The Deadliest Motor Races on Earth

These motor races traverse some of the most treacherous terrains on Earth and require an insane amount of skill and concentration to complete. Unfortunately, fatalities are not uncommon at some of these grueling events.

The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy

Inaugural Season: 1907

More than 145 people have died participating in The Isle of Man Tourist Trophy — more than one fatality per year on average. A Sports Illustrated writer covering the event in 2003 referred to it as "38 Miles of Terror... a test of nerves and speed that may be sport's most dangerous event."

Agljones at English Wikipedia

The Erzberg Rodeo

Inaugural Season: 1995

This four-day motorcycle event takes place in an open-pit mine in Austria known as the "Iron Giant." It's the largest event of its kind in Europe.

Christian Pichler, Wikimedia Commons

The Macau Grand Prix

Inaugural Season: 1954

The Macau Grand Prix is the only street circuit racing event open to both cars and motorcycles. Vehicles in the event are known to reach speeds of 171 miles per hour at certain stretches.

Photography: Ngchikit, Wikimedia Commons

Cannonball Run

Inaugural Season: 1975

This is the only event on the list that is not technically sanctioned. Participants in the event rely on spotters to scout the road ahead for obstacles such as deer.

Photography: https://www.cannonballruncarrally.com/

The Dakar Rally

Inaugural Season: 1979

This 13-day race across dunes and rock is open exclusively to off-road vehicles (no motorcycles or modified on-road cars allowed). The race originally was staged from Paris, France, to Dakar, Senegal, but security concerns forced organizers to move it to other regions. The 2020 event took place in Saudi Arabia.

Photography: X-raid1, Wikimedia Commons

King of the Hammers

Inaugural Season: 2007

Participants in The Hammers drive distinctive rides known “Ultra 4” vehicles across rock and desert in California.

Photography: Bureau of Land Management California

Pikes Peak International Hillclimb

Inaugural Season: 1916

A mishmash of cars, trucks motorcycles and quads participate in the Pikes Peak International Hillclimb in Colorado each year. The high altitude means that racers must contend with a lack of oxygen.

Photography: Danyak501, Wikimedia Commons

The 24 Hours of Le Mans

Inaugural Season: 1923

As its name indicates, drivers must stay up for a full 24 hours to have a chance at winning this race, which takes place in France. The winner of the race is the driver who manages to cover the most distance in the allotted amount of time, making it a pure test of endurance and mechanical reliability.

Photography: David Merrett, Wikimedia Commons