Open Wheel Racing

Open wheel racing refers to racing competitions that use certain types of vehicles, namely open wheel cars. Open wheel racing involves cars that have wheels outside the main body. Open wheel racing
is in contrast to other forms of racing, such as races with stock cars, street cars and touring cars. Most cars have their wheels below the body or the fenders. However, open wheel racing cars are built for racing, and feature designs that are highly sophisticated, far more so than in other racing sports.

Open Wheel Racing Design

Open wheel race cars have a minimal cockpit which simply holds the driver's body while the head of the driver is left to the outside. Engines are placed directly behind the driver. Some open wheel racing cars may also have wings at the front and back of the vehicle, along with a flat undertray that helps to achieve aerodynamic downforce. Some major races associated with open wheel racing include the Monaco Grand Prix and the Indianapolis 500. Races may be held on temporary street circuits or dedicated road race circuits. There are also circuits held on oval super speed ways, such as the Indianapolis 500.

When it comes down to sheer speed, open-wheel racing is the fastest racing sport in the world. Speeds reached by racing vehicles can exceed 220 miles per hour. The Indianapolis 500 has recorded speeds higher than 230 miles per hour, while the record trap speed was set by Paul Tracy in 1996 at 256.948 miles per hour.

Open wheel driving feels much different than driving a vehicle with fenders. These cars have a light weight aerodynamic design, along with a very powerful engine. Wheel to wheel contact is particularly dangerous during competition and has been the cause of many open wheel racing crashes. Interestingly, many F1 drivers work their way up to position by starting out in open wheel racing categories.

Following Open Wheel Racing Around The World

There is much to keep track of in the world of open wheel racing, from open wheel racing news, which reports the latest developments and rankings in national and international championship tournaments, as well as statistics and facts about drivers and constructors. You can find a great deal of information online pertaining to the history of rally racing as well as websites and auction sites of particular interest to serious collectors.

Some times you can find open wheel race cars for sale through classified ads or auctions or even vintage open wheel race cars, dating back to the Golden Age of open wheel racing. Open wheel racing is a very popular sport amongst fans since it features the fastest cars in the world – truly in a racing league of its own!