1300 European TouringCar Challenge

The history of European touring car racing is rich in tradition and marked by thrilling races that still excite motorsport fans today. The "1300 European Touring Car Challenge" (1300 ETC) picks up on this golden era, offering a platform for historic motorsport enthusiasts to take to the track together with their touring and GT cars up to a maximum of 1300cc.

The origins of European touring car racing date back to 1963, when the FIA, under the leadership of Willy Stenger, launched the "European Touring Car Challenge." At the time, vehicles competed under 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 300SE — to compete on Europe's best-known race tracks and hill-climb courses.

After several rule changes and a rebranding as the "European Touring Car Championship" (ETCC) in 1970, the series continued to evolve. Despite the challenges of the oil crisis and fluctuating entry numbers, the series remained a cornerstone of motorsport, captivating fans with its diversity and competitive spirit. The participation of GT cars and the return of factory teams from 1977 onward gave the series new prestige.

In recognition of this golden era of motorsport, the 1300 ETC was founded. It is aimed at drivers of historic racing cars homologated up to and including Annex J 1981. Vehicles are classified by engine capacity and period to ensure fair competition.

The 1300 ETC offers not only thrilling races but also a unique sense of community, where the joy of historic motorsport takes center stage — a tribute to the glory days of touring car racing.