Figure 8 racing
A figure 8 race at Wisconsin International Raceway in 2009 | |
| First played | Late 1940s |
|---|---|
| Characteristics | |
| Contact | Yes |
| Type | Outdoor |
| Venue | 8-shaped tracks and courses |
| Presence | |
| Country or region | United States, Canada |
Figure 8 racing is a type of stock car racing in which automobiles race on an "8"-shaped track that purposely intersects itself, increasing the risk of collisions. Such contact between the participating vehicles, or at least the risk of such an occurrence, is an intentional part of the sport, with the intent being to damage them over the course of the race.
Figure 8 racing is most common and popular in the United States and Canada, and can be seen as the North American equivalent to the European motorsport of banger racing, which also uses modified derelict older-model cars in races where vehicle damage is an integral feature.