For a very long time, motorsports had been struggling. Ever for the reason that NASCAR increase 20 years in the past, auto racing was regularly dropping recognition and affect in america.

Look the historic search visitors for motorsport and auto racing. Virtually as dangerous as my present inventory portfolio.

Once I used to speak about F1 to my mates, their eyes would glaze over immediately and their fingers would instinctively attain for his or her telephones (oh how the turntables have turned).

The decline was exacerbated by the obvious “finish” of particular person automobile possession within the latter half of the 2010s.

These information articles might sound a bit sensationalist, however there was a really actual shift in direction of much less private automobile possession and extra automobile sharing, carpooling, and public transportation (not a nasty factor!).

This sentiment was particularly prevalent within the youthful era, the millenials and Gen Zs.

On the similar time, sports activities vehicles have been being killed off left and proper as a result of they have been low quantity and unprofitable. RIP Dodge Viper, Honda S2000, Mitsubishi Lancer Evo, and Mazda RX-8.

So… how did the whole lot 180 so shortly? If we quick ahead half a decade to the current, my previously glazed-eye mates at the moment are sharing F1 memes forwards and backwards. Everybody I do know, and I imply everybody, loves Checo’s dad. Drive to Survive is now one of the crucial well-liked TV exhibits on this planet, and F1 turned one of many quickest rising sports activities on this planet.

With extra followers got here extra drivers. There isn’t actually good {data} measuring participation in observe days and HPDEs, however in accordance with anecdotes from organizers throughout the nation, observe occasions are filling up a lot sooner than earlier than.

The primary causes for why this occurred:

1. Drive to Survive is a rattling good present. It launched professional motorsports to the youthful era and created lifelong followers.
2. Many people bought cars because of the pandemic, which led to extra folks pursuing motorsports as a passion. It positively helps that auto racing may be very covid-friendly.
3. Automotive possession charges defied the late 2010s doomsayers and continued to climb. That is partly because of the pandemic, but additionally as a result of the youthful era nonetheless needs their very own vehicles. In a method, it’s as a lot a part of folks’s identification as their garments or home.

Is the present increase a useless cat bounce or is motorsport really again on the trail to glory?

It’s unlikely for there to be one other DtS-esque present that drives a brand new explosion of curiosity. Additionally, the pandemic is impacting us much less (knock on wooden), so automobile possession is turning into much less necessary.

However I don’t suppose we’re in a useless cat bounce. If motorsports loses some steam, I wouldn’t be stunned (world economies are stuttering and vehicles are costly), however the renewed curiosity isn’t going away anytime quickly.

Nonetheless, there may be at the moment a giant drawback in motorsports. Not like most different sports activities, it’s exhausting to go from a fan to a participant. Most individuals don’t know tips on how to get began, and others are discouraged as a result of they suppose it’s very costly or unsafe.

Opposite to well-liked perception, it’s very doable to develop into a participant and get on the racetrack with out spending large cash or risking your security.

I don’t need to spill all of the beans right here, take a look at Track Manual to be taught extra. It’s a useful resource that’s 100% free and crafted for motorsport newcomers.