The European Touring Car Championship was the benchmark in touring car motorsport in the 1970s and 1980s.
In the 1970s, the BMW, Ford and Alfa Romeo works teams fought legendary battles in which even numerous Formula 1 drivers such as Jackie Stewart, Emerson Fittipaldi, Niki Lauda and Ronnie Peterson were signed up.
The origins of European touring car racing date back to the year 1963, when the FIA launched the “European Touring Car Challenge” under the direction of Willy Stenger. At that time, vehicles competed against each other according to the FIA Group 2 regulations, allowing a wide range of models – from the small Fiat 600 and Mini to the stately Jaguar Mark 2 and Mercedes-Benz 300 SE – to compete on the most famous racetracks in Europe.
Photos: Archive Slickpix, Marcel Hundscheid, Christoph Caspary
After several adjustments to the regulations and a change of name to the “European Touring Car Championship” (ETCC) in 1970, the series continued to develop. Despite the challenges of the oil crisis and fluctuating participant numbers, the series remained at the heart of motorsport, impressing with its diversity and competitive spirit. The participation of GT cars and the return of works teams from 1977 onwards gave the series a new lease of life.
From Year 1982 to 1988, the ETCC for touring cars was held in accordance with Group N and Group A regulations.
With the “ETCC 70s Revival”, the Fast Seventies and 1300 ETC racing series want to jointly commemorate this heyday of touring car motorsport at selected events in 2026. The plan is to hold two 25-minute races at the events, preceded by two 20-minute qualifying sessions.
This gives teams in which two drivers share a vehicle the opportunity for each driver to take part in one qualifying session and one race.
The Fast Seventies and 1300 ETC racing series with their starting fields represent the entire spectrum of the ETCC heyday – from the small 1000cc Abarth to the Mini Cooper and Ford Escort BDA through to the BMW CSL Coupé and Porsche 911 Carrera RSR.
If you now also own a racing car that corresponds to the ETCC era, you are very welcome to take part in the ETCC Revival!
Dates:
- April 24 – 26, 2026 – Spa Summer Classic
- August 28 – 30, 2026 – Classic GP Assen