1960s in motorsport

This article documents the events that occurred in motorsports in the 1960s.

United States[]

• The Grand National continues to see popularity as muscle cars come into popularity.
• Due to the rise of pony cars such as the Ford Mustang, a new series is created known as the Trans Am Series, featuring all pony cars with a maximum 5 liter (302ci) displacement limit.
• Also established is a prototype-based Can Am Series.
• The Indianapolis 500 becomes an independent race, separating from Formula One. The United States Grand Prix replaces it, being held at Watkins Glen.
• The United States is heavily competitive in the World Sports Car Championship due to the innovative Corvette Stingray, Shelby Cobra, and Ford GT40. The GT40 would prove to be a major success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, winning it four consecutive times.^[1]
• Jim Hall establishes Chaparral Cars, a highly innovative team in the Can Am Series.
• Caroll Shelby establishes Shelby Motors, bringing to racing the famous Cobra and Daytona.
• Formula 5000 is established based on F1, but using five liter engines instead of the three from Formula One.
• The International Motor Sports Association is established
• The United States Road Racing Championship is established. It would later partially evolve into Trans Am and Can Am.
• The 24 Hours of Daytona is first held
• The Pontiac GTO is introduced, the first muscle car
• Sports car legend Mark Donohue debuts in Trans Am

North America[]

• The Canadian Grand Prix is first held.

Europe[]

• The successful development category Formula Ford first raced in 1966.
• The Porsche 911 is first introduced. It will over time become a very successful grand tourer, but is first entered as a touring car in the Trans Am Series.
• The BMW New Class is introduced. It would go on to become competitive in touring car racing and the IMSA GT Championship
• The Lotus Cortina is introduced. It becomes a successful touring car.
• The Opel Kadett becomes successful in touring car racing.
• The Alfa Romeo Giulia is introduced. It becomes a successful touring car.
• Formula One increases the displacement limit from 1.5 liters to 3, beginning what is considered by many to be a golden age

Australia[]

The Australian Touring Car Championship was first awarded in 1960.

South America[]

• The Mexican Grand Prix is first held.
• The Baja 1000 is first held.

Africa[]

The South African Grand Prix is first held.

Asia[]

Japanese manufacturer Datsun becomes competitive in motorsport with the Datsun 510 in touring car racing.

See also[]

• 1950s in motorsport
• 1970s in motorsport
• Brighton and Hove Albion

References[]

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