Dave Mcleod – Motoring Writer
There are endless debates about who truly deserves the title of “Worlds Greatest Driver,” but one competition stands above all other in its pursuit to answer this burning question – the Race Of Champions (RDC).
For over three decades, this unique event has been the ultimate proving ground where motorsport’s finest warriors clash in identical machinery to determine who really is the fastest of them all.
Created in 1988 by IMP President Fredrik Johnsson and legendary female rally driver Michèle Mouton, the Race Of Champions began as a tribute to both the World Rally Championship’s 10th anniversary and the memory of Henri Toivonen, whose name lives on through the winner’s trophy.
What sets ROC apart from traditional motorsport events is its revolutionary format. Unlike Formula 1, WRC, or IndyCar, where equipment often plays a decisive role, ROC levels the playing field completely. Drivers compete head-to-head on identical tracks in the same cars, eliminating the age-old excuse of superior machinery.
The competition features two main events: the individual Race Of Champions and the ROC Nations Cup. The individual contest follows a thrilling knockout format, beginning with group stages before progressing to quarter-finals, semi-finals, and ultimately a best-of-three Grand Final to crown the “Champion of Champions.”
The ROC Nations Cup, introduced in 1999, adds a patriotic element as drivers partner with their countrymen to determine the world’s fastest nation. Germany’s dynamic duo of Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel dominated this competition, securing an unprecedented six consecutive titles between 2007 and 2012.
The event has graced some of the world’s most iconic venues, from the Stade de France in Paris to London’s Wembley Stadium, Beijing’s “Bird’s Nest” Olympic Stadium, and even ventured into new territory with its first Snow + Ice event in Sweden near the Arctic Circle in 2022.
What makes ROC truly special is its ability to attract motorsport’s biggest stars across all disciplines. Formula 1 champions like Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, MotoGP legends Valentino Rossi and Jorge Lorenzo, NASCAR heroes Jeff Gordon and Jimmie Johnson, and countless others have all sought to prove their mettle in this ultimate test of driving skill.
The competition has continued to evolve with the times, introducing eROC (eRace Of Champions) to bridge the gap between virtual and real-world racing. This innovative addition provides gamers and aspiring racers the chance to earn their competition licenses and compete alongside motorsport superstars.
As the event approaches its fourth decade, the Race Of Champions remains the definitive answer to motorsport’s greatest question – when all things are equal, who is truly the fastest driver on Earth? With its unique format, star-studded lineup, and festival atmosphere, ROC continues to captivate fans and drivers alike as the ultimate showdown in international motorsports.
