The Canadian-American Challenge Cup racing series for FIA Group 7 sportscars began in 1966. In 1974 it ended. In between, some of the greatest drivers and racing cars in the sport’s history participated in the series. In July, 1996, to celebrate the Can-Am’s 30th anniversary, many of those cars and drivers gathered together during the Merrill Lynch/Brian Redman International Challenge at the Road America race track in Elkhart Lake, Wisconsin. This section contains photos of some of the cars that took part in the 30th Anniversary Can-Am Reunion.
Unfortunately, two of the most famous makes to race in the Can-Am were not properly represented. One was Chaparral. None of Jim Hall’s Chaparral chassis appeared, although the Mclaren M12 he fielded for part of the 1969 season did. The other was Porsche. There were several Porsches present for the International Challenge but no Can-Am cars. The closest was a 917 spyder (a coupe with the roof removed) that raced in the Interseries, a German version of the Can-Am.
Lola Can-Am Cars
McLaren Can-Am Cars
Shadow Can-Am Cars
Other Can-Am Cars
Three t-shirts that were for sale to race fans:
If you have trouble reading them, they say:
“CAN-AM THUNDER. When too much horsepower wasn’t enough.”
“If you can make black marks on a straight from the time you turn out of a corner until the breaking point of the next turn, then you have enough horsepower. — Mark Donohue”
“In 1973 this was the world’s most powerful sportscar. With 12 cylinders and 1200 horsepower… IT STILL IS.”
The shirts are available from SWB Studios.