Racetrack

A racetrack is a facility built for competitive racing where participants complete laps around a defined course. It supports motor racing (cars, motorcycles) and horse racing, among other disciplines. The layout and surface are tailored to the discipline: automobile tracks are typically surfaced with asphalt or concrete and may be flat or banked; horse tracks use dirt, turf, or synthetic materials and are often oval in shape.

Track layouts fall mainly into two categories: ovals and road courses. Oval tracks emphasize high-speed laps with long straightaways and banked turns and are common in North American motorsports; road courses combine multiple left and right turns with variable elevation. Lengths vary: car circuits commonly range from about 0.5 to 3 miles per lap; horse oval tracks are typically about a mile or less, though major venues vary. Features include start/finish line, pit/garage areas, grandstands, and safety barriers such as tire walls or catch fencing; run-off areas and aprons support safety and access.

Races are organized by governing bodies and sanctions, such as FIA or national motorsport organizations for cars, horse racing regulatory bodies for equestrian events. Facilities may host multiple events across seasons, including practice sessions, qualifying, and main races. Prominent examples include famous circuits used for world championships and major horse racetracks for stakes races.