The United States Auto Club (USAC) is an American sanctioning body for automobile racing. Founded in 1955, USAC was established to oversee the organization and regulation of various motorsport events in the United States, most notably the open‑wheel oval series that succeeded the American Automobile Association's (AAA) Contest Board after the 1955 Le Mans disaster.
History
USAC began operations on January 1 1956, inheriting the AAA Contest Board's responsibilities for racing on paved and dirt oval tracks. Its early focus was the USAC National Championship, which featured the Indianapolis 500 as its marquee event until USAC’s control of the Indy 500 transferred to the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 1980. Over the decades, USAC has administered multiple racing divisions, including:
- USAC National Championship – The premier open‑wheel series, originally encompassing the Indy 500 and later evolving into the IndyCar series before USAC’s eventual relinquishment of top‑level open‑wheel sanctioning.
- USAC Silver Crown Series – A continuation of the traditional championship‑level dirt and paved oval competition, featuring high‑performance, single‑seat cars.
- USAC Sprint Car Series – A nationwide circuit of short‑track, high‑powered open‑wheel sprint cars, primarily on dirt surfaces.
- USAC Midget Car Series – A developmental series featuring smaller, lightweight open‑wheel cars, serving as a feeder for higher tiers.
- USAC Formula 4 (formerly USF2000) and other junior formulas – Entry‑level open‑wheel series aimed at driver development.
Organizational Structure
USAC is governed by a board of directors elected by its membership, which includes team owners, drivers, and officials. The organization operates regional divisions—East, West, and Midwest—that manage local events and enforce safety and technical regulations. Its headquarters are located in Speedway, Indiana.
Regulatory Role
USAC establishes technical specifications, safety standards, and competition rules for the series under its jurisdiction. It conducts driver licensing, officiates race control, and collaborates with track operators to ensure compliance with the National Speedway Safety Standards. USAC also maintains a historical record of race results and driver statistics.
Significance in Motorsport
USAC has played a pivotal role in the development of American open‑wheel and short‑track racing. Many notable drivers, such as A. J. Foyt, Mario Andretti, and Al Unser, competed in USAC‑sanctioned events early in their careers. The organization's emphasis on both paved and dirt oval competition has helped preserve a distinct segment of U.S. motorsport culture.
Current Activities
As of the 2020s, USAC continues to sanction its primary series—the Silver Crown, Sprint Car, and Midget Car championships—while also supporting grassroots racing initiatives and driver development programs. The club regularly publishes rulebooks, race schedules, and results through its official website and affiliated publications.