Since 1916 there has been a recognized United States national automobile racing National Championship for drivers of professional-level, single-seat open wheel race cars. Year 1916 ( MCMXVI) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year The United States of America —commonly referred to as the Auto racing (also known as automobile racing, motor racing or car racing) is a Motorsport involving Racing Cars It Open-wheel car (Often single-seater car, in UK English describes cars with the wheels outside the car's main body and in most cases one seat The championship has been under the auspices of several different sanctioning bodies since 1909. Since 1911, the Indianapolis 500-mile race has been regarded as the marquee event of the National Championship. Year 1911 ( MCMXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500" is an American
As of 2008, the top-level American open wheel racing championship is sanctioned by the Indy Racing League IndyCar Series. The 2008 IndyCar Series season is the 13th season of the series The Indy Racing League, better known as IRL, is the sanctioning body of a predominantly American based Open-wheel racing series. The IndyCar Series is the premier series of the Indy Racing League. Indy Cars, similar to Formula 1 cars in appearance, are open-wheeled, winged, single-seater cars. The term Indy Car (or IndyCar) is a more popular term used to describe the cars that would typically compete in Championship car racing.
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Sanctioning bodies
- AAA (1905–1955): The national championship was sanctioned by the Contest Board of the American Automobile Association. The AAA (usually read triple-A) formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is an American not-for-profit Automobile The AAA introduced the first championship for racing cars as early as 1905 but it was canceled after a couple of serious incidents. Barney Oldfield was leading the championship at the point it was canceled. Berna Eli "Barney" Oldfield ( June 3, 1878 &ndash October 4, 1946) was an Automobile racer and pioneer Official records regard 1916 as the first contested season, however, titles were later retroactively awarded back to 1909. Championship racing did not cease in the United States during WWI, however, the Indianapolis 500 itself was voluntarily suspended for 1917–1918. The United States of America —commonly referred to as the World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500" is an American Shortly after Pearl Harbor, all auto racing was suspended. The attack on Pearl Harbor (or Hawaii Operation, as it was called by the Imperial General Headquarters) was a surprise Military strike conducted by From 1942–1945 no events were contested, primarily due to rationing. The United States home front during World War II covers the developments within the United States, 1940-1945 to support its efforts during World War II. Racing resumed in 1946. AAA ceased racing participation after 1955 following the fatal accident of Bill Vukovich and the Le Mans disaster. Bill Vukovich ( /vjuːkəvɪtʃ/) ( December 13, 1918 in Fresno California – May 30, 1955) was an American The 1955 Le Mans disaster occurred during the 1955 24 Hours of Le Mans when a racing car involved in an accident flew into the crowd killing the driver ( Pierre Levegh
- USAC (1956–1978): The national championship was taken over by the United States Automobile Club, a new sanctioning body formed by the then-owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Tony Hulman. The United States Automobile Club (USAC is an Open-wheel Auto racing sanctioning body The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway Indiana (an Enclave of Indianapolis) in the United States, is the home of the Anton "Tony" Hulman Jr ( February 11 1901 - October 27 1977) was a businessman from Terre Haute Indiana and graduated It would continue in a stabilized environment for over two decades. During this time, the Indianapolis 500 continued to grow in popularity, while international participation began creeping into the series. The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500" is an American By the end of the 1960s the cars evolved from front-engine roadsters to rear-engine formula-style racers. The 1960s decade refers to the years from the beginning of 1960 to the end of 1969 The schedule was dominated by ovals, and dirt track eventually were almost completely phased out. Technology and speed climbed at a fast rate. Hulman would die in 1977, and several USAC officials were killed in a plane crash in 1978. By the end of the 1970s, however, a growing dissent amongst the participants was based on many factors, including poor promotion and revenue.
- SCCA/CART & USAC (1979–1981): Championship Auto Racing Teams was formed by most of the existing team-owners, with some initial assistance from the SCCA. Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis The Sports Car Club of America ( SCCA) is a club and sanctioning body supporting Road racing, rally, and Autocross in the United States Therefore, there were two national championships run each by USAC and CART. The Indianapolis 500 remained under USAC sanction. The top teams allied to CART, and the CART championship became the de facto national championship. USAC ran a "rump" 1979 season, with few cars and fewer name drivers—the only exception being A.J. Foyt. Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr (born January 16, 1935, in Houston, Texas) is a retired American Automobile racing driver
- In 1979, USAC denied several of the upstart CART series entries' to the 1979 Indianapolis 500. Results of the 1979 Indianapolis 500 held at Indianapolis on Sunday May 27, 1979. The ongoing controversy saw a court injunction during the month, and the day before the race, a special auxiliary time trials session was held, to allow those denied a chance to qualify for the field. Two cars were added to the back of the pack, bringing the total number of starters to 35 (up from the traditional 33).
- In early 1980 USAC and CART jointly formed the Championship Racing League (CRL) to run the national championship, but IMS management disliked the idea. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway Indiana (an Enclave of Indianapolis) in the United States, is the home of the The CRL was abandoned before any races were run. USAC remained as sanctioning body for the Indianapolis 500 itself, but the field was composed of CART-based teams. CART exclusively sanctioned the remainder of the season, and the national championship. [1]
- In 1981–1982, the Indianapolis 500 remained an independent race sanctioned by USAC and composed CART teams. Other independent "one-off" teams entered at Indianapolis as well. Indianapolis was not included as a points-paying round of the CART national championship. In addition, by that time USAC had designated Indianapolis an "invitational" race, offering entries only to invited teams. That moved to prevent the uproar over denied entries which occurred in 1979.
- One further race in 1981 was run by USAC at Pocono. The Pocono 500 was an American Open Wheel 500-mile race held at Pocono International Raceway from 1971-1989 This race was not supported by many CART teams, and featured a mixed field filled out by converted dirt track cars. USAC ultimately withdrew from sanctioning championship races outside of the Indianapolis 500. USAC ceremoniously created the Gold Crown Championship, an essentially meaningless title as the season consisted of only one paved championship-level round (the Indy 500) after 1981. The situation was such that the season ended with the Indianapolis 500, thus it spread over two calendar years.
- CART & USAC (1982–1995): Stability returned and the national championship was run by CART. The Indianapolis 500 was sanctioned by USAC, but points were paid towards the CART championship. USAC's Gold Crown Championship continued, settling into an unusual June through May schedule calendar (spreading across two calendar years), which provided that the Indianapolis 500 would be the final race of the respective season. However, during that period, the schedule was never comprised of more than one race (i. e. , Indianapolis).
- IRL & CART (1996–2003): In 1996, Tony Hulman's grandson, Tony George, president of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway created the Indy Racing League (IRL), a separate championship that featured the Indianapolis 500 as a round. Anton "Tony" Hulman Jr ( February 11 1901 - October 27 1977) was a businessman from Terre Haute Indiana and graduated Anton Hulman "Tony" George (born December 30 1959) is the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. The Indy Racing League, better known as IRL, is the sanctioning body of a predominantly American based Open-wheel racing series. The IRL's results are either listed alongside the existing national championship [2] or treated as an entirely separate entity and not included. [3] [4] CART continued running the existing national championship until the organization went bankrupt at the end of 2003. Tracks that defected to the IRL, including Indianapolis, were no longer part of the CART series.
- IRL & CCWS (2004–2007): The rights to CART's assets were purchased by a consortium called Open Wheel Racing Series (OWRS) in 2004 and the former-CART series was renamed the Champ Car World Series. Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis
- IRL (2008–present): Prior to the start of the 2008 season, Champ Car was absorbed into the IRL, creating one unified series for the national championship for the first time since 1978.
Names
Race cars participating in national championship events have been referred to by various names. Early nomenclature was to call the machines "Championship Cars," which was later shortened to "Champ Cars. " The name "Big Cars" was also commonplace, a term that reflected the machines being larger than junior formulae such as midgets or sprint cars. That term has largely disappeared from use.
In most years since the USAC era, the term "Indy cars" (after the Indianapolis 500) has been the preferred moniker. The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500" is an American It was first marketed widespread starting with CART by 1979, which advertised itself as the "Indycar World Series. Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis "
In 1992, the term "IndyCar" was trademarked by Indianapolis Motor Speedway, Inc. The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway Indiana (an Enclave of Indianapolis) in the United States, is the home of the It was licensed to CART through 1997. After the inception of the Indy Racing League in 1996, use the term was voided after a lawsuit and subsequently by a six-year non-use agreement. The Indy Racing League, better known as IRL, is the sanctioning body of a predominantly American based Open-wheel racing series. After the settlement expired in 2003, the term was brought back, and the IRL was rebranded the '"IndyCar Series. "
Due to the settlement, and the obvious lack of direct connection to the Indianapolis 500 any longer, CART decided to revert back to the former term. The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500" is an American It rebranded itself as "Champ Car" and the machines were referred to as "Champ cars. "
In 2008, when Champ Car merged into the Indy Racing League, the term "Champ Car" was abandoned, and all open wheel racing fell under the "IndyCar" name once again.
Trademarks
- The IndyCar World Series is the name adopted by governing body Championship Auto Racing Teams (CART) from 1980–1997 for the year-long schedule of the premiere open wheel series in the United States. Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis The mark IndyCar was first registered by the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1992 and the trademark was licensed to CART from 1992–1997, as the latter sought to avoid confusion with Kart racing. For other meanings see Kart (disambiguation Kart racing or karting is a variant of Open-wheel Motor sport with After a legal battle with Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner and Indy Racing League founder Tony George, the series was renamed the CART FedEx Championship Series, and later under its final name of the Champ Car World Series. Anton Hulman "Tony" George (born December 30 1959) is the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
- The IndyCar Series is the top level open wheel racing series sanctioned by the Indy Racing League, and is currently the principal context in which the trademark IndyCar has been used since 2003. The IndyCar Series is the premier series of the Indy Racing League. The Indy Racing League, better known as IRL, is the sanctioning body of a predominantly American based Open-wheel racing series. Brickyard Trademarks, Inc. , a subsidiary of Indianapolis Motor Speedway Corporation, is the current owner of the IndyCar trademark and licenses that mark to the Indy Racing League for use in connection with the IndyCar Series.
History of the IndyCar name
Beginning in 1980, the term Indy car was often used to describe the race cars in the events sanctioned by CART, which had become the dominant governing body for open-wheel racing in the United States. Athletics For an extensive coverage see 1980 in athletics (track and field World Records June 12 &mdash Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis The Indianapolis 500, however, remained sanctioned by USAC. The United States Automobile Club (USAC is an Open-wheel Auto racing sanctioning body CART recognized the Indy 500 on its schedule, and awarded points for finishers in the race from 1980–1995 despite not sanctioning it. The two entities operated separately, but utilized the same equipment.
In 1992, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway registered the IndyCar trademark with the United States Patent and Trademark Office and licensed it to CART, which renamed its championship the IndyCar World Series. Athletics For an extensive coverage see 1992 in athletics (track and field Marathon August The Indianapolis Motor Speedway, located in Speedway Indiana (an Enclave of Indianapolis) in the United States, is the home of the The United States Patent and Trademark Office ( PTO or USPTO) is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that issues Patents to All references to the name "CART" were discouraged as the series sought to eliminate perceived confusion from casual fans with the term kart. For other meanings see Kart (disambiguation Kart racing or karting is a variant of Open-wheel Motor sport with
In 1996 season, the IndyCar mark was the subject of a fierce legal battle. Athletics Decathlon Best Year Performance * &ndash 8824 points Marathon Prior to the 1996 season, Indianapolis Motor Speedway President Tony George had created his own national championship racing series, the Indy Racing League. Anton Hulman "Tony" George (born December 30 1959) is the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. In March of 1996, CART filed a lawsuit against the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in an effort to protect their license to the IndyCar mark which the Indianapolis Motor Speedway had attempted to terminate. In law a lawsuit is a civil action brought before a Court in which the party commencing the action the Plaintiff, seeks a legal or equitable remedy In April, the Indianapolis Motor Speedway filed a countersuit against CART to prevent them from further use of the mark. Eventually a settlement was reached in which CART agreed to give up the use of the IndyCar mark following the 1996 season and the IRL could not use the name before the end of the 2002 season.
Following a six year hiatus, the IRL announced it would rename their premier series the IRL IndyCar Series for the 2003 racing season. CART (and its successor Champ Car) races outside the United States were still permitted to use the Indy moniker, such as the Toronto Molson Indy and Lexmark Indy 300, though Champ Car gradually phased out the usage of "Indy" over its final years to distance itself from the IRL. The Grand Prix of Toronto was a Champ Car World Series race held annually from 1986 to 2007, in Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Machines
- "Indy car" is a generic name for championship open wheel auto racing in the United States. Open-wheel car (Often single-seater car, in UK English describes cars with the wheels outside the car's main body and in most cases one seat "Indy car" initially described an open wheel car that has participated in the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race. Open-wheel car (Often single-seater car, in UK English describes cars with the wheels outside the car's main body and in most cases one seat The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500" is an American Originally, the cars were generally referred to as "Championship cars". However, as the result of the genre's fundamental link to the Indianapolis 500 Mile Race, many people started to use the Indy car name in order to differentiate the Indianapolis-style open-wheel cars from other types of open-wheel cars, such as those used in Formula One. The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500" is an American Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis A modern Formula One car is a single-seat open cockpit open wheel race car with substantial front and rear wings and engine positioned behind the driver
- In general, Indy cars of both CART and IndyCar are slower, being less expensive and technology-centric platforms than their Formula One counterparts. Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis The IndyCar Series is the premier series of the Indy Racing League. A modern Formula One car is a single-seat open cockpit open wheel race car with substantial front and rear wings and engine positioned behind the driver This was even the case during the CART PPG era during the mid to late 1990s. Currently, with the bid to keep costs down around teams, a competitive Indy car team like Newman-Haas Racing of Champ Car operates on approximately US$20 Million per season, while the McLaren-Mercedes F1 team has an annual budget of US$400 million. Newman/Haas/Lanigan Racing (NHLR is a motor racing team competing in the IndyCar Series. McLaren, founded in 1963 by New Zealander Bruce McLaren (1937&ndash1970 is a Formula One team based in Woking, Surrey, UK [1] In particular, the Formula One chassis was required to be built by their respective team/constructor, whereas an Indy car chassis could be purchased. The dominance of a select few manufacturers has essentially turned both Champ Car and IndyCar Series (the successor and offshoot from CART, respectively) into spec series. Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis The IndyCar Series is the premier series of the Indy Racing League. Spec racing is a type of racing in which all competitors race in nearly identical vehicles
- The current Indy car has come into being since 1997 when Tony George specified new technical rules for less expensive cars and "production based" engines. The IndyCar Series is the premier series of the Indy Racing League. Anton Hulman "Tony" George (born December 30 1959) is the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. This outlawed the CART-spec cars that had been the mainstay of the race since the late 1970s. Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis
Racing description
- Indy car racing historically tended to take place on superspeedways, while Formula One used street courses. However, Champ Car's final season in 2007 saw no oval tracks used, while the IRL added street courses to what was originally an all-oval series.
- Indy car racing is generally considered less demanding than Formula One. Former F1 champions who retired from that series went on to win CART championships, such as Mario Andretti, Emerson Fittipaldi, and Nigel Mansell. Mario Gabriele Andretti (born February 28, 1940) is an Italian American former racecar driver and one of the most successful Americans in the Emerson Fittipaldi (born December 12, 1946 in São Paulo, Brazil) is a highly successful Brazilian automobile racing driver winning world championships Biography Mansell was born in Upton-upon-Severn, a small Town in the English county of Worcestershire. Also indicative of Indy car racing's lower status is that it is considered a stepping stone to NASCAR & F1, as a top six finish in the final drivers standings of CART or IRL will qualify the driver for an FIA Super Licence. The National Association for Stock Car Auto Racing ( NASCAR) is the largest sanctioning body of Stock cars in the United States. The FIA Super Licence is a qualification allowing the Licence holder to take part in Formula One Grands Prix as a driver CART champions have found mixed success in F1; Jacques Villeneuve won the F1 championship in his second year, and Juan Pablo Montoya was moderately successful as well (both, however, have since moved to NASCAR). Personal and early life Jacques Villeneuve was born in the Canadian city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to then soon to be Formula One driver Gilles Juan Pablo Montoya Roldán (born September 20, 1975, in Bogotá, Colombia) is a Race car driver in NASCAR for Chip Others such as Michael Andretti and Cristiano da Matta were unable to adapt and returned to CART. Michael Mario Andretti (born October 5, 1962 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) is an American retired CART and Formula One Cristiano Monteiro da Matta (born September 19, 1973, in Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil is an Auto racing driver winner of the American
- Indy car racing was dominated by North American drivers until the 1990s, which saw incursions from European and South American drivers. This led to Tony George forming the IRL in order to promote American drivers. Anton Hulman "Tony" George (born December 30 1959) is the owner of the Indianapolis Motor Speedway. Conversely, American drivers have never found great success in Formula One since the 1970s, the last drivers' champion and race winner was Mario Andretti. Mario Gabriele Andretti (born February 28, 1940) is an Italian American former racecar driver and one of the most successful Americans in the
- Due to the lack of American drivers, Formula One has struggled to establish itself in that market, at certain years (including 2008) not having a US Grand Prix race on the calendar. Pre-season testing The first multi-team test session started in Jerez on January 14 2008. In a parallel, Indy car racing has made little headway outside of the United States and Canada, even though it has regularly run on a handful of tracks in other parts of the world.
Types of circuits
- Further information: List of auto racing tracks in the United States
The American National Championship is notable for the wide variety of racetracks it has used compared to other series, such as Formula One and the various forms of Endurance sports car racing. This is a list of auto racing tracks in the United States. The number of turns and track length are based on the standard full courses for each track Sports car racing is a form of circuit Auto racing with Automobiles that have two seats and enclosed wheels The mainstays of the championship are paved oval speedway tracks, road courses and closed public road/street circuits.
Until 1970 the championship frequently raced on dirt and clay tracks, but all such tracks were removed permanently by the USAC before the 1971 season.
From 1915 to 1931 wooden speedways were frequently used for championship races, however they were too expensive to maintain, especially with the onset of the Great Depression, and nearly all were demolished in the 1930s.
The Pikes Peak Hillclimb was a round of the championship in the years 1947 to 1955 and 1965 to 1969. The Pikes Peak International Hill Climb (PPIHC, also known as the The Race to the Clouds, is an annual automobile and motorcycle Hillclimb to the summit of Pikes
In 1909 a point-to-point race from Los Angeles, California to Phoenix, Arizona was included in the championship. Los Angeles (lɑˈsændʒələs los ˈaŋxeles in Spanish) is the largest City in the state of California and the American West Phoenix (ˈfiːˌnɪks O'odham Skikik, Yavapai Wasinka, Western Apache Fiinigis, Navajo Hoozdo,
Non-US races
For the majority of the National Championship, the races have been held inside the United States. First championship event outside of US took place in 1967. American championship cars raced in Monza oval in 1957 and 1958 in a non-championship "Race of two worlds". Also, in 1966 there was a non-championship USAC race in Japan. Since the 1980s the CART/CCWS championship has increasingly raced outside the US.
Vanderbilt Cup
The 1916, 1936 and 1937 Vanderbilt Cup races were included in the National Championship. The Vanderbilt Cup was the first major trophy in American Auto racing. The 1909–1915 races were retrospectively added to the championship in 1926. CART resurrected the Cup in 1996 as the winner's trophy for the US500 race. When that race was discontinued in 2000, the Cup changed roles and became the championship trophy. As OWRS bought all of CART's assets in 2004 they have kept rights to use the Cup.
Indianapolis 500 and 'The Split'
From its inception in 1911, to creation of the Indy Racing League in 1996, the Indianapolis 500 was a round of the National Championship. The Indy Racing League, better known as IRL, is the sanctioning body of a predominantly American based Open-wheel racing series. The Indianapolis 500-Mile Race, often shortened to Indianapolis 500 or Indy 500, and historically known simply as "The 500" is an American The exceptions are the 1981 and 1982 races, which were removed from the CART championship for political reasons by the USAC. The United States Automobile Club (USAC is an Open-wheel Auto racing sanctioning body However, when the race still attracted all of the regular teams despite its lack of championship status USAC relented and allowed CART to run at Indianapolis.
Winning the Indianapolis 500 has always had at least an equal profile with the winning the National Championship, although direct comparisons are difficult as many of the National Champions also won the Indy 500. 1993 is a good example of a year when the winners of each title received the same amount of attention. That year former Formula One champion Emerson Fittipaldi won the 500 but the current F1 champion Nigel Mansell won the National Championship, becoming the only driver to win both titles consecutively. Emerson Fittipaldi (born December 12, 1946 in São Paulo, Brazil) is a highly successful Brazilian automobile racing driver winning world championships Biography Mansell was born in Upton-upon-Severn, a small Town in the English county of Worcestershire.
The creation of the IRL in 1996 with the Indianapolis 500 as its centerpiece race removed the race from the existing National Championship. This of course was a hugely controversial move in racing circles, with opinions at the time ranging from praise to ridicule—in 2004 the US Sports Illustrated magazine named the IRL's formation as one of the 'Ten Dumbest Moments in Sports'. Sports Illustrated is an American Sports Magazine owned by media conglomerate Time Warner. [5] This assessment was based on the notable decline in the number of television viewers, car entries and estimated grandstand ticket sales (the Speedway does not officially announce sales figures), since the impasse began in 1996. [6]
By 2008, the consensus among U. S. motorsport commentators was that both the Champ Car World Series and the Indy Racing League held an equal claim to the legacy of the National Championship, and that a merger was the only logical move. [7]
On February 22, 2008, both series announced the acquisition of Champ Car assets by IRL founder and Indianapolis Motor Speedway owner Tony George, effectively rolling the former series into the latter, and reunifying American open wheel racing under IndyCar Series control. Events 1495 - King Charles VIII of France enters Naples to claim the city's throne 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common
Further details of the 'Split' can be found here [8] and under Indy Racing League and Champ Car
Notable drivers
- The driver with the most championship titles and race wins is A.J. Foyt. The Indy Racing League, better known as IRL, is the sanctioning body of a predominantly American based Open-wheel racing series. Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr (born January 16, 1935, in Houston, Texas) is a retired American Automobile racing driver From 1959 to 1981 Foyt won 67 USAC championship races and seven USAC titles. The United States Automobile Club (USAC is an Open-wheel Auto racing sanctioning body
- Ralph DePalma is credited with the most AAA-sanctioned victories (24). Ralph DePalma ( January 23, 1884 &ndash March 31, 1956) was an Italian-American racecar driving champion most notably winner of the The AAA (usually read triple-A) formerly known as the American Automobile Association, is an American not-for-profit Automobile
- Michael Andretti has won the most CART/Champ Car-sanctioned races (42). Michael Mario Andretti (born October 5, 1962 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) is an American retired CART and Formula One Champ Car, was the name for a class and specification of cars used in American Championship Car Racing for many decades primarily for use in the Indianapolis
- Sam Hornish, Jr. has the most IRL-sanctioned wins (19). Samuel Jon Hornish Jr (born July 2, 1979 in Bryan Ohio) is an American race car driver
- Mario Andretti is the most successful driver born outside the United States with 52 wins and 4 titles. Mario Gabriele Andretti (born February 28, 1940) is an Italian American former racecar driver and one of the most successful Americans in the
- Canada's Paul Tracy is the most successful non-U. Paul Tracy (born December 17, 1968 in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada is a professional automobile racer who competed S. citizen (28 wins, 1 title).
- Danica Patrick is the only woman to ever win an National Championship-level open wheel race (2008 Indy Japan 300). Danica Sue Patrick (born March 25, 1982 in Beloit Wisconsin) is an American Auto racing driver competing in the IndyCar Series The Indy Japan 300 presented by Bridgestone is an Indy Racing League IndyCar Series race held at Twin Ring Motegi in Motegi Japan.
- Four drivers have held the crowns of CART Champion and Formula One World Driving Champion.
- Five other drivers have won both a National Championship race as well as at least one Formula One Grand Prix. Mario Gabriele Andretti (born February 28, 1940) is an Italian American former racecar driver and one of the most successful Americans in the Emerson Fittipaldi (born December 12, 1946 in São Paulo, Brazil) is a highly successful Brazilian automobile racing driver winning world championships Biography Mansell was born in Upton-upon-Severn, a small Town in the English county of Worcestershire. Personal and early life Jacques Villeneuve was born in the Canadian city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to then soon to be Formula One driver Gilles They are as follows:
Notable fatalities in competition
- Further information: List of fatal Champ Car accidents
- Further information: List of Indianapolis 500 fatal accidents
- Ted Horn, champion in 1946-1947-1948 died after crashing at the DuQuoin dirt track in late 1948. Peter Jeffrey Revlon (renamed Revson) ( February 27, 1939 - March 22, 1974 aged) was a racecar driver from United States Daniel Sexton Gurney (born April 13, 1931) is an American racing driver race car constructor and team owner Jim (or Jimmy) Clark OBE ( 4 March, 1936 &ndash 7 April, 1968) was a Scottish Formula One Norman Graham Hill ( February 15, 1929 – November 29, 1975) was a British racing driver and two-time Formula One World Juan Pablo Montoya Roldán (born September 20, 1975, in Bogotá, Colombia) is a Race car driver in NASCAR for Chip By year Other fatalities Lyle Kurtenbach (May 24 1987 Spectator Fatally injured by a wheel which flew off the car of Tony Bettenhausen Drivers Drivers killed before the first Indianapolis 500-Mile Race 1909 William Borque Drivers killed Ted Horn ( February 27, 1910 &ndash October 10, 1948) born Eylard Theodore Von Horn, was an American Race car driver
- Defending Indianapolis 500 winners Floyd Roberts and Bill Vukovich were killed during the 1939 and 1955 Indy 500's respectively. Floyd Roberts ( February 12, 1904 - May 30, 1939) is a former Championship Car racing driver from Jamestown North Dakota Bill Vukovich ( /vjuːkəvɪtʃ/) ( December 13, 1918 in Fresno California – May 30, 1955) was an American
- 1951 and 1958 champion Tony Bettenhausen was killed in a crash at Indianapolis in May 1961. Melvin E "Tony" Bettenhausen ( September 12, 1916 Tinley Park Illinois &ndash May 12, 1961 Indianapolis Indiana
- Eddie Sachs and Dave MacDonald were killed during the 1964 Indianapolis 500. Eddie Sachs ( May 28 1927 in Allentown Pennsylvania - May 30 1964 in Speedway Indiana) was a United States Auto Club Dave MacDonald ( July 23, 1936 &ndash May 30, 1964) was a Corvette and Shelby Cobra Sports car driver in the Results of the 1964 Indianapolis 500 held at Indianapolis on Saturday May 30 1964.
