300 km Algarve Sports Car Returns for Second Edition at Algarve Classic Festival

For the second consecutive year, Race Ready will organise the 300 km Algarve Sports Car, which will once again form part of the Algarve Classic Festival programme, taking place from 30 October to 1 November 2026 at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve.

Following the success of the inaugural edition, which produced a dramatic finish as the lead changed hands with just two laps remaining in the long-distance race, the event returns with the aim of celebrating one of the most significant eras in both Portuguese and international motorsport. This year’s edition pays tribute to the late 1960s and early 1970s, with a spectacular grid of prototypes and GT cars that made history, including on circuits in Portugal and its former overseas territories, and which continue to inspire generations of enthusiasts.

On a weekend when the unmistakable sound of classic racing engines will once again echo around the imposing Portimão circuit, the headline race promises a combination of spectacle, competitiveness and nostalgia. Run over 120 minutes, or 300 kilometres, the race will feature mandatory pit stops for refuelling and driver changes and will be open to prototypes built between 1963 and 1972, as well as GT models produced between 1966 and 1980.

As in 2025, a strong-quality grid is expected, bringing together some of the most iconic cars in the history of motorsport. Eligible models include the Ford GT40, Lola T70 and Chevron B16 and B19, alongside some of the most renowned GT cars, such as the Porsche 911 RSR and BMW M1.

The 2025 edition was won by British drivers John Emberson and James Bellinger at the wheel of a Chevron B19, beating João Macedo Silva and José Monroy in a Lola T70 Mk3 Coupé. Third overall went to Joel Hopwood and Nigel Greensall in a Chevron B8, with the pairing also taking victory in the H-1969 class.

For Diogo Ferrão, CEO of Race Ready, this represents a long-term strategic commitment. “When we decided to renew our partnership with the Algarve International Circuit to co-organise and promote the Algarve Classic Festival, we felt it made perfect sense to bring back a major endurance race dedicated to historic prototypes and GTs – the only event of its kind in Europe. The first edition confirmed the potential of the race and strengthened our belief that the 300 km Algarve Sports Car has everything it takes to become a benchmark in the European historic racing scene, providing an unforgettable end-of-season event before the usual winter break.”

Scheduled for late afternoon on Saturday, 31 October, the race will finish after sunset, creating an unforgettable spectacle as the classic cars take to the track illuminated only by their headlights, recreating the unique atmosphere of the great endurance races of a bygone era.