Auto racing is a generic term used to describe motor racing, and is generally applied to a number of different car racing sports.  Automobile racing is one of the most popular sports on television around the world, with different categories of racing popular in different countries.  Auto racing has been around since the very beginning of the automobile industry, with the technologies involved in racing cars often driving the entire industry forward.  Formula One is a type of single seater racing, and probably the most popular form of motor racing in the world;  however, some of the major touring car and stock car races and circuits are also very popular within some countries.

The first automobile race ever organised was in France in 1887, and was a two kilometer race won by the only competitor - Georges Bouton.  The first real race was held in 1895 and ran from Paris to Bordeaux.  Early automobile racing was dominated by the French, and a number of individual races were held either to or from Paris in these early years.  Formula One or F1 is an worldwide annual World Championship event for drivers and constructors of specialised single seater cars.  There are around 18 races a year in a number of different nations, featuring major international car and engine manufacturers such as Ferrari, McLaren, Williams, BMW, and others.  F1 racing is one of the top five most watched sporting events in the world.

Touring car racing is a form of road racing run with specialised production race cars, such as the V8 supercars that are on the Australian, British, and German circuits.  The Sports Car Club of America’s SPEED World Challenge is the major form of touring car racing in North America.  Stock car racing is another popular form of racing that is hugely popular in America, with cars that resemble production cars but are actually custom built automobiles.  Stock car racing takes place on oval shaped tracks, with the most popular races governed by the NASCAR racing body.  Some of the other popular forms of racing include rally racing, drag racing, sports car racing, off road racing, and cart racing.  There are auto racing events constantly taking place all around the world, keeping car racing fans busy and entertained throughout the year.