Racing

A race is a competition of speed. The competitors in a race try to complete a given task in the shortest amount of time. Typically, this involves traversing some distance most quickly, but can be just about any other task.

A race to cover a certain distance may be almost any length, and using any means stipulated by the rules of the race. Running a certain distance is the template of racing, but races are often conducted in vehicles, such as boats and carss, or on/with animals, such as horses.

Early records of races are evident on ancient Greek pottery, where running men are depicted vying for first place. A chariot race is described in Homer's Iliad.

A race and its name are often associated with the place of origin, the means of transport and the distance of the race. As a couple of examples, see the Paris-Dakar rally or the Athens marathon.

Types of racing

Here is a list of some common and not so common forms of racing.

Using only the human body's own muscles:

• Marathon
• Racewalking
• Track running in Athletics
• Swimming

With bicycles, known as Cycling:

• Track cycling such as a Points race
• Road cycling such as the Tour de France
• Offroad cycling or Mountain bicycling

With skis on snow:

• Alpine skiing such as Slalom skiing or Downhill skiing
• Cross-country skiing

With animals (alone or with human riders on animal's back or in carriage):

• Camel racing
• Chariot racing
• Greyhound racing
• Equestrian sports
• Horse-racing, see also United Kingdom horse-racing
  • Flat racing
  • Thoroughbred horse races, such as Triple Crown of Thoroughbred Racing or a Derby.
  • Trotting
  • Steeplechase

• Pigeon racing
• Pig racing

Using machines powered by motors, on land:

• Auto racing (also known as automobile racing, motor racing or autosport)
  • Formula One, Formula Ford, Formula 3000
  • Production Car Racing
  • Rally racing
  • Drag racing
  • Sports car racing
  • Stock car racing, NASCAR, Indy Cars - Champ Cars
  • dirt speedway racing
  • Offroad racing
  • Touring car racing
  • Truck racing

• Kart racing

• Motorcycle racing such as the Isle of Man TT:
  • Motocross Racing
  • Grand Prix motorcycle racing
  • Pocketbike Racing
  • Production Bike Racing
  • Superbike racing

• Snowmobile racing ("land" = land or frozen lakes/rivers)

Using boats on water:

• Dragon Boat Racing
• Jet sprint boat racing
• Offshore powerboat racing
• Rowing
• Sailing or Yacht racing also Match race such as America's Cup races or Team Racing.

and in virtual reality or in a videogame

• Chocobo Racing

See also: Sport, Gambling, Totalisator, Pacemaker, Nuclear arms race, Space Race, Race Game, Surf lifesaving