Endurance Racing 1982-1991

Gift dedication at the front of the book.

In years to come, the 1980s may well be adjudged the golden era of prototype sports car racing: a bold claim, but one based upon the unifying effect of FISA's 1982 Group C fuel regulations upon the then fractured and uncertain sports car racing scene. The new rules would appeal to all those with a vested interest: the entrants, the manufacturers, the sponsors - and the public. From 1982 right through to 1989, Group C could legitimately claim to have provided the arena for some of the greatest races in the history of any category of motor sport. Ian Briggs traces the origins of Group C back to the first years of what can be called 'modern' sports car racing, with the arrival of the Ford GT4Os and J-cars at Le Mans, and the growth of Porsche as a major force in the premier categories. Yearly summaries of both Group C and IMSA regulations, and annual reviews of the FIA and IMSA championships are linked to summarised reports and results for every World Championship Group C race between 1982 and 1990 - and of course, each running of the Le Mans 24 hours. Also included are results for every IMSA race during the same period. The new 1991 750 kilogram Group C regulations and results of that year's FIA SWC championship are provided. The comprehensive alphabetical directory of the history of individual Group C and IMSA sports prototype marques deals with the major makes -Porsche, Jaguar, Ford, Lancia etc - also the more obscure and brief manifestations such as Lotec, Stehmo, ROC-Chevron, Isola, Simpson and Nykjaer; where possible with full technical specifications. Throughout this book, Briggs also makes extensive reference to the provenance of the individual cars by the use of chassis numbers, where known. More than 400 previously unpublished photographs compliment the meticulously researched text.