- Art Pollard (qualifying) and Swede Savage (race) died of injuries suffered during the 1973 Indianapolis 500. Art Pollard ( May 5, 1927 - May 12, 1973) was an American racecar driver David Earl "Swede" Savage Jr ( August 26, 1946 - July 2, 1973) was an American Race car driver. Results of the 1973 Indianapolis 500 held at Indianapolis on Wednesday May 30, 1973 (see note below
- Gordon Smiley was killed while attempting to qualify for the 1982 Indianapolis 500. Gordon Eugene Smiley ( April 20, 1946 - May 15, 1982) was an American Race car driver from Omaha Nebraska who The 66th Indianapolis 500 was held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway on Sunday May 30, 1982.
- 1996 Indianapolis 500 polesitter Scott Brayton was killed May 17, 1996 during a practice session for the Indianapolis 500. Results of the 1996 Indianapolis 500 held at Indianapolis on Sunday May 26, 1996. Scott Brayton ( February 20, 1959 &ndash May 17, 1996) was a Race car driver from Coldwater, Michigan, on the
- Greg Moore died after an October 31, 1999 crash in the Marlboro 500 at Fontana. Greg Moore ( April 22, 1975 &mdash October 31, 1999) was a Canadian Racecar driver who competed in the Indy Lights and CART The Auto Club Speedway of Southern California (formerly California Speedway) is a two-mile low-banked D-shaped oval Superspeedway in Fontana California
Retrospectively awarded champions
In 1926 the AAA Competitions board retrospectively calculated championship results for major AAA-sanctioned races run between 1909 and 1915 and for 1917 to 1919. The Vanderbilt Cup was the first major trophy in American Auto racing.
In 1951 racing historian Russ Catlin officially revised AAA records with championship results based on all AAA races from 1902–1915 and 1916–1919. This had the effect of retroactively creating seven newly credited champions and changing the 1909 champion from Bert Dingley to George Robertson and the 1920 champion from Gaston Chevrolet to Tommy Milton. Bert Dingley ( 21 August 1885 Oakdale California &ndash 7 April 1966 Indianapolis Indiana) was an American George Robertson may refer to George Robertson Baron Robertson of Port Ellen (born 1946 UK Defence Secretary NATO Secretary-General George Gaston Chevrolet ( October 26, 1892 &ndash November 25, 1920) was a French -born American racecar champion driver and automobile Tommy Milton ( November 14, 1893 - July 10, 1962) was an American Race car driver best known as the first two-time winner
Although the 1909–1919 races were not considered to be part of a championship at the time, they are included in statistics by most historians.
National champions
| Year | Retroactively awarded AAA titles | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| 1902 |  Harry Harkness | ||
| 1903 | Barney Oldfield | ||
| 1904 | George Heath | ||
| 1905 | Victor Hemery | ||
| 1906 | Joe Tracy | ||
| 1907 | Eddie Bald | ||
| 1908 | Louis Strang | ||
| 1909 | Bert Dingley George Robertson (Revised champion, as of 1951) | ||
| 1910 | Ray Harroun | ||
| 1911 | Ralph Mulford | ||
| 1912 | Ralph DePalma | ||
| 1913 | Earl Cooper | ||
| 1914 | Ralph DePalma | ||
| 1915 | Earl Cooper | ||
| 1917 | Earl Cooper | ||
| 1918 | Ralph Mulford | ||
| 1919 | Howard Wilcox | ||
| Year | AAA National Championship | ||
| 1916 |  Dario Resta | ||
| 1917 | No automobile racing held due to World War I | ||
| 1918 | |||
| 1919 | |||
| 1920 | Gaston Chevrolet Tommy Milton (Revised champion, as of 1951) | ||
| 1921 | Tommy Milton | ||
| 1922 | Jimmy Murphy | ||
| 1923 | Eddie Hearne | ||
| 1924 | Jimmy Murphy | ||
| 1925 | Pete DePaolo | ||
| 1926 | Harry Hartz | ||
| 1927 | Pete DePaolo | ||
| 1928 | Louis Meyer | ||
| 1929 | Louis Meyer | ||
| 1930 | Billy Arnold | ||
| 1931 | Louis Schneider | ||
| 1932 | Bob Carey | ||
| 1933 | Louis Meyer | ||
| 1934 | Bill Cummings | ||
| 1935 | Kelly Petillo | ||
| 1936 | Mauri Rose | ||
| 1937 | Wilbur Shaw | ||
| 1938 | Floyd Roberts | ||
| 1939 | Wilbur Shaw | ||
| 1940 | Rex Mays | ||
| 1941 | Rex Mays | ||
| 1942 | No automobile racing held due to World War II | ||
| 1943 | |||
| 1944 | |||
| 1945 | |||
| 1946 | Ted Horn | ||
| 1947 | Ted Horn | ||
| 1948 | Ted Horn | ||
| 1949 | Johnnie Parsons | ||
| 1950 | Henry Banks | ||
| 1951 | Tony Bettenhausen | ||
| 1952 | Chuck Stevenson | ||
| 1953 | Sam Hanks | ||
| 1954 | Jimmy Bryan | ||
| 1955 | Bob Sweikert | ||
| Year | USAC National Championship | ||
| 1956 | Jimmy Bryan | ||
| 1957 | Jimmy Bryan | ||
| 1958 | Tony Bettenhausen | ||
| 1959 | Rodger Ward | ||
| 1960 | A.J. Foyt | ||
| 1961 | A. Year 1902 ( MCMII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Harry S Harkness (1876 or 1877 - January 23, 1919) was an early aviator and racing driver from Cleveland Ohio. Year 1903 ( MCMIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar or a Common year starting Berna Eli "Barney" Oldfield ( June 3, 1878 &ndash October 4, 1946) was an Automobile racer and pioneer Year 1904 ( MCMIV) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting on George Heath (1862-1943 was an early American racing driver A native Long Islander who spent much of his time in France, he won the first Vanderbilt Year 1905 ( MCMV) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Victor Hémery ( November 18, 1876 - September 9, 1950) was a champion driver of early Grand Prix motor racing who was born in Year 1906 ( MCMVI) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Joe Tracy (born 1873 date of death unknown was a racing driver born in Waterford Ireland who emigrated to the United States at age 19 and became an American citizen Year 1907 ( MCMVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Eddie Bald was a racing driver who was retroactively awarded the 1907 National Championship in 1951 Year 1908 ( MCMVIII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year Year 1909 ( MCMIX) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Bert Dingley ( 21 August 1885 Oakdale California &ndash 7 April 1966 Indianapolis Indiana) was an American Year 1910 ( MCMX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year starting Ray Harroun ( January 12, 1879 - January 19, 1968) was an American racecar driver Year 1911 ( MCMXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Ralph Mulford ( December 28 1884 Brooklyn New York &ndash October 23 1973 Asbury Park New Jersey) was an American Year 1912 ( MCMXII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year starting Ralph DePalma ( January 23, 1884 &ndash March 31, 1956) was an Italian-American racecar driving champion most notably winner of the Year 1913 ( MCMXIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common for the NFL player see Earl Cooper (NFL. Earl Cooper ( 2 December 1886 Broken Bow Nebraska &ndash 22 Year 1914 ( MCMXIV) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Year 1915 ( MCMXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Year 1917 ( MCMXVII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year Year 1918 ( MCMXVIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Year 1919 ( MCMXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Howard (Howdy Wilcox ( June 24, 1889 - September 4, 1923) was an American Racecar driver active in formative years of auto Year 1916 ( MCMXVI) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Leap