We have all thought about it and maybe even created our own bucket list. A bucket list is a list of things you want to do before you die and for some of us these items can be as simple as catching a particular fish (present company included on that one), or as elaborate as climbing to the top of a mountain. For car enthusiasts one of the items that should be included on any bucket list is finding their way to one of the top race tracks in the world and turning a few laps. Here are nine of them that have been placed racing history has been made and should be on your short list or at the top of your bucket list.
Watkins Glen International Raceway – Not only is this the site of the Formula 1 US Grand Prix from 1961 until 1980 but this track is one that has a lot of movement for you to enjoy the drive. Used for NACAR twice a year now, this is one of the road courses that are chosen for the circuit. This racetrack offers a natural terrain, elevation changes, corners that present problems and a specific rhythm that even experienced drivers seem to feel no matter how many times they have raced here.
Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca – The Pebble Beach Road Races helped to make this raceway possible and in 1957 it became a reality. With the perfect weather for racing on almost every occasion this is a race track in northern California that offers eleven turns one of which is called the Corkscrew. You can only imagine how challenging this track can be to drive and it certainly should make your short list of racetracks you simply must make it to for a race or to drive before you take your dirt nap.
Monaco – Most race tracks do not offer a marriage with a city, but this one is unique. As it is spread across the city streets of Monaco this race track offers a huge amount of splendor and sights to enjoy unless you are in one of the cars that is racing. This track hoses the Formula 1Monaco Grand Prix every May to give you the right time with the best weather to visit this amazing city. You can drive this course without scheduling track time as you can imagine the race course that runs the streets.
Interlagos – This course is located in Sao Paulo, Brazil which instantly makes it a track you should go to even if you just use it as an excuse to visit Brazil. This track is where the Formula 1 Brazilian Grand Prix is run each year and it offers changing weather and elevations to give you an exciting drive if you get the opportunity to actually drive the track. With corners that have decreasing radius you will see some awesome action as the drivers adjust to the changes of the track and find ways to pass on a track that is narrow and challenging.
Silverstone Circuit – As an airfield that was transformed into a racetrack in 1948 this is considered a pride of Britain to give you a place that you will want to see a race or test your own skills. As a converted airfield you know this track is flat and easy to drive, which leaves it open to be one of the fastest tracks in the world, making it a challenge to test a car to is full potential in between the corners of this beautiful and awesome racing site that has a prestigious history for you to enjoy.
Circuit de la Sarthe – The name of the location of this raceway tells you right away this will be an awesome track as its placed in Le Mans, France. This is the site of one of the most famous races in the world the 24 Hours of Le Mans that offers some public streets and actual track. Of all the tracks on this list this certainly should make it very near the top of the list to give us a place that tests you and your car over a stretch of eight miles to see exactly what our overall performance can be.
Nurburgring Nordschleife – This German track needs no introduction and is basically the holy grail of tracks in the world. With thirteen miles of track and offering more than 150 corners this track will challenge everything about the car and your skills. Over the years this has become the ultimate automotive proving ground to give you a great place to test your car. The best part about this track is the fact it is actually open to the public to buy a ticket to drive making it an easy bucket list item to check off if you make your visit to Germany.
Circuit de Spa-Francorchamps – Visiting Spa, Belgium offers you a great deal of history majestic aerial views and a wonderful place to visit. This is also home to this track that offers uphill features and a great deal of Formula 1 driving when the circuit visits for the track. This is the Belgium version of Nurburgring and the uphill Eau Rouge is the most famous corner on the track that could be the most famous corner in the world. This could be one of the best bucket list items you check off with the historic visit and the amazing track for driving.
Suzuka Circuit – Japan needed a racetrack and in 1962 this became the first one that was a real racetrack for the island nation. This is the track Honda has owned and used for many years and offers the 130R left hand turn that is one of the most dangerous on any track in the world. This can be the most fun place you see a race with a wide array of events and entertainment around the track along with the races that take place here to give you one of the most exciting items to check off your list.
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