Why do many events like; horse or car racing, skating rinks, country dancing, go counter-clockwise around?

Answer 1

NASCAR says auto racetracks were set up counterclockwise in the tradition of horseracing, and the Thoroughbred Racing Association says American racetracks were first set counterclockwise in 1780 because American breeders were still angry at the British, whose horse racing tracks ran clockwise.

Answer 2

This is just a guess but I think it has something to do with the majority of people being right handed. I know I feel more secure skating or driving counter-clockwise, especially at a high rate of speed.