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 due to the SCCA's maximum displacement.
- 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
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.
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.
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