Motorsports are enjoying a moment in the sun, as interest in automobile racing is buoyed by the recent popularity of Formula One, among other series. Now, the sport might get another boost, thanks to its possible inclusion as an Olympic event.
Motorsport has been included on a short-list of pursuits that could be added at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games. It is not yet clear what specific discipline that will be, but one form is leading the pack as the most likely: electric karting.
Motorsport is under consideration alongside baseball-softball, lacrosse, breakdancing, karate, kickboxing, squash, cricket, and flag football. Per Reuters, the last sport’s top American representatives say that an official decision on which events will be added is expected in the coming weeks.
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Although more than one option can be added for the 2028 Olympic Games, the competition is stiff. Sports like baseball, karate, and especially cricket all have wide, international followings.
If racing is selected as one of the sports added to the LA games, it is likely that the form of motorsport will be electric go-karting, reports Jalopnik. The discipline was previously featured as a demonstration event at the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics in Buenos Aires, Argentina, and the FIA has been pushing for its inclusion since then.
It’s easy to see why motorsport’s governing body might select electric karting. While the battery power would appeal to more environmentally-minded viewers, the vehicle type requires less infrastructure than full-size racecars, and the sport is in line with the Olympics’ spirit of amateurism.
Although the inclusion of motorsport in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics would be a watershed moment, it’s not entirely unprecedented. Cars raced at the 1900 Paris Olympics and, more recently, sim racing was included as a virtual event in conjunction with the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.
Whatever sports are selected as Olympic events, they will only be guaranteed inclusion for one cycle. However, the decision could help promote the discipline to more young athletes and would likely increase its odds of being involved in future Olympic Games.
