Formula 1 Stock Car Racing

3 Ways NASCAR and F1 Are Similar

Autoracing1

In 2018 Jimmie Johnson and Fernando Alonso did a ride swap of their NASCAR and F1 cars
In 2018 Jimmie Johnson and Fernando Alonso did a ride swap of their NASCAR and F1 cars

There are hundreds of articles and arguments comparing the relative positives of F1 vs. NASCAR, and the endless debate doesn't look like going anywhere anytime soon.

However, the fact is that despite the many differences between the two motorsports, many similarities make it easy for fans of one to start developing an interest in the other.

From the thrill of the F1 starting grid to the longer race times of NASCAR, the surface differences may jump out at you, but you shouldn't overlook just how much the two sports complement each other.

Here are three ways that F1 and NASCAR are similar and could act as a way to get you interested in a whole new area of motorsport fun.

Money Matters

There's an old joke that if you want to make a small fortune in motorsport, then you should start with a large fortune. Tell that to the drivers! There's a lot of money floating about in both F1 and NASCAR, and the drivers are carving out a large chunk of those dollars.

F1 and NASCAR drivers rake in the big money
F1 and NASCAR drivers rake in the big money

Have a look at this breakdown of the highest-earning sports and the drivers that are making the most per race, with the data compiled by CashLady highlighting the massive paydays that drivers in both NASCAR and F1 are taking home.

Whether they're driving in a loop or tackling complicated tracks around the world, Motorsport drivers of all kinds are making some serious cash.

Slipstreaming

They might be different racing styles, but there's one specific racing technique that you can clearly see in both F1 and NASCAR. Slipstreaming is a vital part of modern racing, and it's more than evident on every circuit that the drivers complete. Slipstreaming is when cars take advantage of the partial vacuum that is created when a vehicle moves at speed. It's ideal for overtaking, or for giving cars a much needed (if minor) burst of speed when it's needed.

The cars might be different, and the drivers might need a slightly different skill set, but both types of racer will have to perfect the art of slipping into someone's slipstream.

Best in Field

There are many types of Motorsports that you can enjoy, including some of the oddest in the world (mobility scooter racing and train racing, perhaps the standout oddities).

However, when it comes to the best, you simply can't beat F1 and NASCAR. They are the undisputed best of the best.

Yes, the cars are very different, with Formula 1 cars being designed for open-wheel racing and NASCAR being stock cars, but there's no avoiding the fact that they are all competing at the very highest level.

Although the recent pandemic has drastically affected the racing seasons of both, as the world gets back to business and you want to watch the best drivers in the world doing what they do best, then you can't go wrong with either motorsport option.

Although both types of motorsport were founded at around the same time, there are apparent differences between Formula 1 and NASCAR.

However, going beyond the obvious similarities, like having four wheels and being hugely entertaining, there might be more similarities between the two racing types than you might have expected. If you're looking for more ways to enjoy the high-octane thrill of watching the best of the best doing what they do best, then it might be time to start looking at the thrill of motorsports, no matter what kind.