Historic Endurance Breaks Entry Record with 82 Cars at the Algarve Classic Festival

In its 14th season, the Iberian Historic Endurance will set a new participation record this weekend, with 82 cars on the grid for the Algarve Classic Festival at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve, from 30 October to 1 November.

The figures speak for themselves: 129 drivers from 20 different nationalities will take to the track in 82 charismatic historic racing cars, representing 52 distinct models, to write another chapter in the success story of this series promoted and organised by Race Ready, which remains true to its three Cs philosophy: no Crashing, no Cheating, no Complaining.

The overwhelming interest in Portimão in the leading Iberian series for historic touring cars and GTs built before 1976 has required a solution to accommodate all the teams entered. As a result, the field will be split into two races: Historic Endurance 1 (HE1), featuring the Gentleman Driver Spirit (GDS) and H-1965 categories, and Historic Endurance 2 (HE2), reserved for the 1965 GTP & SC, H-1971 and H-1976 categories.

With 51 teams entered, the HE1 grid stands out for its strong international presence, including an impressive 28 British entries. The most numerous models are the 12 Minis and 10 Lotus Elans, contributing to a field that promises variety and close competition, with thrilling racing and plenty of position changes expected.

This edition will be particularly significant for the Gentleman Driver Spirit (GDS) class, which has attracted 25 entries, setting a new participation record of its own. Celebrating the authentic spirit of historic racing, the category champions the participation of less flamboyant, smaller-engined cars. Alongside the aforementioned Minis, the field includes MGBs, Lotus Cortinas and Elites, Porsche 911 SWBs, an Alfa Romeo Giulia and a Datsun 1200. Very different machines, but each playing an important role in enriching the diversity of the grid.

The ever-popular H-1965 category, meanwhile, will feature 24 entries. Fans of high-powered machinery and some of the most iconic cars in motorsport history will be treated to models such as the Shelby Cobra and Ford Mustang, alongside a trio of elegant Jaguar E-Types. Yet the diversity of the field extends well beyond the most celebrated names: an Iso Grifo A3/C and a Ginetta G4R, prepared with great care and meticulous attention to detail, are also set to attract attention. These lesser-known models have plenty to offer in terms of performance.

The HE2 grid will feature a stronger Portuguese presence, with 17 domestic entries among the 31 competing teams. H-1971 is the largest category, with 14 cars, followed by H-1976 with nine. Among the standout models in H-1971 are the Alfa Romeo GTAm and Porsche 911 2.5 ST, each representing a different chapter in the history of touring car racing.

This grid will also feature some of the most spectacular cars in Historic Endurance, particularly in the GTP category, where competitors will be aiming to challenge for the leading positions. Legendary machines such as the Ford GT40, Merlyn MK4 and Ginetta G10 will be among them, alongside genuine rarities such as the MG Lenham Coupé.

As is tradition in Historic Endurance, the winner of the HE1 grid’s Performance Index will receive an exclusive timepiece from prestigious Swiss watchmaker Cuervo y Sobrinos, a partner of the series. More than a prize for excellence, this fine watch celebrates the connection between mechanical precision and timeless elegance — values that unite the world of luxury watchmaking and historic motorsport.

The Index of Performance does not necessarily reward the driver who crosses the finish line first, but rather the one who makes the best use of their car’s potential, taking into account factors such as age, engine capacity and each machine’s technical characteristics. This classification rewards efficiency behind the wheel and highlights how, in the spirit of historic racing, excellence is measured not solely by outright speed, but also by the ability to exceed expectations relative to each car’s capabilities.

Diogo Ferrão, CEO of Race Ready, said: “Year after year, we have been welcoming more and more entries from an ever-growing number of countries. Our approach to racing, with a more relaxed atmosphere and no championships or points-based standings, fits perfectly with what drivers of truly historic cars are looking for: to take their cherished machines out of the garage a few times a year and enjoy driving alongside fellow competitors who share the same philosophy.

“As the years go by, it naturally becomes harder to break our own records, particularly when the previous benchmark already stood at 76 entries. In 2026, we have managed to bring together 82 teams, but beyond the numbers, I would particularly like to highlight the quality of the cars taking part. It will be a unique occasion, undoubtedly filled with pure automotive magic for everyone attending. I can’t wait for the first race to get underway!”

With qualifying sessions scheduled for Friday, the weekend’s four races will each run for 50 minutes, with a mandatory pit stop. Each of the two grids will contest one race on Saturday and another on Sunday.

How to Watch the Races

All the action will be streamed live on the Race Ready YouTube channel, with coverage on Saturday afternoon and throughout the day on Sunday.

It promises to be a fantastic journey back in time for spectators, with a visit to the magnificent Portimão circuit offering a nostalgic atmosphere and the unmistakable sound of classic racing cars.

Admission is free for children and young people aged between 3 and 16. Tickets are available from the event’s official website, Algarveclassicfestival.org, with several options to choose from. The ‘Main Grandstand’ ticket provides access exclusively to the main grandstand; the ‘Paddock’ ticket includes access to both the paddock and the main grandstand; while the ‘VIP Tower’ ticket grants access to the VIP Tower, the paddock and the main grandstand.