year Dario Dolly Resta Born August 17, 1884 - September 2, 1924) was an Italian Briton Race car driver born in Livorno Year 1917 ( MCMXVII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common year World War I (abbreviated WWI; also known as the First World War, the Great War, and the War to End All Year 1918 ( MCMXVIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Year 1919 ( MCMXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar (or a Common Year 1920 ( MCMXX) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display 1920 of the Gregorian calendar Gaston Chevrolet ( October 26, 1892 &ndash November 25, 1920) was a French -born American racecar champion driver and automobile Tommy Milton ( November 14, 1893 - July 10, 1962) was an American Race car driver best known as the first two-time winner Year 1921 ( MCMXXI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1921 calendar of the Gregorian calendar Year 1922 ( MCMXXII) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. James Anthony (Jimmy Murphy (1894–1924 was a race car driver who was the American Racing Champion in 1922 and 1924 Year 1923 ( MCMXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Eddie Hearne ( March 1, 1887 - February 9, 1955 was an American Racecar driver from Kansas City Kansas who was Year 1924 ( MCMXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1925 ( MCMXXV) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Pete DePaolo (born April 15, 1898 in Roseland New Jersey - died November 26, 1980 Year 1926 ( MCMXXVI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Harry Hartz ( December 24 1896 &ndash September 26 1974) was an American Auto mechanic and race car driver Year 1927 ( MCMXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1928 ( MCMXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Louis Meyer July 21 1904 - October 7 1995) was an American Hall of Fame Race car driver best known as the first Year 1929 ( MCMXXIX) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1930 ( MCMXXX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display 1930 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Billy Arnold ( December 16, 1905 Chicago Illinois &ndash November 10, 1976 Oklahoma City Oklahoma) won the 1930 Indianapolis Year 1931 ( MCMXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full 1931 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Louis F Schneider ( December 19, 1901 Indianapolis Indiana &ndash September 22, 1942 Indianapolis Indiana) won the 1931 Year 1932 ( MCMXXXII) was a Leap year starting on Friday of the Gregorian calendar. Bob Carey ( 28 September 1904 Anderson Indiana &ndash 16 April 1933 Gardena California) was an American Year 1933 ( MCMXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1934 ( MCMXXXIV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full 1934 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Bill Cummings ( November 11, 1906 Indianapolis Indiana &ndash February 8, 1939 Indianapolis Indiana) knicknamed "Wild Year 1935 ( MCMXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Cavino Michele "Kelly" Petillo, ( December 5, 1903 Philadelphia Pennsylvania – June 30, 1970 Los Angeles California Year 1936 ( MCMXXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Mauri Rose ( May 26 1906 Columbus Ohio - January 1 1981 Royal Oak Michigan) was an American Racecar driver Year 1937 ( MCMXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Warren Wilbur Shaw ( October 31, 1902 - October 30, 1954) was a noted American Racing driver and president of the Indianapolis Year 1938 ( MCMXXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Floyd Roberts ( February 12, 1904 - May 30, 1939) is a former Championship Car racing driver from Jamestown North Dakota Year 1939 ( MCMXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1940 ( MCMXL) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display the full 1940 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Rex Mays (born March 10, 1913 - died November 6, 1949) is a former AAA Championship Car race driver from Riverside California Year 1941 ( MCMXLI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (the link will display 1941 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1942 ( MCMXLII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (the link will display the full 1942 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. World War II, or the Second World War, (often abbreviated WWII) was a global military conflict which involved a majority of the world's nations, including Year 1943 ( MCMXLIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (the link will display full 1943 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1944 ( MCMXLIV) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1945 ( MCMXLV) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display the full calendar Year 1946 ( MCMXLVI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full 1946 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Ted Horn ( February 27, 1910 &ndash October 10, 1948) born Eylard Theodore Von Horn, was an American Race car driver Year 1947 ( MCMXLVII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1947 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1948 ( MCMXLVIII) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display the 1948 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1949 ( MCMXLIX) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Johnnie Parsons ( July 4 1918 &ndash September 8 1984) was an American race car driver who won the Indianapolis 500 in 1950 Year 1950 ( MCML) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display the full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Henry Banks ( June 14, 1913 - December 18, 1994) was an American midget car and "big car" driver Year 1951 ( MCMLI) was a Common year starting on Monday. Events of 1951 January Melvin E "Tony" Bettenhausen ( September 12, 1916 Tinley Park Illinois &ndash May 12, 1961 Indianapolis Indiana Year 1952 ( MCMLII) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Chuck Stevenson ( October 15, 1919 Sidney Montana &ndash August 21, 1995 Benson Arizona) was an American Year 1953 ( MCMLIII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Sam Hanks ( July 13 1914 &ndash June 27 1994) was an American Racecar driver who won the 1957 Indianapolis 500 Year 1954 ( MCMLIV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1954 Gregorian calendar) James Ernest Bryan ( January 28, 1926 - June 19, 1960) was an American Racecar driver. Year 1955 ( MCMLV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1955 Gregorian calendar) Robert Charles 'Bob' Sweikert (born May 20 1926 Los Angeles, California, died June 17 1956 Salem Indiana) Year 1956 ( MCMLVI) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1957 ( MCMLVII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1957 Gregorian calendar) Year 1958 ( MCMLVIII) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. The year 1959 ( MCMLIX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Rodger Ward ( January 10, 1921 &ndash July 5, 2004) was an American Racecar driver who won the 1959 and 1962 Indianapolis Year 1960 ( MCMLX) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Anthony Joseph Foyt Jr (born January 16, 1935, in Houston, Texas) is a retired American Automobile racing driver Year 1961 ( MCMLXI) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. J. Foyt | ||
