Why do they race counter-clockwise in Nascar,horse racing, track & field etc instead of clockwise?

Answer 1

Some NASCAR sites claim that it is for the safety of the driver, racing that way keeps him as far away from the wall as possible. But a lot of sites claim that car and horse racing are counter-clockwise as a protest to the British from years back...

"It is felt that the American practice of racing counter-clockwise began at this track, in response to anti-British feeling at the time. The British raced in a clockwise direction."

Answer 2

not sure about the horse racing,,but for nascar I believe its so the driver when he comes into the "pits" was able to talk with the crew chief(before radio days),,have the crew hand drinks to him without getting in the pit lane and getting hit by other drivers coming into the pits,,,and by driving around the track was able to see signals being directed towards him(again before radios) they used big "pit signs" held up for the driver to read during the race, if you ever get the chance to watch an old race from the 60's-70's you will see those pit signs being held up to read,,lap times,when to pit,etc.

Answer 3

They race counterclockwise because before computerized scoring was invented, scoring was done manually. The scorers were in the infield and needed to be able to read the numbers as they passed. Therefore, the numbers were put on the roofs of the cars so that they could be read from the infield.

Answer 4

I've heard the anti-British explanation too.. but really it's because racing clockwise would be backwards...I bet they race clockwise in Australia

Answer 5

Probably because when the driver hits the wall it will be on the passenger side first. If he were going clock wise he would take the first blow to his side. plus he probably has a better view of the inside track.

Answer 6

can't remember which book it was, but I read it was so the driver could see his crew chief's signs that he would hold out from the infield about lap times, laps remaining, all that other good stuff, this was before the days of radio.

Answer 7

it is easier to turn the car because the driver is right there being able to force it down
have a great day

Answer 8

my dad actually helps builds and races trucks and cars and it is just easier and more cost efficient to make the cars natuarally turn left than it is to turn right

Answer 9

they are tired of going clockwise

Answer 10

IN AMERICA, DRIVERS SIDE SEATS ARE ON THE LEFT SIDE OF THE CAR, PUTTING HIM THAT MUCH FURTHER FROM THE OUTSIDE WALL. T.Hull