Auto racing is a great example of how change is the one constant of life. Once upon a time, IndyCar racing was the biggest brand going with the Auto racing odds. The Indianapolis 500 remains the greatest spectacle in racing. But that is the only IndyCar race that almost everyone knows or cares about. Cause by a split in the organization 30 years ago. Although IndyCar came back together long ago, it never recovered.
The Rise and Fall of NASCAR
As IndyCar faded, NASCAR broke through to dominate sportsbook wagering activity. Fans loved the lack of finesse in NASCAR and its captivating personalities. Namely, the late great Dale Earnhardt epitomized the glory years of NASCAR. Earnhardt lived up to the old movie line about “Rubbin is Racing.” Known as “the intimidator,” Earnhardt would bump leaders out of the way for the checkered flag.
In fact, NASCAR was so popular that there was speculation about it replacing the NFL as America’s biggest sport. But NASCAR started reading those headlines. And they began to think of themselves as infallible. NASCAR lost its way. As an example, it moved races from traditional strongholds in the South to new markets such as Los Angeles and Chicago. First, those moves seemed to be working. But as the novelty wore off, the crowds became thin.
At the same time, NASCAR began turning the cars into generic sameness for “parity.” The “car of tomorrow” was the name of the new rollout. And it was a bore. NASCAR failed to understand that the manufacturing brands were a big part of the draw with the Auto racing lines. Also important was personality. Unique rebels saying whatever was on their mind into the microphone was part of the attraction. But as NASCAR sold out to corporate sponsors, they demanded drivers shut up and smile.
NASCAR is a cautionary tale about a sports organization tuning out its biggest and most loyal fans. It is true that NASCAR still draws some betting handle, but nowhere near what it used to.
The Emergence of Formula One
And then there is the new darling of auto racing fans and gamblers. Formula One was featured in a reality drama on Netflix called Drive to Survive. The show became an instant sensation. And the best advertisement for Formula One in history. Fans that didn’t care about F1 began to tune in. The betting handle skyrocketed. Now, Formula One is the biggest brand in auto racing.
Auto Racing Betting – Many Options and Forms
In like manner to the other major sports, there are many ways to bet on auto racing. Regardless if it is IndyCar, NASCAR, or Formula One.
At the beginning is future wagering. You can bet on the winner of a series championship. Also, you can bet on the biggest races of the year months in advance. The Indy 500 is the biggest race in Indy Car. While NASCAR’s Daytona 500 is their Super Bowl, that also serves as opening day. Formula One offers its Monaco race, of which movies have been made.
In addition to futures, betting is individual race action. You can wager which drivers, brands, and teams will win a race. You can also get matchup odds to bet which driver will do better or worse than the other. There is also props action on total wrecks in a race or if a driver will finish a race.