The months between December and March can be pretty dreary for motor racing fans around the world with a lack of series on during that period. Whilst it seems that the new Formula E series has managed to pick up a trick here following a strong first season, even that series will run just two events over the winter months. With most conventional racing series starting around March and finishing somewhere between September and November, meaning that there is very little for us to watch over this period, do we need more winter motorsport series to keep us occupied during these months?
The Formula E Solution
Whilst is has been made clear before that Alejandro Agag would like Formula E to move to a more conventional calendar slot, having the series run from October until June or July is by no means a bad thing. With races in the southern hemisphere taking place during the winter months, the weather problems (regarding snow anyway) are almost non-existent. However, Formula E only has two races taking place this season over the winter, and it strictly is not a winter-exclusive series. However, it did a very good job in the inaugural season and I feel that it should try to keep to the sort of time frame that it currently has, especially as many of the drivers taking part race in other categories. With no or very few clashes with other series, Formula E has attracted some of the world’s top drivers, most notably an array of some big names from the World Endurance Championship.
Endurance Racing
Two major endurance events usually take place during the winter – the famed 24 Hours of Daytona (the opener to the rebranded IMSA SportsCar Championship Season) and the 24 Hours of Dubai (the opener to the 24H Series season). In addition, the Asian Le Mans Series is running in the winter months this season, albeit on a calendar lasting just four rounds.
Niche Motorsports
The winter months usually provide brilliant conditions for those into less tarmac and more dirt and snow. The World Rally Championship kicks off in January at Monte-Carlo and has one event each month during winter. Whilst rallying is an exceptional motorsport to watch, it is not everybody’s cup of tea however.
So do we need more?
On the flipside of things, winter series don’t always quite go according to plan. The A1GP series ran between September and May and flopped somewhat spectacularly, having three of the ten scheduled events cancelled in what turned out to be the final season. I feel that if the demand is there, and I know that I certainly end up spending many hours on a Sunday over the winter months simply twiddling my thumbs, then I do not see why we cannot have more series running over the winter. It does guarantee no clashing with high-profile series such as Formula 1 and if done correctly, it could shine the limelight on a different category of racing for a change.
Main image:
