Sports are loved all across the world as they are, perhaps, the most wholesome form of entertainment, encompassing skill, craft, passion, emotions, victory and pride. Some sports, like football and basketball, are widely watched, appreciated and followed while others have a niche following. Motor racing comes in the second category as it is not that easy to play as compared to others. Also, motor racing is one of the most dangerous sports, like surfing, sky-diving and scuba diving. Over the years, numerous motor racing events have seen the death of participants, some of them being superstars. Not only is motor racing risky, it requires high levels of endurance, physical strength and mental conditioning for anyone to excel. And there are a number of races held across the globe that, literally, are battles, be it in terms of level of competition or the obstacles one has to cross.
Started in 2007, King of the Hammers is a race held at Johnson Valley, which is located in California, United States of America. Founded by Jeff Knoll, this event involves desert racing and rock crawling, considered to be really tough. This off-road competition, according to many, is a tremendous battle of skill and endurance. There are certain pre-requisites that need to be adhered to in terms of vehicle configuration and time limit. Another race that is set in tough surroundings is Rainforest Challenge in Malaysia and is considered as 'world’s most internationally represented 4x4 event’ by many. This race has a limit of up to 800 km in Malaysian rainforests, which have extremely rough terrains. Touted as extremely exciting, this race attracts all-terrain enthusiasts from around the world.
While Rainforest Challenge and King of the Hammers are events that are relatively new, there are many others that have an eventful history. Baja 1000, a part of SCORE Championship Desert Racing Series, is counted among the most happening races in the world. Interestingly, this race allows participation of different categories of vehicles, which includes large bore motorcycles, production vehicles and trucks. This race, held at Baja Peninsula California in Mexico, has a history of over four decades. It entails two kinds of races, namely loop (starting and ending at same location) and point-to-point (beginning and finishing at different places). Surprisingly, some of the races have been bogged down by deliberate sabotages through hole-digging and blocking of river flow. In 2012, BJ Baldwin, driving a Chevrolet TT won the race for cars and trucks.
Driving for short durations, like in Formula One or NASCAR, is relatively easier as compared to some endurance battles that are held across the globe. No race possesses the sort of history and cult following like 24 Hours of Le Mans, which is being held every year since 1923, spanning just a decade less than a century. Organised by Automobile Club de l'Ouest, 24 Hours of Le Mans is held on Circuit de la Sarthe, located in close proximity to the town of Le Mans in France. A lot of its followers call 24 Hours of Le Mans the Grand Prix of Endurance and Efficiency as teams need to engage in a battle that tests their skill, patience, mental conditioning and cohesiveness. Drivers from teams have to complete the given distance by driving continuously for 24 hours in shift. Over the years, a number of cars have been designed to endure this tremendous race. Aspects like top speed, engine and braking have been emphasised a lot upon in cars that have participated in this legendary race.
Some drivers have written their names in record books by winning this race on several occasions. Danish racer Tom Kristensen has won 24 Hours of Le Mans a record nine times. A record 29 drivers, who are winners of this coveted race, hail from United Kingdom and France. Also, both these countries are tied for most number of wins (41). While this race has ended in joy for others, some lost their lives as well. Till date, reportedly, around 22 drivers have met their demise while participating in 24 Hours of Le Mans. Some of the recent victims of fatal accidents at this event include Allan Simonsen, Sébastien Enjolras, Austria Jo Gartner and Jean-Louis Lafosse.
No discussion of tough races can be completed without talking about Dakar Rally, which was formerly known as The Paris-Dakar. For a long time since its inception, this rally was held from French capital Paris to Senegalese city of Dakar. However, unfortunately, the venue for this race was shifted to South American countries of Argentina and Chile due to security threats. It is one of the most loved races throughout the world due to high levels of exhilaration and excitement. This event has also seen its list of controversial incidents, which includes disappearing of Mark Thatcher (son of British PM Margaret Thatcher) for six days.
