Endurance Racing’s Meteoric Rise

The World Endurance Championship (WEC) is experiencing significant growth, attracting more manufacturers, high-profile drivers, and increasing spectator numbers, while maintaining a level of accessibility and charm that could be at risk if it becomes as massive as Formula 1.

Highlights

– ‣ The World Endurance Championship (WEC) is experiencing significant growth, attracting more fans and seeing an increase in the number of manufacturers entering the hypercar class, making the competition more exciting.
– ‣ High-profile drivers, including former F1 racers and younger talents, are choosing WEC as a competitive and attractive career option, enhancing the sport’s reputation and appeal.
– ‣ WEC events are drawing larger crowds, with sold-out races and family-friendly atmospheres, indicating a booming interest in endurance racing.
– ‣ Despite its growing popularity, WEC maintains a unique charm with its approachable teams and drivers, offering a more intimate fan experience compared to Formula 1.

Oh, it seems not everyone’s caught on yet, but let me tell you, the World Endurance Championship (WEC) is skyrocketing. Seriously. Every single day, loads of folks, Brits especially, have to bolt from the Spa-Francorchamps circuit way before the final lap. Why? They’re racing to catch the last bus to Brussels or Liège before it hits 7pm. And if you’re thinking of driving there, good luck. The main road’s a no-go, thanks to endless construction.

Now, when it’s time for the Grand Prix in Belgium, things seem a bit smoother. The organizers step up their game – well, sort of. But for the 6 Hours of Spa-Francorchamps? It’s like the Ardennes folks were caught snoozing by the WEC’s sudden popularity. We’re talking jam-packed stands at Imola, buzzing with Tifosi just a few weeks back. And the sport itself? It’s on another level.

### Manufacturers line up for WEC
For years, Toyota had the WEC in a chokehold, with Porsche occasionally giving them a run for their money. But now? The hypercar class is a whole new ballgame. Ferrari made a splash, clinching the 24 Hours of Le Mans in ’23. Hot on their heels were Alpine, Cadillac, and Peugeot. And this season? BMW, Lamborghini, and even Isotta Fraschini threw their hats in the ring. Porsche and Ferrari? They’ve got customer teams nipping at the leaders’ heels. And guess what? Aston Martin’s joining the party next season with a hypercar of their own.

Thanks to these teams, WEC’s now a goldmine for top-tier drivers. We’re talking big names like Sébastien Buemi, Nyck de Vries, and even Jenson Button. Yeah, the former F1 champ. Fans can’t get enough of them.

### Younger generation chooses WEC
Gone are the days when WEC was the last stop for drivers past their prime. Now, it’s where the young guns want to be. Mick Schumacher, for instance, would’ve killed for a spot in F1. But instead of moping around, he’s tearing it up with Alpine in the WEC. He’s not alone. Robert Shwartzman and Callum Ilott are all in on hypercars too. Sébastien Buemi gets it. With so many manufacturers in the mix, there’s room for fresh talent. But don’t be fooled—the competition’s fierce.

### WEC grandstands are bulging
And with that fierce competition comes crowds. Loads of ’em. Le Mans? Sold out. Imola? Packed to the gills. And Spa’s expecting a whopping 50,000 this Saturday. It’s clear as day: WEC’s following F1’s tire tracks, and even the FIA’s taken notice. They’re turning race days into family affairs, complete with bouncy castles for the kiddos. Merch stalls are popping up too, with Valentino Rossi’s caps flying off the shelves. Yeah, the MotoGP legend’s now a WEC racer.

Unlike F1, WEC’s got a more laid-back vibe. Fans can mingle with drivers in the paddock, which is just as swanky as F1’s, by the way. It’s part of the charm. But there’s a catch. If WEC keeps growing at this pace, it might just lose that intimate feel. And that, my friends, would be a real shame.

This piece? It’s a collab with Olly Darcy. Just so you know.