and in the UKtraditionally, racing cars, as on a circuit..
is called motor racing.

A fire truck is still called just an Engine, in the US at least.
Maybe electric car racing will be called, e-racing,   ( with artificial
engine sounds. )

"Let's go motoring in the Vanagon this afternoon Dear."

On 4/11/2013 3:16 PM, James Eaton wrote:
>> Date:    Thu, 11 Apr 2013 09:49:43 -0700
>> From:    Stuart MacMillan <stuartmacm@GMAIL.COM>
>> Subject: Re: more free rims, near San Diego - Irked by "rims"
>>
>> Well then, we can't go "motoring" or watch "motorsports" unless only =
>> electric vehicles are used.   This has morphed into a Friday discussion, =
>> and will likely last through Friday!
>>
>> Stuart
>>
> Now, that use of 'motor' is a short form for 'motorcar', or at least related to it.  My 87 year old mother has equally aged friends who talk about 'motoring into town' or 'repairing the motor' when they are referring to their automobile.  Of course, in their childhood, 'engine' meant steam locomotive or industrial powerplant - and their 'motors' do have an 'engine' under the hood!
>
> James in Ottawa
>