| 1962 | Rodger Ward | ||
| 1963 | A. Year 1962 ( MCMLXII) was a Common year starting on Monday (the link is to a full 1962 calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1963 ( MCMLXIII) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. J. Foyt | ||
| 1964 | A. Year 1964 ( MCMLXIV) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the 1964 Gregorian calendar. J. Foyt | ||
| 1965 | Mario Andretti | ||
| 1966 | Mario Andretti | ||
| 1967 | A. Year 1965 ( MCMLXV) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1965 Gregorian calendar. Mario Gabriele Andretti (born February 28, 1940) is an Italian American former racecar driver and one of the most successful Americans in the Year 1966 ( MCMLXVI) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the 1966 Gregorian calendar. Year 1967 ( MCMLXVII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link will display full calendar of the 1967 Gregorian calendar. J. Foyt | ||
| 1968 | Bobby Unser | ||
| 1969 | Mario Andretti | ||
| 1970 | Al Unser | ||
| 1971 | Joe Leonard | ||
| 1972 | Joe Leonard | ||
| 1973 | Roger McCluskey | ||
| 1974 | Bobby Unser | ||
| 1975 | A. Year 1968 ( MCMLXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Robert William "Bobby" Unser (born February 20, 1934 in Colorado Springs Colorado) is a retired U Year 1969 ( MCMLXIX) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1970 ( MCMLXX) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link shows full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Alfred Unser (born May 29, 1939 in Albuquerque New Mexico) is a former American automobile racing driver the younger brother of Bobby Year 1971 ( MCMLXXI) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full calendar of the 1971 Gregorian calendar. Joe Leonard (born August 4, 1932, San Diego California) is a retired American Motorcycle racer and Racecar driver Year 1972 ( MCMLXXII) was a Leap year starting on Saturday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Year 1973 ( MCMLXXIII) was a Common year starting on Monday (link will display full calendar of the 1973 Gregorian calendar. Roger McCluskey (b 24 August, 1930, d 29 August, 1993) was an American Race car driver Year 1974 ( MCMLXXIV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the 1974 Gregorian calendar. Year 1975 ( MCMLXXV) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. J. Foyt | ||
| 1976 | Gordon Johncock | ||
| 1977 | Tom Sneva | ||
| 1978 | Tom Sneva | ||
| Year | SCCA/CART Series | Year | USAC Championship |
| 1979 | Rick Mears | 1979 | A. Year 1976 ( MCMLXXVI) was a Leap year starting on Thursday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. Gordon Johncock (born 5 August 1937, Coldwater Michigan) is a former racing driver best known as a two-time winner of the Indianapolis 500 Also 1977 (album by Ash. Year 1977 ( MCMLXXVII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays Tom Sneva (born Thomas E Sneva: June 1, 1948) is a former Indy Car driver that was named to the prestigious Motorsports Hall of Fame of Year 1978 ( MCMLXXVIII) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1978 Gregorian calendar) The 1979 CART World Series Season was the first CART World Series. Rick Ravon Mears (born December 3, 1951 in Wichita Kansas) is a retired American race car driver Year 1979 ( MCMLXXIX) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1979 Gregorian calendar) J. Foyt |
| Year | CART PPG Series | Year | USAC Gold Crown Championship |
| 1980 | Johnny Rutherford | 1980 | Johnny Rutherford |
| 1981 | Rick Mears | 1981–82 | George Snider |
| 1982 | Rick Mears | ||
| 1983 | Al Unser | 1982–83 | Tom Sneva |
| 1984 | Mario Andretti | 1983–84 | Rick Mears |
| 1985 | Al Unser | 1984–85 | Danny Sullivan |
| 1986 | Bobby Rahal | 1985–86 | Bobby Rahal |
| 1987 | Bobby Rahal | 1986–87 | Al Unser |
| 1988 | Danny Sullivan | 1987–88 | Rick Mears |
| 1989 |  Emerson Fittipaldi | 1988–89 | Emerson Fittipaldi |
| 1990 | Al Unser Jr. | 1989–90 |  Arie Luyendyk |
| 1991 | Michael Andretti | 1990–91 | Rick Mears |
| 1992 | Bobby Rahal | 1991–92 | Al Unser, Jr. The 1980 CART World Series Season was the second CART World Series. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) The 1981 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season was the third CART World Series. Year 1981 ( MCMLXXXI) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays the 1981 Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) George Snider (born December 8, 1940, in Fresno California) is a retired American race car driver The 1982 CART World Series Season was the fourth CART World Series. The 1983 CART World Series Season was the fifth CART World Series, a motor racing series Year 1982 ( MCMLXXXII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link displays the 1982 Gregorian calendar) Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) The 1984 CART World Series Season was the sixth CART World Series, this year also known as the PPG IndyCar World Series Year 1983 ( MCMLXXXIII) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays the 1983 Gregorian calendar) Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) The 1985 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season was the 1985 season of the CART championship Year 1984 ( MCMLXXXIV) was a Leap year starting on Sunday (link displays the 1984 Gregorian calendar) Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) Daniel John "Danny" Sullivan III (Born March 9, 1950 in Louisville Kentucky) is a former racing driver from the United States. In the results of the Motor racing 1986 CART PPG Indy Car World Series season Robert "Bobby" Woodward Rahal (born January 10 1953 in Medina Ohio) is an American Auto racing team owner and former driver spending most of Year 1985 ( MCMLXXXV) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link displays 1985 Gregorian calendar) Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) The 1987 CART World Series Season was the ninth CART World Series. Year 1986 ( MCMLXXXVI) was a Common year starting on Wednesday (link displays 1986 Gregorian calendar) Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) The 1988 CART World Series Season was the tenth CART World Series. Year 1987 ( MCMLXXXVII) was a Common year starting on Thursday (link displays 1987 Gregorian calendar) Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) The 1989 CART World Series Season was the eleventh CART World Series. Emerson Fittipaldi (born December 12, 1946 in São Paulo, Brazil) is a highly successful Brazilian automobile racing driver winning world championships Year 1988 ( MCMLXXXVIII) was a Leap year starting on Friday (link displays 1988 Gregorian calendar) Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) The 1990 CART World Series Season was the twelfth CART World Series. Alfred Unser Jr (born April 19 1962 in Albuquerque New Mexico) nicknamed " Little Al " " Al Junior " or simply " Junior Year 1989 ( MCMLXXXIX) was a Common year starting on Sunday (link displays 1989 Gregorian calendar) Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) Arie Luyendyk, originally Arie Luijendijk (born September 21, 1953) is a Dutch auto racing driver twice winner of the Indianapolis Michael Mario Andretti (born October 5, 1962 in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) is an American retired CART and Formula One Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. The 1992 CART World Series Season was the fourteenth CART World Series. Year 1991 ( MCMXCI) was a Common year starting on Tuesday (link will display full calendar of the Gregorian Calendar. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) |
