Most dangerous races and tracks in the world (Part 2)
7. Baja 1000
Number seven on our list is the Baja 1000. This is one of the most famous and most dangerous rallies in the world. The Baja 1000, is an off road race, which starts in the Baja Peninsula south of California. The first race started in Tijuana, Baja on October
31, 1967. The drivers are allowed to drive any type of vehicle in the race. There are trucks, cars, and even bikes, all with the same goal, to be the first one to cross the finish line. The other unique thing about the Baja 1000 is that it is open to the public.
Thus there are more chances of booby traps such as jumps, stopped rivers, and other hiding obstacles then actually crashing. These booby traps are made by the spectators, who either want to hinder other teams so that their favourite wins or they want to see
the riders jump for their own entertainment. Either way, these are dangerous for the drivers. They avoid places with large crowds, and sometimes even communicate the locations of booby traps with each other. There is also more fear of crime in that area than
actual deaths, since the location is famous for bandits. In fact there was an incident where a helicopter crashed near the racing route. When investigated, the authorities found out that the helicopter belonged to a local drug lord.
6. Macau Grand Prix
At number six on our list is the Macau Grand Prix. This race is known to be the location for the worst accidents in motor racing history. It is held on the November of every year. It is the only street circuit in the world, which allows cars and motorcycles
to race together. There are more than 300 racers who show up to the track every year. This race started off in 1954 as a treasure hunt, although it became an amateur event in 1966. Motorcycles were introduced in 1967, the same year the race chalked its first
fatal accident. Dodjie Laurel, the double champion of the race, lost control of his Lotus 4 and crashed on November 19th, 1967. The car caught on fire killing Laurel from excessive smoke inhalation, making him the very first casualty on the track.
5. Nurburgring Grand Prix
The Germany based Nurburgring Grand Prix, comes in at number five on the list of most dangerous tracks and races. The track is set around the village of Nurburg in Germany. It was constructed in 1920 with four configurations (the Gesantstrecke, Nordschleife,
Sudschlief and the Zielschleife). The track was built to deter people from racing on the public roads which was highly impractical and dangerous. Construction of the track started in 1925, ended two years later in 1927. The first Grand Prix was held the same
year. The track is also open to the public on weekends and in the afternoons. The Nurburgring boasts an average width of 8 to 9 meters, which is way too narrow to race cars. The track has claimed 68 fatal accidents ever since it was made. Leo Lowenstien was
the latest casualty, on the 24th April, 2010. He overturned his Austin Martin V8 Vantage and hit the guard rail. This caused the fuel tank to rupture and catch on fire. Lowenstien died of smoke inhalation. The track officials have never released
a statement with the proper numbers, but the locals estimated (using police reports) that there are 3-12 fatalities per year. Another noted fatality that occurred on this track is that of Carcel Godin de Beaufort. He crashed his Porsche 718 in 1964, when it
suddenly steered off the track and into the guard rail. Beaufort was thrown out of his car and suffered injuries to his head, chest and legs. He died 3 days later in the hospital.
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