In the motorsports world, many have heard of Indycar, NASCAR, and F1. However, there is one series out there that many may not know which is IMSA. IMSA stands for International Motorsports Association. It was first organized and created by Bill France, Sr. who also founded NASCAR after he met with John Bishop who was with the Sports Car Club of America in the year 1969. France, Sr. eventually would have Bishop run IMSA. France financed the majority of the organization and owned 75% of the stock while Bishop owned the remaining 25%.
Background of John Bishop
Before he joined the Sports Car Club of America (SSCA), Bishop actually worked for Sikorsky, a well-known aircraft and aviation company. They are famously known for their UH-60 Blackhawk helicopter.
Bishop himself has many creations in his lifetime in addition to running IMSA after France Sr. founded it. He is also known for creating many racing organizations whilst with the SSCA, such as the SSCA Trans-am Series and the Can-Am Series. Bishop built these specific organizations along with the United States Road Racing Championship to compete with the rival at the time which was the United States Automobile Club (USAC).
First Race
The first IMSA racing event was held at Pocono Raceway the same year it was founded (October 1969). It consisted of Formula Vee and Formula Ford. However, the SSCA had threatened the circuit management at the time and asked to block IMSA from racing at Pocono.
IMSA was able to hold the race there. unfortunately, they did have to pay up to $10,000 in rental fees. The organization itself soldiered on despite the small crowds, and another ten races were planned. Bill France, suffering from financial setbacks, brought on new investors to take over part of his stake in the series.
