SCCA vs. AAA: The Battle Between Sanctioning Bodies That Almost KILLED Racing In America Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys

Sanctioning bodies don't just set the rules for a race series — they also determine the culture and ideologies of the series they represent. In post-war America, the two biggest sanctioning bodies of sports car racing were the SCCA and the AAA Contest Board, and they both had very distinct ideas about what should constitute a series. One faction was determined to embrace an international focus; the other wanted to keep racing strictly regional and strictly amateur. The battle between them almost KILLED motorsport in America.

To find out more about Deadly Passions, Terrible Joys: 

https://linktr.ee/deadlypassionsterriblejoys 

Subscribe on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Please give DPTJ's new sponsor, Homefield Apparel, a warm welcome by subscribing for updates and checking out all FOUR new motorsport-themed clothing launches this year. Don't forget to use code DPTJ15 for 15% off your first order!

https://www.homefieldapparel.com/

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Instagram: @elizablackstock

Follow Elizabeth Blackstock on Twitter/X: @eliz_blackstock

Follow DPTJ on Instagram: @deadlypassionsterriblejoys

Follow DPTJ on Twitter/X: @terriblejoy_pod

Order Racing with Rich Energy: https://mcfarlandbooks.com/product/racing-with-rich-energy/ 

Follow Grand Prix Gastronomy: https://grandprixgastronomy.substack.com/ 

Grab some merch on Redbubble: https://www.redbubble.com/people/eablackstock/shop?asc=u 

Episode Bibliography:

Watkins Glen, The Street Years 1948-1952: Glory, Drama, and the Birth of American Road Racing by Philippe Defechereaux

https://www.racingarchives.org/blogpost/road-racing-wars-the-fight-for-control-of-post-war-sports-car-racing-in-america-part-one/

https://www.racingarchives.org/blogpost/road-racing-wars-the-fight-for-control-of-post-war-sports-car-racing-in-america-part-two/

https://www.scca.com/articles/2000732-sportscar-feature-game-changer

https://www.historicracing.com/driverDetail.cfm?driverID=5106

https://openpaddock.net/2014/01/13/indycar-how-did-we-get-here-pt-1-when-did-we-start/


---

Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/elizabeth-blackstock/support