Banger racing is a form of motorsport in which heavily modified cars are raced on oval tracks. These cars have been known to reach speeds in excess of 100mph, and the crashes are often spectacular.
Banger racing originated in the UK in the late 1950s, and has since spread to other countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, and Australia.
The sport is most popular in the UK, where there are several hundred banger racing clubs across the country. There are also a number of professional banger racing teams, who compete in national and international championships.
If you’re looking for exhilarating and dangerous motorsport to watch or participate in, banger racing is definitely for you!
How to watch a Banger Race
There are a number of ways to watch a banger race. You can either go to a live event, or watch it on television.
Live events are usually held at oval racing tracks, and tickets can be purchased in advance or on the day. Television coverage is often provided by specialist motorsport channels such as Motors TV.
If you want to get closer to the action, many banger racing clubs offer marshalling positions. This involves being trackside to help with the running of the event, and you’ll get an up-close view of all the crashes and near-misses!
The different types of cars used in a Banger Race
There are three main types of cars used in banger racing:
- Saloon cars: These are the most common type of car used, and includes models such as the Ford Mondeo, Vauxhall Astra, and VW Golf.
- Hatchbacks: These are smaller than saloon cars, and include popular models such as the Ford Fiesta, VW Polo, and Fiat 500.
- American cars: These tend to be larger than saloon cars, and include models such as the Chevrolet Camaro, Dodge Challenger, and Ford Mustang.
The rules of a Banger Race
There are a number of rules that all drivers must follow in a banger race:
- All cars must be heavily modified. This includes adding extra reinforcement to the bodywork, and fitting larger engines.
- Cars must be fitted with roll cages to protect the driver in the event of a crash.
- Drivers must wear racing overalls and helmets.
- Cars must start the race from a standing start.
- There is no limit on the number of laps that can be raced.
- The race is won by the first car to cross the finish line. In the event of a tie, the race will be declared a draw.
Some famous bangers racers
There have been a number of famous drivers who have competed in banger racing over the years, including:
- Nigel Mansell: The 1992 Formula One World Champion raced in banger racing during his early career.
- Ayrton Senna: The three-time Formula One World Champion also raced in banger races, before going on to achieve greatness in Formula One.
- Michael Schumacher: The seven-time Formula One World Champion started his career in karting, but also raced in banger cars.
- Damon Hill: The 1996 Formula One World Champion was another driver who began his career in banger racing.