What Is a Person Who Races Cars Called?

A person who races cars is most commonly called a “racing driver” (international usage) or a “race car driver” (American usage). The term “driver” is standard across motorsport, with discipline-specific labels—such as “rally driver,” “Formula One driver,” or “NASCAR driver”—used when context matters. While casual alternatives like “racer” appear in general conversation, “racing driver” is the precise, widely accepted term in English.

Common Names and Nuances

In motorsport coverage and everyday language, several terms refer to someone who competes in car racing. The nuances often reflect regional preferences and the context of the competition.

• Racing driver: The globally standard, professional-sounding term used by international media and governing bodies.
• Race car driver: Common in North American English; widely understood and accurate.
• Driver (motorsport context): A concise, gender-neutral term used when the setting is clear.
• Racer: Broad, colloquial term that can refer to competitors across different vehicles (cars, motorcycles, bicycles), so it’s less precise.
• Rally driver, drag racer, drift driver: Discipline-specific variants that identify the branch of motorsport.
• “Pilot”: Common in other languages (e.g., French “pilote”), but rarely used in formal English motorsport writing for car competitors.

While multiple terms are acceptable, “racing driver” is the clearest, most universally recognized label in professional contexts, with regional and discipline-specific variants adding helpful precision.

Terms by Discipline

Motorsport is diverse, and the title often reflects the series or format. These discipline-linked labels provide clarity about the type of racing involved.

• Formula One driver / IndyCar driver: Open-wheel, single-seater specialists at the top levels of circuit racing.
• NASCAR driver / stock car driver: Oval and road-course racing in stock cars, chiefly in North America.
• Sports car driver / endurance driver / GT driver: Multi-class or GT racing, including events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
• Touring car driver: Production-based racing in series such as the BTCC or WTCR.
• Rally driver: Stage-based competition on closed public roads or off-road terrain, guided by a co-driver.
• Drag racer: Straight-line acceleration racing over set distances (e.g., 1,000 or 1,320 feet).
• Drift driver (drifter): Judged competition focused on car control and style in sustained oversteer.
• Hillclimb driver: Timed sprints up closed public roads or private courses with elevation changes.
• Kart driver: Karting competitors; many professional racing drivers begin their careers here.

These labels help audiences immediately understand the format and demands of the racing discipline, while “racing driver” remains the overarching term.

Professional Status and Licensing

Whether amateur or professional, racing drivers compete under licenses issued by governing bodies. The license level and type depend on the series and the driver’s experience.

• National competition licenses: Issued by a country’s ASN (e.g., Motorsport UK in the UK, USAC/SCCA in the U.S.), covering club and many national-level events.
• FIA International licenses: Required for international competitions, graded to reflect experience and event type.
• FIA Super Licence: Mandatory for Formula One; earned through points accumulated in approved series and additional requirements.
• Series-specific licenses: Some championships (e.g., NASCAR, IMSA) also issue or validate series credentials alongside national or FIA licenses.

Licensing ensures safety and competency standards across the sport, distinguishing casual track-day participants from accredited racing drivers eligible for sanctioned events.

Usage and Style Notes

Wording and style can vary by region and publication. These practical notes help keep terminology accurate and clear.

• “Racing driver” vs. “race car driver”: Both are correct; the former leans international, the latter is common in North America.
• “Race car” vs. “racecar”: Both appear; “race car” (two words) is common in formal writing; “racecar” often refers specifically to the vehicle.
• Gender-neutral language: “Driver” is standard and inclusive; specify gender only when it’s relevant to the story.
• Capitalize series names and proper nouns (e.g., Formula One, NASCAR, IndyCar), but not generic roles (racing driver).

Choosing the term that matches regional norms, series context, and audience familiarity will make coverage precise and accessible.

Summary

The most accurate, widely accepted term for a person who races cars is “racing driver,” with “race car driver” a common American variant. Use discipline-specific titles—such as Formula One driver, NASCAR driver, or rally driver—when added context is helpful. Across professional and amateur levels, licensing by national bodies and the FIA underpins who is officially recognized to compete.

What do you call someone that races?

Someone who races is commonly called a racer, but the specific term can vary by the type of race, such as a runner for a running race, a rider for horse or motorcycle races, or a driver for car races. 
Here are some common terms for people who race:

• Racer: A general term for someone who takes part in a race of any kind. 
• Runner: Used for someone who competes in a running race. 
• Rider: Used for a person who rides a horse or a motorcycle in a race. 
• Driver: Used for someone who operates a vehicle in a race, such as a race car. 
• Competitor: A synonym for a racer, emphasizing their role in the competition. 
• Contender: Also a synonym, highlighting their potential to win the race. 

Is it a race driver or racing driver?

A racing driver drives in races. Races are wheel to wheel, meaning there is passing (unlike rally, for example). A race car driver does not necessarily race wheel to wheel (something like time attack or rally).

What do we call a car racer?

Definitions of race driver. someone who drives racing cars at high speeds. synonyms: automobile driver, racer.

What is professional racing called?

Auto racing (also known as car racing, motor racing, or automobile racing) is a motorsport involving the racing of automobiles for competition. In North America, the term is commonly used to describe all forms of automobile sport including non-racing disciplines.