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Auto Racing/Counter Clockwise races

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Expert: - 7/25/2006


Question
This is just a silly question, but maybe I can finaly find an answer.
Why are all car races, disputed on oval tracks, raced on a counter-clockwise motion? I notice the same happens for horse, and dog racing. Is there a good explanation for it?
Thanks,
Pericles

Answer
Probably because it makes spectating more comfortable for those of us that read the Roman alphabet languages. Left to right.

I should point out though that road races are almost universally run in a clockwise direction. That would be sports car races, Formula One, Champ Car, American Le Mans, and so forth. And the most popular spectator areas at these events present the viewer with the left to right direction as well. One exception that I know of would be road races run at the Daytona International Speedway, they are run in the counter clockwise direction, while the Formula One at Indianapolis is run clockwise.  

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Dan Liddy

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Anything concerning race cars, 20 years competition experience, Senior Competition Driver Instructor , car builder, mechanic, welding, fabrication, tuning , engine modifications, set up, suspension design. Specializing in Datsun/Nissan products. Please submit questions about RACE CARS ONLY. No street cars, no video game scenarios Thank you.

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I have been racing for 20 years, I have been the Central Florida SCCA Regional Championship points for 5 years running, and won the championship in my class 2 times. During my first start in the 60's I won many solo awards and the State Championship Drags. I serve as a senior instructor for SCCA, and have taught in Mercedes AMG events at Daytona, and Dodge Viper Days at Sebring International. I have been in the thick of the competition for all of my career. At one time or another I have driven race cars at speeds nearing 195 MPH. It's quite a ride !

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