Top 10 Motorsports to Watch During the Formula 1 Summer Break

We’ve all been eerily quiet here at the Formula 1 department at The Grueling Truth, but when Formula 1 takes its summer break, it’s actually a perfect time to explore other motorsports that offer thrilling and exciting action. Below, we’ve outlined a guide to 10 top alternatives, packed with high-speed drama and where to watch them.

1 – MotoGP

The riders of MotoGP heading into turn 1 during the Malaysian Grand Prix at the Sepang International Circuit.

• What It Is: MotoGP is the top class of motorcycle road racing, showcasing the best riders and the most advanced bikes in the world. These motorcycles are purpose-built prototypes, meaning they are not available for public purchase, and they are capable of reaching speeds over 200 mph (320 km/h). The series travels globally, with races held on some of the most famous circuits, including tracks like Mugello, Silverstone, and the Circuit of the Americas. MotoGP is known for its intense, wheel-to-wheel racing, with riders often separated by mere fractions of a second, making every race a thrilling spectacle.

• Why Watch: Expect wheel-to-wheel racing, heart-stopping overtakes, and the sheer thrill of watching riders push the limits on two wheels.

• Where to Watch: Available on BT Sport (UK), NBC Sports (US), and MotoGP’s own streaming service, MotoGP VideoPass.

2 – World Endurance Championship (WEC)

The rear end of the Clearwater Racing Team, Ferrari 488 GTE GTEAm at the 2019 24 hours of Le Mans.

• What It Is: The World Endurance Championship is a premier international racing series known for its long-distance endurance races, where teams compete to cover the greatest distance within a set time. The series is highlighted by iconic events like the 24 Hours of Le Mans, which tests the limits of speed, reliability, and teamwork. Cars are divided into classes, including prototypes and GT cars, with multiple drivers per team taking turns behind the wheel. The WEC blends speed with strategy, as teams must manage tire wear, fuel consumption, and driver fatigue over races that can last from 6 to 24 hours.

• Why Watch: Watch teams strategize over long distances, with drivers swapping in and out to maintain speed and reliability over hours or even days.

• Where to Watch: Coverage can be found on Eurosport, MotorTrend (US), and the official WEC app.

3 – IndyCar Series

The Indianapolis Motor Speedway plays host to the INDYCAR Series for the world renowned Indy 500.

• What It Is: The IndyCar Series is the top level of open-wheel racing in North America, known for its diverse range of circuits, including ovals, road courses, and street circuits. The cars are single-seaters with a focus on speed and aerodynamics, capable of reaching speeds over 230 mph (370 km/h). IndyCar is famous for the Indianapolis 500, one of the most prestigious races in the world. The series is characterized by its close, competitive racing, with drivers often battling side-by-side, making it a thrilling spectacle. Strategy plays a key role, especially in managing pit stops and fuel consumption.

• Why Watch: Known for its close finishes and unpredictable races, IndyCar offers a different style of open-wheel racing that’s both intense and strategic.

• Where to Watch: Tune in via NBC Sports (US), Sky Sports (UK), and Peacock streaming service.

4 – NASCAR

Drivers Shane Lee and Austin Theriault lead a restart during the 2017 General Tire 200 at Talladega Superspeedway.

• What It Is: NASCAR (National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing) is the premier stock car racing series in the United States, known for its high-speed races on oval tracks. The cars are based on production models but are heavily modified for racing, featuring powerful engines and robust bodies that can withstand the close, contact-heavy racing that NASCAR is famous for. Races typically involve 40 drivers competing in tightly packed fields, often at speeds exceeding 200 mph (320 km/h). NASCAR is particularly popular for its dramatic finishes, strategic pit stops, and the skillful drafting techniques that drivers use to gain speed and overtake rivals. The Daytona 500 is the series’ most famous race, often referred to as “The Great American Race.”

• Why Watch: NASCAR is about strategy, close racing, and spectacular finishes, with drivers battling bumper-to-bumper at high speeds.

• Where to Watch: Available on Fox Sports and NBC Sports (US), with international coverage on networks like Sky Sports.

5 – Formula E

The 2022 FIA Formula E Berlin E-Prix (ePrix) in Tempelhof – Berlin

• What It Is: Formula E is an all-electric racing series that features single-seater cars powered exclusively by electricity. As a pioneer in sustainable motorsports, Formula E showcases the latest in electric vehicle technology. The series races on temporary street circuits in major cities around the world, such as New York, Paris, and Hong Kong, bringing the action directly to urban centers. Formula E is known for its close, competitive racing, with energy management playing a crucial role. Unique elements like “FanBoost,” where fans vote to give their favorite driver a temporary power boost, add an interactive dimension to the sport. Formula E emphasizes innovation, both in racing and in promoting a cleaner, electric future.

• Why Watch: Experience close, tactical racing and see the future of electric vehicle technology in action.

• Where to Watch: Watch on Channel 4 (UK), CBS Sports (US), and the official Formula E website.

6 – World Rally Championship (WRC)

Hayden Paddon and Seb Marshall at the 2018 Turkish Rally giving his Hyundai factory works i20 the full send!

