These races are more gruesome and gruelling than Formula 1 racing can ever be.

 

For most, the interest and knowledge of car racing is restricted to Formula One. Chiefly because they are televised, glamorous, entertaining, corporatised and attract media attention. They are challenging and dangerous but not perhaps as gruesome and gruelling as some lesser-discussed races like these.

 

The Baja 1000

As if the cruelty of transiting 1000 miles through the unforgiving Mexican desert in the Baja California Peninsula, was not enough, inbuilt into the torture are booby traps laid by spectators which in fact are encouraged by organisers. So finding a sudden pit, dangerous sabotaging obstacles or even a hidden ramp is par for the course. There are no fireworks, but cars sure fly off now and then.

An interesting part of this annual race is that it's inclusive all vehicles in its broadest sense. Apart from Custom race cars, stock cars, they allow motorcycles, and even trucks and dune buggies as well.

 

The Dakar Rally

Officially known as the Paris Dakar rally, this is one of the world's best-known car races along with Le Mans. The nomenclature of this race picks up from its dangerous stretch which commences at Paris, the capital of France and ending in Dakar, the capital of Senegal. In fact, the route was so nefarious that it was shifted to South America where it is held today. Competitors have to do over 500 miles a day negotiating extreme, varied terrains ranging from dunes, caverns, camel grass, rocks, mud inter alia, leading to some drivers succumbing to heart attacks.

 

East African Safari Rally

As dangerous as it's exotic, the more than 1000 km timed rally with over 60 km per diem length involves roasting temperatures on these merciless obvious desert routes and flat open plains which also includes a bit of an enigmatic passage through some blinding jungles. Drivers who vie in this race have to be a special brand of tough, but there's only so much they can do when Celsius pushing upwards of fifty is going to strand them in their tracks.

 

The 24 Hours Nürburgring Race

Held in Germany since 1970, involving touring cars, it's a 24 hrs race — as the name suggests on a 25 km long racetrack. The winding track adds to the stress due to fatigue. Despite most cars adding an extra driver to counter the toll, when the race rolls into its business end, crashes become inevitable.