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Races
History
Drivers have always felt the need for speed and the urge to compete. Ever since the introduction of the first automobile nearly a century ago, racers took the wheel to see just how far they could push it. Today, Road Racing is one of the fastest growing motor sports in the United States. Since it's inception in the 1930's, it has rose in ranks, visibility and popularity. Audiences across the world now attend races and join other fans as top competitors slide into the finish line toward victory.
In 1972, stock street autos were the new racing class in the SCCA. Road racing, unlike other auto speed competitions, tested showroom-quality, barely modified street model cars on the track in fierce competition. Road racing gave, and still gives, manufacturers a way to rank performance against other sport and sedan auto manufacturers. While modest beginnings capped cars at $3,000, budgets soared over time as popularity, manufacturer interest, number of participants and cost elevated.
In the summer of 1980, an enduring 24-hour showroom stock race hit the Nelson Ledges Road Course in Youngstown, Ohio. This race was astoundingly successful, elevating the ranks of endurance racing and pushing the limits for manufacturers' ability to last over the long haul. In 1985, the series expanded into an expansive six-race professional endurance competition.
By 1999, the Speedvision Network, later named Speed Channel, a cable broadcasting network covering all pro air, water and road speed machines, became part owner and title sponsor of the series. This exposure brought the race into even greater visibility and popularity with more participation and stronger spectator interest.
Today, Road Racing combines the finest pro race drivers in door-to-door, left/right and up/down navigation. Its showroom appeal attracts a new crowd of racing fans as top manufacturers compete for the elite ranks of their class.
Nothing beats the power of a live race. Catch the next competition on a track near you!
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