Entering the world of reality TV with a shot of pulse-pounding adrenaline, Austin Dillon’s Life in the Fast Lane gives viewers a chance to see what the daily life of a NASCAR driver is like both on and off the track. Further proving that the world of motorsports makes for great TV, Life in the Fast lane is only the most recent in a long line of excellent racing programing.
From Netflix originals such as Race to exciting behind-the-scenes tours such as Formula 1: Drive to Survive, there is no denying that motorsports and TV are a match made in heaven. With a wide variety of tones, there is plenty to enjoy for race fans and non-race fans alike.
The Crew (2021)
Stream On Netflix
Most of the best shows about motorsports are documentary series, but Netflix’s The Crew attempted to capture the funnier side of racing in a sitcom format. A down-and-out NASCAR garage crew finds their live in disarray when a new team owner arrives to shake things up.
Kevin James anchors the show, and though it is based on a niche topic, the series is nevertheless accessible to all audiences. The series is mostly faithful to the workings of a real life garage, and it clearly comes from a place of love for the sport. The show has enough for all viewers, even if they aren’t race fans, and the cameos from actual drivers was a nice touch.
The Driver (2017)
Stream On Hulu
Family tradition is important in the world of stock car racing, and The Driver focused a racer with a tremendous pedigree. Following Jeffrey Earnhardt, the grandson of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt, the documentary mini-series shows his attempts to forge his own path in racing and make it on his merits as opposed to his family name.
Dale Earnhardt’s own story is often cited as an athlete biopic that fans would want to see, and watching Jeffrey struggle much in the same way as his grandpa is compelling TV. As for the younger Earnhardt, Jeffrey’s personality is very relatable and the audience finds themselves genuinely rooting for the young man to succeed.
Legends Of Speed (2015)
Stream On Tubi TV
Much like NASCAR’s long and rich history, Formula 1 racing is also stuffed to the gils with fascinating stories. Legends of Speed recounts interesting moments in F1 history as told by the people who were there, and the racing icons who created such classic moments.
Though it was a brief show, each episode was a virtual treasure trove of harrowing anecdotes about the extreme nature of auto racing. As the popularity of F1 continues to rise, the importance of tradition also grows, and Legends of Speed helped to preserve history as told by the people who made it happen.
Idris Elba: King Of Speed (2013)
Stream On Pluto TV And Tubi TV
Much like Idris Elba’s most unexpected movies, King of Speed showed an unexpected side of the famous actor. Part history and part exploration, Idris Elba hosts the show as it delves into the evolution of auto racing from all over the world.
Elba’s obsession with speed is obvious, and his love of racing shines through as he presents the information with more glee than the average TV host. Few personalities could match the full throttle excitement of the sport, and Elba was perfectly suited to conduct the tour. On top of that, the show is incredibly informative and isn’t afraid to get into the nitty gritty about racing, and the people who race.
Lost Speedways (2020-Present)
Stream On Peacock
Most shows about racing tend to handle things in general, but Lost Speedways needles in on a specific corner of auto racing history. Just as the title suggest, the show follows Dale Earnhardt Jr. as he explores the legacy and history of racetracks that have been left behind.
Having NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. host the show was a brilliant choice, and his passion for the sport carries over into his passion for the lost coliseums of racing. Even for non-race fans, the show presents enough information about the venues to keep things engaging, and it explores the business of racing as much as the sport itself.
Grand Prix Driver (2018)
Stream On Amazon Prime
Because F1 is built on secrecy, much is unknown about the inner workings of some of the sport’s best teams. However, Grand Prix Driver offers viewers an up-close look at McClaren, one of the oldest and most successful teams in the sport’s long history.
Narrated by Michael Douglas, the series is not only a behind-the-scenes look at a team, but is a perfect primer for new fans of the sport as well. Shot in a distinctly cinematic style, the show elevates itself beyond simple min-series status, and has the feeling of a feature film that has been stretched over several episodes.
Race: Bubba Wallace (2022)
Stream On Netflix
While the high-octane action of NASCAR is exciting stuff to watch, the institution isn’t without its problems and Race: Bubba Wallace aimed to shine a light on those issues. Following Cup Series driver Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr., Race contextualized Bubba’s burgeoning NASCAR career with the tumultuous events of 2020.
The series covers a lot of ground and chronicles Bubba’s change from a simple driver to a force for change in the world. On top of that, it does an excellent job of capturing Wallace as a person, and his anxieties and fears are on full display for the world to see. Athletes are usually larger-than-life, but Race proved it was one of Netflix’s best sports documentaries because it showed the human side of its subject perfectly.
Le Mans: Racing Is Everything (2017)
Stream On Amazon Prime
As opposed to focusing on only one driver, Le Mans: Racing is Everything instead follows several of the sports biggest stars. Outlining the days leading up to the 24 hour race in Le Mans France, the series dives deep into each driver’s past and the route that each took to reach the pinnacle of racing.
Unabashed in its thoroughness, the series shows the sport’s best and worst moments with equal intensity to help illustrate the gravity of the race. Though it is a documentary miniseries, the show builds tension as the event approaches, and viewers are thoroughly invested in the characters by the time that Le Mans finally rolls around.
Formula 1: Drive To Survive (2019-Present)
Stream On Netflix
Though there have been many shows like Formula 1: Drive to Survive, few capture the spirit of their subject with as much gripping realism. The series documents the drama of the Formula 1 championships through the eyes of the teams that run in the events each week.
In-depth with its coverage, the show nails the reality aspect of its reality TV moniker. The drivers’ and owners’ personalities are on full display and each season features a fair amount of strong friendships and bitter rivalries as well. One of the best aspects of the show is that it has had a longer run which has allowed storylines to play out over time, and is therefore more compelling as a whole.
Austin Dillon’s Life In The Fast Lane (2022-Present)
Stream On Hulu And Fubo TV
The world of NASCAR is fast-paced and exciting, and Austin Dillon’s Life in the Fast Lane shows that life off the track can be just as over-the-top. The series follows driver Austin Dillon who balances his life as a NASCAR competitor with the wacky adventures of his close friends and family.
The show is an interesting balance between behind-the-scenes action inside of NASCAR, and the typical reality TV fare that can be found on USA Network’s other shows. Dillon is a compelling main character because he plays the straight-man to his verbose best friend, Paul Swan. Though it may not be exactly what many race fans expected, it does give NASCAR more exposure, and opens up the possibility of making new fans for the sport in general.