• What It Is: The World Rally Championship is a top-tier motorsport series where drivers compete in rally cars on a variety of challenging terrains, including gravel, snow, tarmac, and dirt. Unlike circuit racing, WRC takes place on public or private roads that are closed for the event, often in remote and rugged locations. Each rally consists of timed stages, with drivers and their co-drivers navigating through these courses at high speeds, aiming to set the fastest overall time. The co-driver plays a critical role by providing pace notes, which guide the driver through the course’s twists, turns, and jumps. The WRC is renowned for its demanding conditions, with drivers battling not only each other but also the elements, making it one of the most thrilling and unpredictable motorsports.

• Why Watch: Rallying combines speed with skill as drivers navigate complex courses in all weather conditions, making for dramatic viewing.

• Where to Watch: Available on WRC+ All Live streaming service, as well as on Red Bull TV and various national broadcasters.

7 – DTM (Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters)

The Start of DTM race on Moscow Raceway August 30, 2015 in Moscow, Russia.

• What It Is: The Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters is a premier touring car racing series based in Germany, known for its high-performance, production-based cars that are extensively modified for racing. These cars, representing major manufacturers like BMW, Audi, and Mercedes-Benz, race on some of Europe’s most famous circuits, including the Nürburgring and Hockenheimring. DTM races are characterized by intense competition, with drivers battling closely in powerful cars that feature aerodynamic enhancements and advanced technology. The series is famous for its aggressive overtakes, strategic pit stops, and a mix of sprint and endurance-style racing. DTM offers a blend of technical sophistication and raw racing excitement, appealing to fans of both speed and strategy.

• Why Watch: Expect fierce competition, with a mix of manufacturer entries and thrilling head-to-head battles on track.

• Where to Watch: DTM races are broadcast on SAT.1 (Germany) and the series’ official streaming platform, DTM Grid.

8 – British Touring Car Championship (BTCC)

Jake Hill Driving the number 24 car For Laser Tools Racing during the Round 16 For The British Touring Car Championship at Croft Circuit, Darlington.

• What It Is: The British Touring Car Championship is one of the UK’s most popular and enduring motorsport series, featuring production-based cars from various manufacturers, including Honda, BMW, and Ford. These cars are heavily modified for racing, with enhanced aerodynamics, suspension, and performance, yet they retain a strong connection to their road-going counterparts. The BTCC is known for its intense, door-to-door racing, with frequent contact and thrilling overtakes on some of the UK’s most iconic circuits, such as Brands Hatch and Silverstone. The championship follows a multi-race format at each event, leading to unpredictable outcomes and keeping the competition fierce throughout the season. The BTCC’s blend of accessibility, close racing, and a wide variety of car brands makes it a fan favorite in the world of touring car racing.

• Why Watch: Touring car races are known for their close racing and plenty of contact, making every race unpredictable.

• Where to Watch: Available on ITV4 (UK), with international coverage via YouTube and the BTCC app.

9 – Isle of Man TT

Daring riders undertake qualifying laps of the annual Isle of Man TT.

• What It Is: The Isle of Man TT (Tourist Trophy) is one of the most legendary and challenging motorcycle races in the world, held annually on the Isle of Man. Unlike traditional circuit races, the TT takes place on a 37.73-mile (60.72 km) course made up of public roads that wind through the island’s towns, villages, and countryside. Riders compete against the clock in a time trial format, reaching speeds over 130 mph (210 km/h) on narrow, twisty roads with little margin for error. The course’s mix of sharp corners, fast straights, and elevation changes makes it incredibly demanding, both physically and mentally. Known for its danger as much as its prestige, the Isle of Man TT is revered in the motorsport world for pushing riders to their absolute limits.

• Why Watch: The Isle of Man TT is one of the most dangerous and exhilarating motorsport events, known for its high-risk, high-reward nature.

• Where to Watch: Coverage is available on ITV4 (UK) and the TT’s official streaming service, TT+.

10 – Super Formula

In terms of technicalities, Super Formula (formerly known as Japanese F3) is the closest kind of racing you can get to F1.

• What It Is: Super Formula is Japan’s top-level single-seater racing series, often compared to Formula 1 in terms of speed and technical sophistication. The cars used in Super Formula are some of the fastest open-wheel machines outside of F1, featuring advanced aerodynamics, powerful engines, and high levels of downforce. The series races on some of Japan’s most famous circuits, including Suzuka and Fuji Speedway, offering a mix of challenging tracks that test both driver skill and engineering prowess. Super Formula is known for its close, competitive racing, with a focus on driver talent due to the relatively even playing field among teams. The series serves as a key stepping stone for drivers aiming to compete in international motorsport, making it a crucial part of the global racing landscape.

• Why Watch: Super Formula is known for its high-speed races on technical circuits, offering a unique challenge different from European tracks.

• Where to Watch: Races are broadcast on J SPORTS (Japan) and available via Super Formula’s official YouTube channel.

How to Watch

Most of these series have official streaming services or are broadcast on major sports networks. If you’re in the UK, channels like Sky Sports, BT Sport, and ITV4 are key. In the US, NBC Sports, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports cover most major events. For international viewers, check out each series’ official streaming platforms, many of which offer global access.