July 2023 Motorsports Archive – Quick Reads on Formula Racing, NASCAR at Barbers, and Global NASCAR Dreams
Welcome to the July roundup! If you love speed, you’re in the right spot. We’ve gathered three short but useful pieces that answer common questions and clear up a few myths.
What Formula Racing Actually Looks Like
When you hear “formula racing,” you probably think of Formula 1. That’s only part of the story. In reality, there are at least five major formula series that share the same basic rules – open‑wheel cars, strict technical specs – but each caters to a different level of driver experience and budget.
First up is Formula 1, the pinnacle—big budgets, cutting‑edge tech, and worldwide TV coverage. Below that sits Formula 2, which uses slightly less powerful cars and serves as a stepping stone for young talent. Formula 3 and Formula 4 follow the same pattern, offering cheaper, more regional competition for drivers just starting out.
And then there’s Formula E, the electric sibling that’s reshaping the sport with zero‑emission powertrains and city‑center races. All these series together create a ladder that lets drivers climb from hobbyist to world champion, and it gives fans a constant flow of fresh talent.
NASCAR Questions Answered
Ever wondered why you never see a NASCAR race at Barbers Motorsports Park? The short answer is that the track isn’t built for heavy stock cars. Barbers was designed with motorcycles and Indy‑style open‑wheel cars in mind, so the turns are tighter and the safety barriers are set for lighter machines. Add limited seating and a lack of certain facilities, and NASCAR’s logistics just don’t line up.
Changing a schedule isn’t simple either. NASCAR runs a packed calendar across the U.S., and adding a new venue means reshuffling dates, transporting equipment, and renegotiating contracts. Until those hurdles are cleared, Barbers stays off the NASCAR map.
Another hot topic: can you become a NASCAR driver if you’re not American? Absolutely. The series has welcomed drivers from Canada, Mexico, the UK, and even Japan. What matters most is skill, dedication, and meeting the licensing requirements. International racers often start in regional stock‑car series, prove themselves, and then move up to the national level. So if you’ve got a racing heart and the right paperwork, NASCAR is open to you.
That wraps up our July snapshot. Whether you’re counting formula categories, puzzling over track choices, or dreaming of a NASCAR seat abroad, we hope these bite‑size answers keep you in the fast lane. Stay tuned for more updates, and keep that need for speed alive!