Five racing series to watch in 2017
- Published on 11 Jan 2017 15:17
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- By: Fergal Walsh
With so many different racing series out there, it's difficult to find time and watch them.
However if you do happen to find yourself with a bit of spare phase and feel like watching some good, entertaining races, here are our suggestions.
V8 Supercars
The Australian touring car series is a fantastic racing series as you know you are guaranteed a good show when you tune in.
Started back in 1997, these loud, heavy machines tear through Australian tracks, bumping doors and reaching speeds up to 298 kph.
Although non-followers of the series may not have heard of the drivers before, they are a competitive and talented bunch as they go wheel to wheel to come out on top.
The championship also includes the famous Bathurst 1000, a 1000 kilometer race around the magnificent Mount Panorama circuit. Shane Van Gisbergen won the 2016 title after a long battle with six time champion Jamie Whincup. More close battling is expected next season, not just from these two but from the whole grid.
Formula E
Formula E has been gaining significant attention since its inaugural season in 2014/15. The all electric series is a look towards racing in the future and provides us with great entertainment.
The fact that all races are run on street circuits makes the challenge more difficult, as one small mistake could end your race as you will come face to face with a wall.
The series is also a strangely attractive destination for many drivers with established careers, with many former Formula One drivers taking up a seat to compete and try out the revolutionary concept of motor racing.
Fan interaction is really phenomenal with fans able to vote in the fan boost and get really close to the drivers at the podium ceremony.
It is worth remembering that this series has just been born and will improve as time rolls on. Electric racing is absolutely the future and with advancing technology added to a high level of driving talent, this series could become one of the biggest out there.
World Endurance Championship
The WEC is another racing series that sees a high level of drivers who already possess established careers. It's become one of the most talked about events on the calendar, right from its get go in 2012.
The LMP1 cars are astounding. And that's an understatement! The acceleration that the cars have is a wonder to watch and can really leave the jaw hanging.
Although Audi's presence will be missing fro the 2017 grid, there is still the LMP2, LMGTE Pro and LMGTE Am categories to enjoy. The differences in speed in the respected categories make so much exciting action on track, which is just as exciting to watch at home.
WEC also has the 24 Hours of Le Mans incorporated with it's calendar, arguably the most legendary race of all time. Held since 1929, it still holds its stature and importance today.
FIA Formula Three European Championship
F3 always offers great racing. When you're watching it, you know you are viewing potential future F1 drivers and you develop a liking for some and wish them the best. It has a strange effect on a motorsport enthusiast, and really is a brilliant series to not only watch but to study.
The drivers consist of young talent who's future may depend on the fortunes that meet them throughout the season. We've seen some drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lance Stroll progress straight from the championship to F1.
Some names who will be competing in 2017 are Mick Schumacher, son of F1 legend Michael Schumacher and Lando Norris who recently won the McLaren young driver award.
Did I mention that the drivers show no mercy?
Formula One
How could we not include this. Formula One as you may already know is taking a big regulation overhaul for 2017 with aerodynamics being revamped to make the cars a few seconds quicker.
What kind of racing will we see next year? Nobody really knows, and that is what makes the forthcoming season so exciting as many fans want big changes to stop the dominance from Mercedes.
Red Bull may be the favourites to challenge them but let's wait and see. The new Mercedes driver (most likely Bottas) will prove to be another interesting story as somebody new takes their seat in the Silver Arrows.
F1 once again enters a new era, with the cars to look "meaner" and produce record breaking lap times. Maybe it's one of the changes that F1 needs after receiving heavy criticism over the past number of years.
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Replies (2)
Login to replyStigsSon
Posts: 35
What about the BTCC?!?!?!?
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
I'd add some kind of TCC to the list, along with DTM and Super GT. The latter because its a mix between DTM, GT3 and Endurance racing, and because you wont see a Prius dominate a Ferrari/Lambo/Audi R8 anywhere else.