SCCA vs. AAA: The Battle Between Sanctioning Bodies That Almost KILLED Racing In America

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/