Soon after the introduction of the first gasoline-fueled automobiles, the sport of auto racing began in France, and not long after that, motor racing tracks sprung up in the United States and throughout the world. However, driving fast isn't just for those involved in on-track racing. Anyone with a car can satisfy their need for speed on many different roads throughout the world that feature high speed limits, little enforcement of these limits, or even no speed restrictions at all.
The Autobahn in Germany is famous for having no speed limit on many sections of the highway, and this road draws drivers eager to test the limits of their engines from all over the world. It is not the only road in the world with such a distinction, however. The Isle of Man is located between Ireland and England in the Irish Sea, and its rural roads have no speed limit. The Isle of Man is the home of a major cross-country motorcycle race over a challenging course that brings many people to the tiny location each year. People also travel there all year to drive the winding course themselves.
Even in places with speed limits, not all highways are created equal. For instance, a 40-mile stretch of road in Texas has a posted speed limit of 85 miles per hour: Texas Highway 130 will get you from Austin to San Antonio faster than you can travel on any other highway in the United States. Arizona's Route 79 is an American road that often sees cars pushing the limits of speed. Cars on this stretch of highway are often clocked at more than 90 miles an hour.
Speed limits have been on the rise over the past few decades, both in the United States and around the world. Cars are being built to go faster, and speed limits have risen along with drivers' comfort level with going faster. As long as there are drivers who feel the adrenaline rush that accompanies driving fast, there will likely be roads to accommodate them in the world.
- The Autobahn: The Autobahn in Germany is perhaps the most famous high-speed road in the world. Some stretches have no speed limit at all, though drivers can be ticketed if they get into a crash while driving above the recommended top speed of 81 mph.
- Texas State Highway 130: This highway runs along a 130-mile corridor to the south and east of Austin, TX. It is noted for its speed limits, which vary between 80 mph and 85 mph, the highest posted speed limit in the United States.
- The A1 Autostrada: Poland's Amber Highway, part of a major national roadway revitalization effort, is a north-south motorway with a speed limit of around 87 mph.
- Stuart Highway: Stuart Highway is a major Australian highway running from Darwin via Alice Springs to Port Augusta. It is often referred to as "The Track." For a while, the road had no speed limit, but now, it stands at 81 mph.
- Arizona Route 79: Arizona Route 79 parallels Interstate 10 and connects Phoenix and Saguaro National Park. This stretch of road is known as the fastest in the United States, with vehicles traveling at an average of 88 miles per hour.
- Sheikh Zayed Highway: The E11 is a highway that runs through the United Arab Emirates. The portion of the highway that runs through Dubai is known as Shiekh Zayed Highway. It is the main artery of Dubai, and most of the city's skyscrapers can be seen along this road. The speed limit is around 62 mph, but it isn't enforced until you hit at least 75 mph.
- Isle of Man Roads: The Isle of Man sits in the middle of the Irish Sea. It is the only place in Europe other than the German Autobahn where there is no speed limit on public roads.
- United Arab Emirates Highways: In many parts of the UAE, speed limits are as high as 100 mph on highways, and enforcement can be lax.
- Slovakia's Highways: Slovakia's highways are divided into expressways and motorways, which are managed by the National Motorway Company of Slovakia, a state-owned company. The maximum speed limit is just below 81 mph.
- Mumbai-Pune Expressway: The Mumbai-Pune Expressway connects Mumbai with Pune, India, a distance of 94.5 kilometers. It is the first concrete, six-lane tolled expressway in India, and while it is known as a high-speed roadway, its speed limit is actually a comparatively low 80 mph.