1977 Lola T333

The Canadian-American Challenge Cup, or Can-Am, began in 1966 and continued to 1987 (however, it did not run in 1975 or 1976). Initially sponsored by Johnson Wax, the SCCA/CASC sports car racing series began as a racing series for group 7 sports racers. Two races were held in Canada (Can) and four races were in the United States of America (AM). Using the FIA group 7 category as a bases for the rules, this allowed unrestricted engine capacity and very few other technical restrictions. Turbochargers and superchargers were allowed and virtually unrestricted aerodynamics. The rules did state that the car must have two seats, bodywork enclosing the wheels, and basic safety standards.

As the series progress, so did the designs and technology. Horsepower rating far exceeding 1,000 bhp was not uncommon. Initially, the series was dominated by Lola, then by the 'Bruce and Denny show - the works McLaren team - and then the nearly unbeatable Porsche 917. When Porsche withdrew, the void was filled by Shadow which dominated the last seas before the end of the Can-Am Series, when it was replaced by Formula 5000.

When the series was relaunched in 1977, it had the same name 'CanAm' but it was unlike the previous series which had come to an end in 1974. The only new car for 1977 was the Schkee and the Lola T332 CS. The Schkee was a Lola 'Special' with an almost fully enclosed bodywork and based on the ex-Gordon Johncock F5000 T332 chassis. It was called the 'Schkee' because it had been developed by Doug Schulz and Bob McKee.

Under the guidance of Carl Haas, the successful F5000 Lola T332 was modified to satisfy racing regulations. It was modified into a center seat Can Am car with bodywork that covered the wheels. The T-333CS could be purchased as a kit for privateers to convert their T-332 into the T-333CS, or it could be purchased from Lola.

The opening race at St. Jovite was won by Tom Klausler driving the Chevrolet-powered Schkee. The Carl A. Haas Racing Team and driver Patrick Tambay would win 6 of the 9 events. The dominance continued into 1978 and 1979, with Alan Jones winning the championship in 1978 followed by Jacky Ickx in 1979.

by Daniel Vaughan | Apr 2019