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Any auto race carries an inherent risk of injury or death, but the following races have established a grim reputation as the deadliest car races in the world:

Dakar Rally

Formerly known as the Paris to Dakar Rally, this off-road race took place in Europe and Africa from its inaugural running in 1979 through 2007. After the 2008 race was cancelled because of security concerns, the event moved to South America and currently takes place in Argentina and Chile. The race typically takes place in a hectic atmosphere due in part to the variety of vehicles competing, which includes cars, dirt bikes, trucks and sport-utility vehicles. At least 49 people have been killed as a direct result of the race since its inception.

The 24 Hours of Le Mans

An endurance race that has taken place in France each year since its inception in 1923, the 24 Hours of Le Mans is conducted on a series of closed public roads. It aims to test the durability of the cars as well as the skill and stamina of the drivers. The race is noteworthy for cars in various classes competing at vastly differing paces at the same time. The race was the site of a horrific crash in 1955 in which driver Pierre Levegh’s car careened over a retaining wall and into the crowd of spectators, killing 84 people and injuring more than 100.

Indianapolis 500

Known as “The Greatest Spectacle in Racing,” the Indy 500 draws hundreds of thousands of racing enthusiasts to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in Indiana every Memorial Day weekend. A highly competitive race that has transcended the sport to become a cultural touchstone as well, more than 40 people have died in the Indy 500 since it began in 1911. The death toll includes drivers, members of the driving teams and spectators.

Macau Grand Prix

A street-circuit race established in 1954 and held annually in Macau in southeast Asia, theMacau Grand Prix has earned a reputation as one of the most challenging and difficult coursesin the sport of auto racing. The most infamous tragedy on the Macau Grand Prix course occurred in the 1967 race, when Arsenio “Dodjie” Laurel, who won the race in 1962 and 1963, was killed in a crash while attempting to reach his third victory in the event.

Baja 1000

An off-road race that is held each November on the Baja California peninsula in western Mexico, the Baja 1000 includes cars as well as buggies, all-terrain vehicles and motorcycles. The dangerous course includes hairpin turns, nearly inaccessible roadways and booby traps, which have caused multiple deaths of competitors, team members and fans.

Article by Miles Walker a freelance writer who normally provides auto insurance comparison over at Carinsurance Comparison.Org. He recently wrote about cheap car insurance quotes available right now.