Racing
File:Racing.inflatables.arp.750pix.jpg Offshore inflatable racing (Thundercat class) at Ilfracombe, north Devon, England.These boats can reach 60mph |
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, but it can be any other task involving speed.
A race to cover a certain distance may be any length, and using any means stipulated by the rules. Running a distance is the most basic form of racing, but races are often conducted in vehicles, such as boats and cars, on or with animals such as horses and in aircraft.
A race may be run continuously from start to finish or may be made of several segments called heats or stages. A heat is usually run over the same course at different times. A stage is a shorter section of a much longer course or a time trial.
Early records of races are evident on pottery from ancient Greece, which depicted running men vying for first place. A chariot race is described in Homer's Iliad.
List of types of race
Unassisted human racing
Using only the human body's own muscles:
Cycle racing
- Track cycling, such as a Points race
- Road bicycle racing, such as the Tour de France
- Offroad cycling or Mountain bicycling
Ski racing
Animal racing
Animals alone, or with human riders on the animal's back or in a conveyance:
- Camel racing
- Dog racing
- Greyhound racing
- Dogsled racing, such as the Iditarod
- Horse-racing, see also United Kingdom horse-racing and Equestrianism
- Pigeon racing
- Pig racing
Aircraft racing
Motorized racing (motorsport)
Machines powered by motors, on land:
- Auto racing (also known as automobile racing, motor racing or autosport)
- Formula One, Formula Ford, GP2 Series (Replacement for Formula 3000)
- Kart racing
- Motorcycle racing, such as the Isle of Man TT
- Snowmobile racing ("land" = land or frozen lakes/rivers)
Boat racing
- Dragon Boat Racing
- Hydroplane racing
- Jet sprint boat racing
- Offshore powerboat racing
- Outrigger Canoe racing
- Rowing
- Sailing or Yacht racing also Match race such as America's Cup races or Team Racing.
Other types
In virtual reality, or in a videogame:
Etymology
The word race comes from a Viking word. This Viking word arrived in France during the invading of Normandy and gave the word raz which means "swift water" in Brittany; it can be found in "Pointe du Raz" (the most western point of France, in Brittany), and "raz-de-marée" (tsunami).
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.