The series began in 1963, running continually until 1988. Formula 1 legends John Surtees, Graham Hill, Jackie Stewart, Niki Lauda, Emerson Fittipaldi, James Hunt and Jody Scheckter all drove touring cars in the 1970s.
After a 13-year break, the series returned to action in 2001, providing an international forum for the spectacular close action that has become synonymous with touring car racing over the past decade.