Listopedia: The Racing Bucket List

Are you a fan of the fast and the furious? Watching the Formula One as it travels around the world is fun but it’s got nothing on seeing a race live. If a hot lap gets your blood pumping and the sound of a finely tuned engine is music to your ears, this is the bucket list for you. The seven motor races you need to see live now.

Le Mans 24 Hours, France

A day of racing is enough to exhaust anyone, but a full 24 hour day is another story all together. The Le Mans 24 Hour race has run since 1938 in the town of Le Mans, south west of Paris. Not only does it test the reliability and performance of the prototype supercars, but also the stamina and awareness of the drivers (and spectators!). Manufacturers provide catering and sleeping quarters for weary spectators while competitors in all classes lap the track simultaneously throughout the night.

Bathurst 1000, Australia

Mount Panorama is without doubt the driver and fan favourite on Australia’s V8 Supercar Championship calendar. The track, which functions as a public road throughout the year, throws massive elevation changes at the drivers with no room for error on the climb up, or descent down. Fans surround every metre of the track, camping weeks out to ensure they’ve snagged a prime position. Book your room at the Rydges Mount Panorama well in advance – rooms look straight out over the track.

Formula One Monaco Grand Prix

There’s a number of F1 races I could have mentioned here, but there’s no doubt that the jewel in the crown of the Formula One season is Monaco, even if the race itself isn’t. The associated glitz and glamour results in outrageous costs for fans but the experience is second to none. With the track winding through the streets of Monte Carlo fans can get closer to the action than any other venue, then indulge in the countless parties following the race.