What Is Auto Racing Called?

Auto racing is most commonly called motor racing or car racing; collectively, it falls under the broader umbrella of motorsport. In everyday usage, “auto racing” and “car racing” refer specifically to competitive events involving automobiles, while “motorsport” includes all motorized competition, such as motorcycle and kart racing.

Terminology and Nuance

The terminology varies by region and context. In American English, “auto racing” and “car racing” are routine; in British and Commonwealth usage, “motor racing” is widespread. The term “motorsport” is global and serves as the overarching category that includes auto racing, motorcycle racing, karting, and other motorized disciplines. When precision matters, “automobile racing” or “four-wheeled motorsport” is used to distinguish car-based events from two- or three-wheeled categories.

Regional Usage and Connotations

Language reflects local traditions. In the United States, fans often say “auto racing,” with high-profile series like NASCAR and IndyCar shaping the vernacular. In Europe and many other regions, “motor racing” is the common phrase, closely associated with Formula 1 and endurance racing. “Car racing” is universally understood but tends to be more casual. Media coverage and governing bodies typically prefer “motorsport” for inclusive reference.

Common Types of Auto Racing

Auto racing encompasses a wide array of disciplines that differ in cars, rules, and terrain. The categories below illustrate the range of what people mean when they talk about “auto,” “car,” or “motor” racing.

• Open-wheel racing: Single-seaters with exposed wheels (e.g., Formula 1, Formula 2, IndyCar).
• Stock car racing: Heavily regulated, silhouette-style cars (e.g., NASCAR Cup Series).
• Touring car racing: Modified production-based sedans and hatchbacks (e.g., British Touring Car Championship, TCR series).
• Sports car and GT racing: Prototypes and grand tourers in sprint and endurance formats (e.g., FIA World Endurance Championship, IMSA).
• Rallying: Timed stages on mixed surfaces, often on public roads closed for competition (e.g., World Rally Championship).
• Rallycross: Short, mixed-surface circuits with multiple-car heats (e.g., FIA World Rallycross).
• Drag racing: Straight-line acceleration over a fixed distance (e.g., NHRA).
• Hillclimb and time attack: Solo, time-trial formats on closed courses or mountain roads (e.g., Pikes Peak International Hill Climb).
• Autocross and gymkhana: Low-speed precision events on temporary courses, emphasizing driver skill.
• Electric racing: Battery-electric series demonstrating EV performance (e.g., Formula E, off-road Extreme E).

Together, these disciplines illustrate the breadth of auto racing, from door-to-door circuit battles to time-based challenges on diverse terrain and formats.

Governing Bodies and Major Series

Auto racing’s terminology is also informed by its institutions and flagship championships, which set technical standards and shape public perception.

• FIA (Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile): Governs global four-wheeled motorsport, including Formula 1, World Endurance Championship (WEC), World Rally Championship (WRC), and Formula E.
• NASCAR: Oversees premier stock car racing in North America (Cup, Xfinity, Craftsman Truck Series).
• IndyCar: Sanctions North American open-wheel racing, including the Indianapolis 500.
• IMSA: Manages major North American sports car racing (WeatherTech SportsCar Championship).
• National and regional bodies: Examples include Motorsport UK, ACCUS (U.S.), DMSB (Germany), and Supercars Championship governance in Australia.

These organizations codify rules and technical regulations, ensuring competition is consistent, safe, and recognizable across continents and categories.

History and Etymology

The phrase “auto racing” stems from “automobile,” popularized in the late 19th century as self-propelled carriages emerged. Organized competition began in Europe in the 1890s, with events like the 1894 Paris–Rouen trial and early city-to-city races. As circuits and safety standards evolved, so did the lexicon: “motor racing” took root in Europe, while “auto racing” gained currency in North America. Over time, “motorsport” became the professional umbrella term used by regulators and media.

