The Can-Am race series – Canadian American Challenge Cup – which ran events throughout the United States and Canada from 1966- 1974, helped turn sports car racing into a top-tier sport. Spectators flocked to the events, which were recognized for the high level of competition, quality of vehicle engineering, and the awe-inspiring performance of the cars. These facts helped Can-Am attract some of the biggest names in the motorsport world, including noted wheelmen like Mario Andretti, Stirling Moss, George Follmer, Jim Hall, and Sir Jackie Stewart.
In honour of the 50th anniversary of the series, the creative team of author George Levy and photographer Pete Biro (who passed in 2018) decided to tackle the subject matter by focusing on the personal stories and characters involved in the series, rather than just being a historical account of races and events past. As a result, there are whimsical first-hand accounts of the exploits of iconic racers, but also those of many individuals who worked behind the scenes, whether it be turning wrenches in pit lane, greasing the wheels of business, or getting the word out in the media room.
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While there were other more established racing series during this period –like USAC Indy Car, Formula 1, and NASCAR- the Can-Am Series’s appeal was that there was a very thin rulebook. Innovative and crafty engineers, mechanics, and suppliers were, therefore, free to explore the outer limits of race car design and test new ideas in a highly competitive arena.
“Many of the photographs are being published for the first time, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a visual record of the evolution of racing cars from this period.“
Racing machines from now legendary marques Ford, Ferrari, Lotus, and Porsche were rubbing fenders with smaller outfits from Cooper, Lola, Chaparral, Shelby, Scarab, Shadow and McLaren. Motorsport titans like Roger Penske and Dan Gurney used the series as a means to build racing empires, and the world’s best drivers flocked to the track for the opportunity to test their mettle against each other in what were arguably the world’s fastest cars.
Can-Am machines were Formula 1 machines wrapped in lightweight bodywork to enclose the wheels, and there were no limits to engine options or output and no restrictions on aerodynamic aids. There were no templates governing the shape of the car’s body, but it did require a passenger seat to be fitted.
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Photos by the Late, Great Racing Photographer Pete Biro
The photography of Biro is incredible and very effective in bringing Levy’s words to life. His driver portraits are particularly good, as they reveal emotion, and the mixture of both black and white and colour images used throughout the tome is sure to grab your interest and spark your memory bank.
Many of the photographs are being published for the first time, and I thoroughly enjoyed the book as a visual record of the evolution of racing cars from this period. The Can-Am Series was responsible for developing many of the aerodynamic and performance advances featured on today’s vehicles, as engineers and mechanics dabbled with concepts such as downforce, spoilers, wings, tunnels, and other mechanical voodoo like never before.
This book deserves to be on the shelf of any true motorsport fan, as it helps paint a complete picture of what the Can-Am Series was all about, when the quality of the racing was the main focus and guiding principle rather than the wants, needs and demands of sponsors and marketing teams. Can-Am 50th Anniversary: Flat Out with North America’s Greatest Race Series 1966-74 is available at bookstores and Amazon for under $100.
Book Details:
- Title: CAN AM 50TH Anniversary – Flat Out with North America’s Greatest Race Series 1966-74
- Authors: George Levy and Pete Biro
- ISBN-10 0760350213
- ISBN-13 9780760350218
- Format: Hardcover
- Pages: 256 pages
- Publisher: Quarto Publishing Group USA
