The 1960 auto racing seasons highlighted emerging dominance, technological transitions, and tragedy across key series. In the USAC National Championship (12 races from April to November), A.J. Foyt claimed his first title with strong late-season wins, while Jim Rathmann won the Indianapolis 500 at a record average speed of 138.767 mph; the year was darkened by the fatal crash of three-time champion Jimmy Bryan at Langhorne Speedway on June 19.
The NASCAR Grand National Series ran 44 races, with Rex White dominating the championship in a Chevrolet (six wins, 25 top-fives), ahead of Richard Petty (three wins) and Ned Jarrett (five wins), reflecting growing stock car competition.
Internationally, the Formula One World Championship (10 races) saw Jack Brabham win his second straight Drivers’ title for Cooper-Climax, with rear-engined cars proving superior and Phil Hill securing Ferrari’s last front-engined victory at Monza; Cooper also took the Manufacturers’ crown. The FIA World Sportscar Championship (five rounds) was won by Ferrari, with notable successes at Buenos Aires and Le Mans.
Overall, 1960 bridged traditional designs with the rear-engine shift in F1, stock car expansion in NASCAR, and open-wheel consistency in USAC, setting the stage for motorsport’s 1960s evolution.
