Just over 100 years ago, the first motorcycle race took place on the face of the earth. And it has already become one of the most popular racing events. Motorcycle companies now design and manufacture motorcycles dedicated to races. And these sports have a cult following all over the world.
But what are the most popular motorcycle races in the world now? That includes
- MotoGP
- Isle of Man TT
- Daytona 200
- Superbike World Championship
- Motocross World Championship
- Dakar Rally
However, motorcycle races are organized in different categories and each category has its favorite. I will introduce you to these categories along with the most popular races. Let’s get rolling.
Most Popular Motorcycle Races in the World
Here is a list of the 6 most popular motorcycle races in the world.
1. MotoGP
Motorcycle Grand Prix, commonly known as MotoGP, is the world’s most popular and biggest motorcycle racing series. In this premium motorcycle racing series, only motorcycles dedicated to racing are used. As all these motorcycles are prototypes, they aren’t street-legal.
- Federation International de Motocyclisme is the global governing body for this race.
- The first race of MotoGP was held in 1949. Till then, this event has gained immense popularity.
To participate in MotoGP, teams and riders must follow strict regulations regarding motorcycle type, safety, etc.
- Motorcycles participating in the race can’t have an engine of more than 1,000 cc.
- Also, motorcycles must have 4-stroke engines to be eligible for the race.
- There are a total of 73 circuits in 31 countries where MotoGP has been held.
It is a series of races where riders need to complete multiple laps. After each race, riders get points depending on their position. At the end of the season, the rider with the highest point is announced as the MotoGP World Champion.
This race is so popular that you will even find computer games where you can virtually participate in the race.
2. Isle of Man TT
Among the most dangerous racing events in the world, the Isle of Man TT is notable.
- The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy first occurred in 1907.
- A total of 102 races have been held to date. This falls under the road racing category.
- Riders make their way through a 37-mile-long course named Snaefell Mountain Course.
- The highest elevation in the course is about 400m.
- Joey Dunlop is the most famous name in this race, who won a total of 26 races within 30 years. And he holds the record for the highest number of wins.
- The race has different classes, including Senior TT, Superbike TT, etc.
- The event takes place on a public road that is barricaded for the race. Riders need to face challenging bends and jumps throughout the course.
3. Daytona 200
This event is all about speed and endurance.
- The first Daytona 200 race was held in 1937. From there, it has gained immense popularity and is now probably the most famous motorcycle race in America.
- The race was originally held in Daytona Beach, Florida. But in 1961, it moved to the Daytona International Speedway.
- This is a paved, closed circuit of about 2.5 miles. The circuit has steep bankings, where riders need to face extreme challenges.
- Miguel Duhamel and Scott Russell have the highest number of wins in this race. They both have 5 wins in this race.
4. Superbike World Championship
This racing event is also known as SBK or WorldSBK.
- Starting in 1988, this series of races permits modified production motorcycles. So, the motorcycles participating in this race are street-legal.
- 750-1000cc production motorcycles with four-cylinder engines are allowed to participate in this race.
- Like the MotoGP, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme governs this race.
- BMW, Yamaha, Ducati, Honda, and Kawasaki are current manufacturers of motorcycles that enter the race.
5. Motocross World Championship
Motorcross racing is a totally different category of race than road racing.
- It is a dirt bike racing event where riders traverse off-road circuits.
- These can either be closed circuits or public roads under supervision. Riders have to overcome many obstacles and challenges to win the race.
- The race is held in two classes: one is the MXGP and the other is MX2.
- Since 1957, this race has become highly popular, especially among the followers of dirt bike racing.
6. Dakar Rally
It is more of an endurance race under the off-road category.
- In the inaugural race in 1977, 182 riders started from Paris to reach Dakar. This is why the race is also known as the Paris-Dakar Rally.
- That 6,200-mile course was through the deadly Saharan desert.
- Over time, the course has been changed many times.
- From the original route to South America, and now Saudi Arabia, Dakar Rally has witnessed the death of many riders. So, the Federation Internationale de Motocyclisme is now very strict about safety regulations.
FAQs
You may get the answer to some commonly asked questions about popular motorcycle races in the section below.
Q: Who is the most famous racer in MotoGP?
A: Valentino Rossi is the most famous racer in the history of MotoGP. He has 89 Grand Prix wins and 9 world championships in his bag, which took him to a legendary position.
Q: What is the most successful motorcycle racing company?
A: With a total of 313 Grand Prix wins, Honda is the most successful motorcycle racing company in the world.
Q: Where is motorcycle racing popular?
A: Motorcycle racing has a worldwide audience. But it is more popular in the United States, France, Britain, Australia, Europe, and Africa.
Final Words
Motorcycle races attract the audience due to their thrills and challenges. Different racing events get hundreds of millions of viewers from around the world. With increased regulations about specifications, safety, etc., motorcycle races have become more difficult to participate in.
At the same time, they are more enjoyable to watch. Though MotoGP is the most popular motorcycle race in the world, other races, such as the Daytona 200 or Motocross World Championship, are also highly popular.