Indy 500 2022: Comparing F1, IndyCar, NASCAR cars, races
May 29 is the biggest day in motor sports worldwide in 2022.
The Monaco Grand Prix, Formula 1's most prestigious race, starts the action. The Indianapolis 500 in the IndyCar Series takes over in the afternoon. NASCAR's Coca-Cola 600 at Charlotte, N.C., rules the night.
Here's what you should know about each series as you take in the action.
What is the biggest motor sport in the world?
Formula 1 competes worldwide, covering 20 countries with 22 races in 2022. Two of the races are in the United States: Miami and Austin, Texas. In 2023, a race is also planned for Las Vegas. F1 officials have talked with Indianapolis Motor Speedway chief Roger Penske, though no F1 races at IMS appear to be on the horizon. F1 raced in Indianapolis from 2000-07.
NASCAR's Cup Series features 36 races in the United States, including a July 31 event on the IMS road course. The IndyCar Series has 17 races, all in the U.S. and Canada, in 2022. The series returns to the IMS road course on July 30.
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What is racing's largest event?
► The Indianapolis 500, which has been contested since 1911, is expected to attract more than 300,000 to Indianapolis Motor Speedway, a 2½-mile oval. There are roughly 230,000 permanent seats (which IMS officials have said were 90% sold in early May) and well as ample space for general admission. Infield attractions include the Snake Pit concert and the IMS Museum.
► The Monaco Grand Prix is F1's biggest race, making it a place to be seen for worldwide celebrities. Tennis icon Serena Williams waved the green flag for the 78-lap 2021 race on a 2.07-mile circuit through the streets of the Mediterranean principality bordered by France and Italy. Because the race is on a temporary street course, there are not a lot of permanent seats. But there is viewing from buildings — and in certain spots, yachts — surrounding the course.
► The Coca-Cola 600 is NASCAR's longest race, and it is contested on the Charlotte Motor Speedway oval. That's 150 laps on the 1½-mile track that features 24-degree banking in the turns. The facility features roughly 95,000 permanent seats.
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Is an F1 car faster than Indy 500 cars?
It depends. F1 car's have more burst from a stop, going from 0-60 mph in 2.6 seconds, faster than IndyCar and NASCAR machines. This is crucial because F1 races begin from a stopped position and gaining track position heading into the first turn can set the tone. The cars can travel more than 230 mph, but because all the races are on road or street courses, they rarely hit top speed for long.
At the Indy 500, cars can exceed 240 mph entering Turn 1 or Turn 3. Because the race is on an oval, there is more sustained speed, especially on the ⅝-mile straightaways. Scott Dixon won the pole position with a four-lap qualifying run averaging 234.046 mph.
NASCAR Cup cars can top 220 mph on a straightaway. Pole positions earned in 2022 the superspeedways at Daytona and Talladega were a little over 180 mph.
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What's the difference between NASCAR, IndyCar and F1?
Here are approximate dimensions for Formula 1, IndyCar and NASCAR Cup machines for 2022:
F1: 1,658 pounds, 216 inches long, 78.7 inches wide, 35.8 inches tall, 118-inch wheelbase, 18-inch diameter tires, 1,000 horsepower.
Indy 500: 1,590 pounds, 201.7 inches long, 76.5 inches wide, 40 inches tall, 117.5-inch wheelbase, 25-27.5-inch diameter tires, 550-700 horsepower.
NASCAR: 3,200 pounds, 193.3 inches long, 78.6 inches wide, 50.4-inch roofline, 110-inch wheelbase, 18-inch diameter tires, 550-670 horsepower.
How to watch F1, IndyCar, NASCAR races
The Monaco Grand Prix will be shown on ESPN at 8:55 a.m. ET, the Indy 500 on NBC (more information for Indianapolis-area viewers) at 11 a.m., and the Coca-Cola 600 on Fox at 6 p.m.
This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indy 500 2022: Comparing F1, IndyCar, NASCAR cars, races
