 The series was founded in 1969 by John and Peggy Bishop, and Bill France, Sr.Racing began in 1971, and was originally aimed at two of FIA's stock car categories, running two classes each; the GT (Groups 3 and 4) and touring (Group 1 and 2) classes.The first race was held at Virginia International Raceway; it was an unexpected success, with both the drivers and the handful of spectators who attended.