The Olympic Games are one of the most viewed events in the world along with the FIFA World Cup. Unfortunately, any sort of motorsport has been excluded from these events since 1900. However, now the Olympics are reported to be evaluating the entry of motorsport to the Olympic Games once again.
The last time there was a motorsport event in the Olympics was in the 1900 games in Paris. Most of the teams taking part were French Constructors. Unfortunately, the event was not held again by the Olympic committee. They stated:
“Sports, disciplines or events in which performance depends essentially on mechanical propulsion are not acceptable.”
Since Olympic success is focused on the success of an athlete and not the machinery, it was excluded from the Olympic Games. However, the Olympic committee is currently evaluating the possibility of including motorsport once again for the 2028 games in Los Angeles.
What for of motorsport will be included in the Olympic Games in 2028?
While evaluating the possibility of motorsport in 2028, one of the main problems to solve for the Olympic committee will be about the form of motorsport.
Most motorsport fans are familiar with Formula 1, IndyCar, Le Mans, NASCAR, etc. However, these forms of motorsport may not be included in the Olympic Games in 2028. All the above-mentioned sports are partly dependent on the performance of the machine.
The Olympic committee will be looking for a form where the drivers will solely be awarded for their excellence and not the car or constructors. For this, they might consider Karting.
The inclusion of motorsport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics is due to be decided in the coming weeks 🥇
Electric karting was included for the first time at the 2018 Youth Olympics, and again in 2020.
𝘚𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘤𝘦: 𝘙𝘦𝘶𝘵𝘦𝘳𝘴 pic.twitter.com/eWPiEPAUjq
— TRAK (@TRAKF1) August 15, 2023
E-Karting was a part of the 2018 Youth Olympics as a demonstration event. Since it was a demonstration event, no medals were awarded to the young drivers. This was a method taken by FIA Karting President, Felipe Massa to get the Olympic committee to accept E-Karting as an event for the 2024 Youth Olympics in Paris.
The formats followed by Formula 2 and Formula 3 can also be considered. F2 and F3 cars do not have many performance advantages. So they might modify the rules to this and make a standard design for all countries to follow.
The Race of Champions is one event that could inspire the Olympic committee to approve motorsport for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.
Apart from Karting and Stock, Sim Racing can also be an option. Although Sim Racing is not exactly motorsport, it provides equal performances on all the simulators and will give all the drivers an equal chance to succeed.
When will the Olympic committee decide?
The deadline for the committee to make a decision comes in October of this year. So we do not have to wait long for the decision to come. There are chances that it can be approved. However, they would have to decide a way where they can award the drivers for their excellence and not the car.
The 2028 Los Angeles Games would be the perfect event for the introduction of motorsport. The United States is a huge market for motorsport events. So they can expect a huge crowd to come to this event.
🚨 In a few weeks we will know if motorsport is included in the list to be included as an Olympic sport for the Los Angeles 2028 Games!
Then, the International Olympic Committee will have to review this at a meeting held in October in Mumbai. pic.twitter.com/khHB0Hcew0
— Formula World (@Formula_World__) August 15, 2023
We could see a demonstration event taking place during the 2024 Summer Olympics. If the event is a success, we could see them implement motorsport on a permanent basis. We could also see it become a part of the Winter Olympics. Racing in the snow is a major form of motorsport. We see it happen during the ROC (Race of Champions) every year.
Let’s wait and see what decision the Olympic committee makes in the coming months. There will be a roar of excitement from fans if motorsport becomes a part of the Olympic games.