Car racing is a sport that can be divided into two main categories: circuit racing and off-road racing.

It first appeared in France in 1895 and has a history of over 100 years.

The earliest races were conducted on public roads between cities, but due to the high risks involved, many drivers lost their lives, leading to the emergence of dedicated race tracks.

Today, it has become one of the most popular sports worldwide, attracting a large audience. The main types of car racing include:

Formula One Racing: This is the most well-known racing activity, organized annually by the International Automobile Federation. It represents the pinnacle of motorsport competition.

Formula Two Racing: Also known as F2, it is a form of formula racing. Initially canceled due to costs similar to F1, it returned in 2009 to establish a low-cost series to provide young drivers with an opportunity to compete at the highest level of motorsport.

Formula Three Racing: Abbreviated as F3, it is a high-cost, high-technical-level single-seater formula racing competition. It is considered a breeding ground for future F1 drivers, and champions often progress to F1. In Europe, it has been renamed as GP3 to reflect its role as a feeder series to F1.

2. Prototype Racing

This category overlaps with formula racing, featuring purpose-built cars designed for competition.

Initially known as Group 6 cars, they were open-wheel cars with the only difference being the tires covered with treaded sandpaper.

In the 1980s, they were reclassified as Group C cars.

From the 1990s onwards, they became known as Le Mans Prototypes, requiring structural elements similar to road cars such as roofs, doors, and windows, along with laminated windshields.

Prototype racing, like formula racing, is divided into different levels, but due to the longer duration of races, participation is relatively lower. Therefore, they often compete alongside formula cars within the same event, sometimes even in modified cars. In addition to overall rankings, there are also separate rankings for different classes and types of cars.

3. Endurance Racing

Endurance racing takes place on public or private roads, using modified or specially built cars. Unlike other races, it is not held on closed circuits but rather on point-to-point courses.

Endurance racing includes stage rallies and road rallies, with races featuring a variety of surfaces, from gravel mountain roads to forest trails, and icy roads to desert tracks.

Famous endurance races include the World Rally Championship and the Dakar Rally.

These are the main types of car racing, each with its characteristics and challenges, making them popular events for manufacturers and enthusiasts alike.