Biggest Auto Races in the World: Which Auto Races do Sponsors Put All Their Money Into?
Auto racing is a prestigious spirit and one that's loved by fans, some casual and some who would call themselves "superfans" all over the world. From sweeping deserts laced with treacherous dunes to tight corners overlooking the ocean from the edge of a cliff, auto racing doesn't have one face or one location. Racing can be an incredibly glamorous sport; it can be adventurous and leave viewers with their nails bitten down to the quick, but there is one thing it's not, and that's boring!
These are the biggest auto races in the world, and the sponsors who put in the money needed to help make them possible.
The Biggest Auto Races in the World
1. Monte Carlo Rally
As the name implies, this race takes place in the beautiful, glamorous Monte Carlo. The race used to start all over Europe and end in Monte Carlo, but that all changed in 1997. This rally is made up of different stages that require competitors to drive on a selection of different kinds of roads, so it's a real challenge for the teams. There have been controversies over the years, including the event in 1966 in which the first four cars across the finish line ended up disqualified as a result of using the wrong kind of bulb in their headlights!
Sponsors and Partners
• Rolex (the event is called the Rolex Monte Carlo Rally)
• Maserati
• The Societe des Bains de Mer
• The Automobile Club de Monaco
• And many other sponsors
2. 24 Hours of Le Mans
Few things in the world inspire more excitement than the 24 Hours of Le Mans! This isn't a race that those new to the scene will know, but it's a grueling one. Held in Le Mans in France, this race measures a win by the distance a competitor covers over a period of 24 hours. Teams have to be incredibly strategic and plan for endurance, or they plan to fail.
Sponsors and Partners
• Rolex
• Michelin
• Motul
• Goodyear
• Total Energies
• DHL
• Avis
• Bosch
• And many others
Casino companies have yet to join the rather impressive list of sponsors. However, they too follow racing, taking some ideas to create racing-themed games. And if you familiarize yourself with free pragmatic slots at slotsjudge.com, you'll find several inspired by the dynamic world of racing. From roaring engines to sleek sports cars, the adrenaline of the track is perfectly captured in these designs. It's clear that the potential for auto racing-inspired slots is only just being tapped, promising even more high-octane thrills in the future.
3. Dakar Rally
The Dakar is known by motorsport enthusiasts and lay people alike due to the incredible difficulty of the "course."
Competitors are asked to race across dangerous desert landscapes in Saudi Arabia (initially racers would drive from Paris to Dakar, then the event was moved to South America and now Saudi Arabia), and this is done in and on a variety of vehicles, from the most beefed-up 4x4s in the world to motorbikes. Mud and sand dunes can be treacherous, as can the heat, so this is a race that is nail-bitingly entertaining to watch.
Sponsors and Partners
• Aramco
• BF Goodfinch
• Motul
• Wega
4. Monaco Grand Prix
Fans of auto racing know of the "Triple Crown of Motorsport," of which one part is the Monaco Grand Prix (the others are the Indie 500 and the 24 Hours of Les Mans). Many people, fans and non-fans alike, know of this race as well.
This time, instead of towering sand dunes, it's incredibly right corners and winding cliff-top roads that contestants have to navigate. This may be one of the most scenic races on the planet, but it's also one of the most dangerous and challenging. That said, the drivers in this race are technically driving slowly by the standards of their sport due to the complex nature of the courses.
Sponsors and Partners
• TAG Heuer
• Senate Grand Prix
• Red Eye Events
5. Indianapolis 500
Known by motorsport fans everywhere as the Indy 500, this race has been going on for a long time and is steeped in memories and tradition in the auto race world.
Even Chef Guy Fieri knows and loves the races! "There are races, and then there are races. And without a doubt, the Indy 500 is the race that I've always wanted to attend. And now, to be driving the Corvette Pace Car... this is going to be unbelievable."
Milk is served to the winners instead of champagne, the 33-car field lineup is known all over the world, and the race's fans are some of the most loyal in the business.
Sponsors and Partners
• Gainbridge
• ELF Cosmetics
• Fox Sports
• Cisco
• Shell
• And many others
Which Races Are Your Favourite?
There are so many well-sponsored and well-respected auto races in the world- which ones that you love didn't we feature?
