smaller, hovering around $20 million.

Formula E

Formula E is a relatively new form of open-wheel racing. Unlike every other racing series, Formula E is exclusively for all-electric vehicles. The technology of modern electric vehicles isn’t quite there for them to race around for hours like F1 or IndyCar, so Formula E races only last one hour. Drivers must make one pit stop where they switch to a different car. The budget for Formula E is much smaller than other open-wheel series, with teams spending around $12 million a year.

Amateur-Open-Wheel Racing

Aside from F1, IndyCar, and Formula E, there are a few amateur-open-wheel series that fans can watch, like Formula 1000. These vehicles race in the Sports Car Club of America’s (SCCA) FB series, powered by 1,000cc motorcycle engines. The SCCA also handles Formula 3 and Formula 4 races in the U.S.

Karting

Karting is often where it all begins for professional drivers. It’s the most affordable form of open-wheel racing, with ultra-light, highly powerful karts. If you’re looking to get into open-wheel racing, karting is the best way to start. Most F1 and IndyCar drivers began their careers in karting as children.

Sports Car

While open-wheel racing may be the most globally popular, sports car racing is a close second. This series features some of the most recognizable vehicles, as most manufacturers compete at the GT (Grand Touring) level with cars resembling high-performance supercars. Cars like the Lamborghini Huracan, Ferrari 488, Chevrolet Corvette, and Porsche 911 are commonly seen in this series.

Iconic 24-Hour Races

Races in this series can last anywhere from 2.5 to 24 hours. Some of the most iconic 24-hour races include the 24 Hours at Daytona, 24 Hours of Nurburgring, and 24 Hours of Le Mans. Yes, these races really do last 24 hours, testing both man and machine.

Class Breakdown

Dear Lykkers! The Automobile Club de L’Ouest (ACO) and the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) are the main organizations regulating sports car racing. The ACO divides race cars into two categories: the GT class (GTE Pro and GTE Am) and the prototype class (LMP1 and LMP2). While GTE Pro races involve professional drivers, GTE Am features amateur-racers. The prototype category includes hybrid and non-hybrid cars.

Touring Car

Touring Car racing is most popular in Germany, the UK, the Netherlands, and Australia. The vehicles used in this series are based on road-going production vehicles that are heavily modified. The Touring Car series features intense competition, as the cars are quite similar, leading to tight racing.

Popular Touring Car Series

There are multiple Touring Car series to enjoy, including the Supercars Championship (SC), World Touring Car Cup (WTCC), British Touring Car Championship (BTCC), and Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM). Automakers often compete in multiple Touring Car series with similar cars, although each series has its own set of rules, which may affect car performance and aerodynamics.

Simulation

Simulation racing, or sim racing, has exploded in popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual car racing allows enthusiasts to race from the comfort of home with access to computers, video game consoles, and racing wheels. Though it may seem less serious, professional drivers use simulators to learn tracks, and racing in the virtual world can be incredibly competitive.

Cost-Effective Racing

Sim racing is the most cost-effective way to experience racing. With access to simulators offering various vehicle classes, it provides opportunities for both pros and amateurs-to compete fiercely. High-end simulators even replicate real-world sensations like motion and bumps for a more immersive experience.