Legends Car Racing

Back in 1992, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials recognized that a need existed for an affordable race car that was easy to maintain. With increasing race car costs, car counts dropped, with an estimated 30% to 40% of North America’s cars not competing due to costs. Research revealed that tracks with lower cost cars saw far greater participation. Thus, US Legend Cars, Inc. was introduced in January 1992, with the aim of creating an affordable race car that could race on smaller tracks and had lower maintenance costs. The first Legends Car debuted in April 1992, and since then the sport has grown tremendously.

Back in 1992, Charlotte Motor Speedway officials recognized that a need existed for an affordable race car that was easy to maintain. With increasing race car costs, car counts dropped, with an estimated 30% to 40% of North America’s cars not competing due to costs. Research revealed that tracks with lower cost cars saw far greater participation. Thus, US Legend Cars, Inc. was introduced in January 1992, with the aim of creating an affordable race car that could race on smaller tracks and had lower maintenance costs. The first Legends Car debuted in April 1992, and since then the sport has grown tremendously.

Legends Car racing falls under the “spec” class of racing as all the vehicles are mechanically alike. The cars must use the same parts, tires and engine, with regulated adjustments being permitted on gearing, camber and caster, tire pressure, ride height, spring rates and wheelbase. These specifications help to keep the cost of the cars down. A selection of body styles are available for Legends Car racing, including the following: 1934 Chevrolet Coupe, 1934 Ford Coupe, 1934 Ford Sedan, 1937 Chevrolet Sedan, 1937 Ford Sedan, 1937 Dodge Coupe, and 1937 Dodge Sedan.

Championships for Legends Car racing are held in the USA, Canada, England and Scotland, with the World finals taking place in the USA. In the USA, Legends Car drivers are placed in four divisions: Pro Division, Masters Division (40 years and older), Semi-Pro (novice) and Young Lions Division (12 to 16 years). Cars are the same no matter which division the driver participates in. Other countries where Legends Car racing has expanded to include France, Belgium, Spain, Finland, Estonia, Mexico and Australia.

Legends Car racing, which is sanctioned by INEX, Corp., is promoted as a family-oriented sport and is open to people of all sorts. If this form of racing interests you, take note of these helpful pointers for starting up (as offered by U.S. Legend Cars International):

1. Find a Legends Car dealer
2. Take a Legends Car for a test drive
3. Find a driving school and schedule lessons
4. Purchase a Legends Car if you decide it’s for you
5. Find out about Legends Car races at your local track
6. Ensure your Legends Car is up to spec and you are familiar with the rulebook