Related Terms and Distinctions

While the words are often used interchangeably, context matters. “Auto racing/car racing/motor racing” all refer to four-wheeled competition. “Motorsport” includes those plus motorcycles, sidecars, and other vehicles. “Street racing” is an illegal, unsafe activity and is not part of sanctioned motorsport; legitimate competitions on public roads (like rally stages) are meticulously permitted and controlled.

Bottom Line

Depending on where you are and how formal the context, auto racing may be called motor racing or car racing, and it sits within the wider domain of motorsport. All three terms are widely understood, with “motorsport” serving as the inclusive umbrella.

Summary

Auto racing is also known as motor racing or car racing, with “motorsport” as the overarching term for all motorized competition. Usage varies by region—Americans often say “auto racing,” while “motor racing” is common in Europe—but all refer to competitive automobile events spanning open-wheel, stock car, touring, GT/sports car, rally, drag, and more, governed by bodies like the FIA, NASCAR, and IndyCar.

What is another name for auto racing?

Synonyms for car racing include auto racing, motor racing, automobile racing, and motorsport. Other specific types of car racing, such as drag racing, Formula 1 car racing, and stock car racing, can also be used depending on the context. 
Here is a list of synonyms for car racing: 
auto racing, motor racing, automobile racing, motorsport, autosport, and racing motorsport.
Specific types of car racing: Drag racing, Stock car racing, Formula 1 car racing, and Indy car racing.

What is car racing called?

Car racing is also called auto racing, motor racing, or automobile racing and falls under the broader umbrella of motorsport. It’s a competitive sport where drivers race automobiles against each other, with a wide variety of disciplines including stock car racing, Formula One (F1), rallying, drag racing, and karting. 
Common Terms

• Auto Racing: A common term, especially in North America, for all forms of automobile sports. 
• Motor Racing/Motorsport: A broad term for sports involving the racing of motorized vehicles, including cars, motorcycles, and more. 
• Automobile Racing: A more formal and official term for the sport. 

Examples of Car Racing Disciplines

• Formula Racing: High-performance, open-wheel racing cars like those in Formula 1 and IndyCar. 
• Stock Car Racing: Features production-based cars, often seen in NASCAR. 
• Rallying: Driving on a closed course, often on mixed surfaces like gravel and dirt. 
• Drag Racing: Two cars race in a straight line over a short distance. 
• Sports Car Racing: Races using modified production sports cars. 
• Karting: Racing with small, open-wheel vehicles called karts. 
• Touring Car Racing: Races with modified, street-legal production cars. 

What’s below F1?

Below F1 are the feeder series that form a career ladder for drivers, with Formula 2 (F2) and Formula 3 (F3) being the most direct and significant steps in the FIA Global Pathway to Formula 1. Further down are Formula Regional and Formula 4 (F4), which serve as foundational levels, helping to develop new talent.
 
Steps Below Formula 1

1. Formula 2 (F2): Opens in new tabThe final stepping stone before F1, this is a competitive series that emphasizes driver skill over technological differences, with identical cars for all teams. 
2. Formula 3 (F3): Opens in new tabAn international championship that acts as a springboard for drivers to gain exposure at F1 events and progress from national or regional series. 
3. Formula Regional (FR): Opens in new tabA series that replaced regional Formula 3, these are more powerful cars than F4, providing another level of development before F3. 
4. Formula 4 (F4): Opens in new tabThe foundational level, these are entry-level formula cars where most drivers get their first experience in open-wheel racing after karting. 

Other Pathways and Series

• F1 Academy: A separate female-only championship focused on developing and promoting women in motorsport. 
• Formula E: A separate championship that features fully electric cars, providing a different kind of open-wheel experience focused on electric technology. 
• National and Regional Series: Below the international pathways, there are various national and regional F4 championships and other series that serve as important developmental steps. 

What is supercar racing called?

The Supercars Championship, also known as the Repco Supercars Championship under sponsorship and historically as V8 Supercars, is a touring car racing category in Australia and New Zealand, running as an International Series under Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA) regulations, governing the sport.