| 1993 | Nigel Mansell | 1992–93 | Emerson Fittipaldi |
| 1994 | Al Unser Jr. The 1993 CART PPG IndyCar World Series Season was the fifteenth CART World Series. Biography Mansell was born in Upton-upon-Severn, a small Town in the English county of Worcestershire. Year 1992 ( MCMXCII) was a Leap year starting on Wednesday (link will display full 1992 Gregorian calendar) Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) | 1993–94 | Al Unser, Jr. Year 1993 ( MCMXCIII) was a Common year starting on Friday (link will display full 1993 Gregorian calendar) Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) |
| 1995 |  Jacques Villeneuve | 1994–95 | Jacques Villeneuve |
| Year | CART Fedex Series | Year | IRL IndyCar Series |
| 1996 | Jimmy Vasser | 1996 (tied) | Scott Sharp Buzz Calkins |
| 1997 |  Alex Zanardi | 1996–97 | Tony Stewart |
| 1998 | Alex Zanardi | 1998 |  Kenny Bräck |
| 1999 |  Juan Pablo Montoya | 1999 | Greg Ray |
| 2000 | Gil de Ferran | 2000 | Buddy Lazier |
| 2001 | Gil de Ferran | 2001 | Sam Hornish, Jr. |
| 2002 | Cristiano da Matta | 2002 | Sam Hornish, Jr. The 1995 CART PPG IndyCar World Series began on March 5, 1995 and ended on September 10 after 17 races Personal and early life Jacques Villeneuve was born in the Canadian city of Saint-Jean-sur-Richelieu to then soon to be Formula One driver Gilles Year 1994 ( MCMXCIV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link will display full 1994 Gregorian calendar) Year 1995 ( MCMXCV) was a Common year starting on Sunday. Events of 1995 The 1996 CART World Series Season was the eighteenth CART World Series. Jimmy Vasser (born November 20 1965 in Canoga Park, California) is an American racing driver and current race team owner The first season of Indy Racing League competition consisted of only three races Scott Sharp (born February 14, 1968 in Norwalk Connecticut) is an American race car driver in the American Le Mans Series. Bradley "Buzz" Calkins (born May 2, 1971 in Denver, Colorado) is a former Indy Racing League driver The 1997 CART World Series Season was the nineteenth CART World Series. Alessandro "Alex" Zanardi (born October 23, 1966 in Bologna Italy) is an Italian racing driver The 1996-1997 Indy Racing League season was a result of the league abandoning the concept of ending each season with the Indianapolis 500 Anthony Wayne Stewart (born May 20, 1971 in Columbus Indiana) is an American race car driver/car owner/entrepreneur in NASCAR 's The 1998 CART Championship Series Season was the twentieth CART Championship Series. The 1998 Pep Boys Indy Racing League season was one of relative stability compared to the previous two seasons Kenneth "Kenny" Brack (born March 21, 1966 in Arvika, Värmland) is a Race car driver from Sweden. The 1999 CART Championship Series Season was the twenty first CART Championship Series. Juan Pablo Montoya Roldán (born September 20, 1975, in Bogotá, Colombia) is a Race car driver in NASCAR for Chip The 1999 Pep Boys Indy Racing League season was highly competitive and parity was the order of the year Greg Ray (born August 3, 1966, in Dallas Texas) is a former IRL IndyCar Series driver The 2000 CART Championship Series was the twenty-second season Gil de Ferran (born November 11, 1967 in Paris, France) to Brazilian parents is a racing driver The 2000 Indy Racing Northern Lights Series season was another season that saw a high level of parity as only one driver champion Robert Buddy Lazier (born October 31, 1967 in Vail Colorado) is an American open-wheel Racecar driver The 2001 CART Championship Series was the twenty-third season The 2001 Indy Racing Northern Lights Series season saw the addition of five races and loss of one to bring the total to 13 Samuel Jon Hornish Jr (born July 2, 1979 in Bryan Ohio) is an American race car driver The 2002 CART Championship Series Season was the twenty fourth CART Championship Series. Cristiano Monteiro da Matta (born September 19, 1973, in Belo Horizonte, MG Brazil is an Auto racing driver winner of the American The 2002 Firestone Indy Racing League (IRL season was one of transition with many CART teams participating in a partial |
| 2003 | Paul Tracy | 2003 |  Scott Dixon |
| Year | Champ Car World Series | Year | IRL IndyCar Series |
| 2004 |  Sébastien Bourdais | 2004 | Tony Kanaan |
| 2005 | Sébastien Bourdais | 2005 | Dan Wheldon |
| 2006 | Sébastien Bourdais | 2006 | Sam Hornish, Jr. The 2003 CART World Series Season was the twenty-fifth and final season for the CART World Series. Paul Tracy (born December 17, 1968 in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada is a professional automobile racer who competed The 2003 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series season brought some of the biggest changes in its history Scott Ronald Dixon (born July 22 1980 is a New Zealand motor racing driver who has twice won the Indy Racing League (IRL championship in the United States The 2004 Champ Car World Series season was the inaugural season for the Champ Car World Series. Sébastien Bourdais (born February 28, 1979 in Le Mans) is a French Formula One race car driver The 2004 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series season was dominated by two teams Andretti Green Racing and Rahal Letterman Racing. Antoine Rizkallah Kanaan Filho, commonly known as Tony Kanaan (born December 31, 1974) is a Brazilian Race car driver of Lebanese The 2005 Champ Car World Series season was the second season of the Champ Car World Series. The 2005 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series season began on Sunday March 6 and ended on Sunday October 16. Daniel Clive Wheldon (born June 22 1978 in Emberton, England) is a successful English Auto racing driver The 2006 Champ Car World Series season was the twenty-eighth Champ Car World Series, however only its third season under the Champ Car title The 2006 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series season began on March 26 and concluded on September 10. |
| 2007 | Sébastien Bourdais | 2007 | Dario Franchitti |
| Year | IRL IndyCar Series | ||
| 2008 | |||
References
External links
- Rumbledrome history of National Championship races. The 2007 Champ Car World Series Season was the twenty-ninth Champ Car World Series, however only its fourth season under the Champ Car title The 2007 Indy Racing League IndyCar Series season began with a night race on Saturday March 24 at Homestead-Miami Speedway. Dario J Franchitti (born 19 May, 1973 in Bathgate, West Lothian) is a Scottish racing driver of Italian descent The 2008 IndyCar Series season is the 13th season of the series
- ChampCarStats.com complete AAA, USAC, CART, CCWS and IRL race results.
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