The Race of Champions

Publication date: 27 October 2022

About the Race of Champions

The Race of Champions (ROC) is an international motor racing event for the world’s best drivers, held annually at the end or beginning of the year. It is the only motor racing event that includes competitors from Formula 1, IndyCar and NASCAR as well as touring car and motorbike racers.

ROC website

2026 Race of Champions

In 2026, the list of participants promises to be bright again. Potential names are already being discussed – among them are current champions, veterans and young stars. There could be Formula 1 representatives, such as Lando Norris or Charles Leclerc, as well as rally aces like Kale Rovanperä. The intrigue is that the odds are equal – the technique is the same for everyone, and this is what makes the Race of Champions so exciting.

The favorite, as usual, is the one who knows how to adapt: ​​experience in different series and a quick reaction to new things are the key to victory. Sometimes former rally drivers overtake Formula 1 stars, and vice versa. It is almost impossible to predict the outcome – and that’s the beauty of it.

When will it be?

The date of the Race of Champions in 2026 has not yet been officially announced, but traditionally it takes place at the beginning of the year – in January or February. The organizers usually choose unusual locations: in recent years, the competition was held on a snowy track in Sweden, which adds even more drive and surprises.

It is worth following the announcements in advance: tickets are sold out quickly, and online broadcasts gather millions of viewers. “Race of Champions” is a show that surprises every year, regardless of the weather and the composition of the participants.

History of the Race of Champions

The first Race of Champions was organised in 1988 in honour of deceased race driver Henri Toivonen. Since then, the race has been held every year with the exception of a few occasions. The winner of the race receives the title “Champion of Champions” and the Henry Toivonen Memorial Trophy.

From 1992 to 2003, the race was held in the Canary Islands. Afterwards, the format of the event changed slightly and since then the locations of the races have changed every year, e.g.:

• 2003 – 2004 – Saint-Denis, Paris, France;
• 2007 – 2008 – Wembley Stadium, London, England;
• 2009 – Beijing National Stadium, China;
• 2010 to 2011 – Esprit Arena, Dusseldorf, Germany;
• 2012 to 2013 – Rajamangala Stadium, Bangkok, Thailand;
• 2014 – Bushy Park Raceway, Barbados, North America;
• 2015 – London Stadium, Stratford, England;
• 2017 – Marlins Park in Miami, Florida, USA;
• 2018 – King Fahd International Stadium in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia;
• 2019 – Foro Sol Sports Complex in Mexico City, North America.

Winners of the previous season Championships

2027 Race of Champions

The exact dates and venues of the next ROC will be known at a later date. Keep an eye on the dates of road races and other events in our Sporting Events Calendar.