New England Legends Car Tour
NELCAR Legends Tour
Where New England's best Legends drivers compete. Racing since 1994, and run today by the team at GO Motorsports Shop in Buxton, Maine.
-
Racing since 1994
Three decades of Legends racing in New England.
-
Spec Legends cars
Yamaha MT09 power, INEX rules, close racing.
-
Ovals and road courses
Events at tracks across New England.
-
Parts at the track
GO Motorsports brings parts and help to every event.
Run by GO Motorsports
The shop behind the tour
The team at GO Motorsports Shop runs the NELCAR series. We're at the track at every event with parts, help and friendly advice.
GO Motorsports Shop in Buxton, Maine is the largest distributor of Legends car parts in the world. Not close to Buxton? We'll help you find a dealer or team near you.
The car
What is a Legends car?
Legends cars are purpose-built, 5/8-scale replicas of classic American coupes from the 1930s and 1940s, built by US Legend Cars International. A sealed Yamaha motorcycle engine, a short wheelbase and INEX-spec rules keep the competition close and the costs more predictable than many other forms of racing.
- 135 HP
- Sealed Yamaha MT09 engine
- 1,230 lbs
- Race weight
- 6-speed
- Transmission
- 5/8 scale
- Fiberglass '34 Ford coupe body
On track
NELCAR in action
Ovals, road courses and victory lane.
- Road course
- Side by side on the oval
- Victory lane
- The #05 on the oval
- Podium at White Mountain
- Road course pack
Our history
Three decades of Legends racing
How NELCAR grew from a few cars in Maine to a New England staple.
1994
New England Legends
NELCAR, Inc. started as New England Legends, led by Gary Dunphy, the sole dealer for the southern cars in the north. The group toured Maine with exhibition shows to build interest in the "cute little cars."
1997
MALCAR
Peter Prescott, owner of E.J. Prescott, took over the series, now drawing drivers from all over New England, and renamed it MALCAR. Races ran from Speedway 95 in Bangor, ME to the Waterford Speedbowl in Connecticut.
1999
NELCAR, Inc. is formed
The drivers took over the series. Its top drivers formed the first Board of Directors, including past champions Doug Coombs and Ed Chapman, with Jerry Major as race director, announcer and organizer.
Thursday Thunder
Packed stands at Beech Ridge
The 10-week Thursday Thunder summer series at Beech Ridge Motor Speedway showed how popular the cars had become: 20 laps or 15 minutes, whichever came first.
2000
Growing across New England
John Gibbs of Livermore, ME took over the Maine dealership, and the tour reached into northern New Hampshire, hosting national qualifying races for the region.
2010
First race at New Hampshire Motor Speedway
The tour raced the quarter-mile in turns one and two on the morning of the September Sprint Cup race. Anthony Flannery became the first winner of the event.
Today
Run by GO Motorsports Shop
Drivers still compete hard on track and meet up for pit parties and dinner after. The GO Motorsports Shop team runs the series from Buxton, Maine.
Get started in Legends car racing
New to Legends cars? The basics of joining the New England Legends Car Tour.
Who can race with NELCAR?
NELCAR welcomes new and experienced drivers of all ages who meet INEX and track requirements. Many come from karting, street stocks, motorcycles or other short-track classes, and plenty start with little or no racing experience.
How do I get started?
Come to a NELCAR event as a spectator: it's a great way to meet drivers, and most will let you sit in their cars. Or call or visit GO Motorsports Shop, who run the series: (207) 298-9438, 1126 Long Plains Rd, Buxton, Maine.
How much does it cost?
A brand-new Legends car costs roughly $20,000, more with setup help and optional parts. Used cars range from about $5,000 to $20,000 and up, depending on condition and spares. Oval race days can be relatively inexpensive: you need an INEX membership and a pit pass.
Do I need a license?
You don't need a driver's license, but you do need an INEX membership. Review the current INEX rulebook and NELCAR rules before you compete, and ask your dealer if you're unsure about safety gear, tech inspection or class eligibility.
What safety equipment do I need?
Expect an approved helmet, racing suit, gloves, shoes and a head-and-neck restraint, plus a correctly installed seat and belts. Exact requirements follow current INEX and track rules, so check the latest before you buy gear.
Where can I get help or parts?
GO Motorsports Shop in Buxton, Maine is the largest distributor of Legends car parts in the world and is at the track with parts and advice at every event. If you're not close by, we'll help you find a dealer or team near you.
Rules and technical resources
Racing NELCAR means running to INEX rules plus the series' own. Read them before you buy gear or head to tech.
Series sponsors