New Series for European 2-Litre Sportscars

Motor Racing Legends has announced a four-round series for 2-litre sportscars for 2026, with an inaugural round at Navarra this October. In the 1960s, the smaller prototype category was Sport 2 Litres, referring to the maximum engine capacity. Behind the larger Sport 3 Litre and 5 Litre classes, these cars often filled the starting grids, but more rarely appeared in the final classification as their 4-cylinder Cosworth or BMW engines, derived from Formula 2 single-seaters, were not designed to endure 1000km, or even 24-hour, races.\

Photo Jeff Bloxham

The solution came in 1970, with the creation of a European championship dedicated to these cars. It featured races from 300 to 600km on circuits like Brands Hatch, Charade, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone. Over six seasons, the championship welcomed small constructors like Chevron, GRD, Lola, March and Osella alongside major brands such as Alfa Romeo, Alpine-Renault and Porsche. F1 stars and future champions as well as Le Mans winners and even prominent rally drivers competed. Fifty years after the original grid disappeared in 1975, these cars are often seen on mixed grids, such as HVM’s 300km races, or the V de V Endurance events, but now they will have a series of their own. Each race will be of one hour, with two preceding 30-minute qualifying sessions.

The grid will be open to all sports cars under 2 litres, and divided into three classes:

1962-1966

1967-1971

1972-1976

In announcing the series Pierre-Antoine Lecoutour, CEO of Motor Racing Legends, said, “These cars have many advantages for gentlemen drivers. They are widely available, relatively affordable, high-performing, and easy to drive, relying on mechanical grip rather than electronics. In the same spirit as the original 1970 series, our goal is to give the owners of these machines a chance to shine in races entirely dedicated to them. Next year, we plan to bring the series to four circuits where these cars originally competed.” The series will make its debut at the Navarra circuit in northern Spain from 10–12 October, followed by four meetings in 2026.