2-Litre Sportscars:
The Rebirth
After almost half a century out of the spotlight, they finally have their own series again with four meetings planned for the 2026 season.
In the 1960s, the ‘smaller’ prototype category wasn’t yet called LMP2, but 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.
The solution came in 1970, with the creation of a European championship dedicated to these cars. It featured races from 300 to 600km on iconic circuits like Brands Hatch, Charade, Spa-Francorchamps and Silverstone. Over six seasons, the championship welcomed small constructors like Chevron, GRD, Lola, and March, alongside major brands such as Alfa Romeo, Alpine-Renault and Porsche.
These fiercely competitive races featured huge names behind the wheel, too: F1 stars and future champions like Jabouille, Merzario and Lauda; Le Mans winners Bell, Elford, Larrousse, Marko, and others; stars of rallying Munari and Ragnotti; and many more from all over the sport. Perhaps the driver most closely associated with the category is Sweden’s Jo Bonnier, champion in 1971 and inspiration behind the logo for the new series, with his distinctive yellow car almost always featuring a white and red stripe.
Fifty years after the original grid disappeared in 1975, Motor Racing Legends is proud to announce its return as a historic series: 2-Litre Sportscars. 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.
Pierre-Antoine Lecoutour, CEO of Motor Racing Legends
“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.”
