The history of motorsport dates back to the late 19th century, to the fledgling days of road racing at Le Mans. By the early 20th century, the first championship races were being run, on two wheels and four. Rallying also evolved. By the late 1940s and early '50s, Formula One and NASCAR events had been established. But as these competitions developed, so too did an inherent risk to life and limb, both on and off the track. Ironically, it took a catalog of tragic accidents to improve the safety features employed today in motorsport.
Click through and take a look at the competitions that drive motorsports, and some of the unfortunate events in its history.