The new millennium saw many changes for motorsport. Not only were there technological developments, but also historic ones like NASCAR's severing of ties with the tobacco industry.
The
Pontiac GTO returns based on the
Holden Monaro. Due to bland styling and Pontiac's decreasing sales, the model is discontinued after only four years. During its run, it is used in the
Rolex Sports Car Series and Grand Am Cup Series. The latter is now known as the
Michelin Pilot Challenge.
The
Mercury Cougar is discontinued after over thirty years. Due to the brand's discontinuation, the model does not see a return
The
Pontiac Firebird is discontinued in 2002 alongside the Camaro. Due to the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand, the Firebird does not see a return.
The
Ford GT is introduced based on the
Ford GT40, albeit as a grand tourer rather than a prototype. Unlike the GT40, the GT is not dominant in motorsport.
After NASCAR legend
Dale Earnhardt's horrific fatal death, NASCAR introduces the
Car of Tomorrow in an attempt to develop a safer vehicle. This begins an era of NASCAR vehicles becoming more stock, today akin to grand tourers.
Debut of IndyCar legend
Danica Patrick. Over the years she has tried to become the first woman to win the
Indianapolis 500, but without success. Due to the attention gained by her attempts, she is added to a version of
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing.
The
Detroit Grand Prix is dropped in 2001 after twenty years. It is revived in 2007 after six years. It is held until 2009. It is revived again three years later at
Belle Isle as a doubleheader. It remained there until 2023 when it moved to a new circuit in downtown Detroit.
Debut of IndyCar star
Dan Wheldon. He would compete until his death at
Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2011. This resulted in the introduction of the introduction of the
HANS device
Scott Speed becomes the first American F1 driver since
Michael Andretti, joining in 2006. His career is shortlived, ending in 2007. He goes on to compete in IndyCar and NASCAR among other series.
Audi dominates for many years in endurance racing due to its
diesel engines and pit strategies. Their streak ends in 2015 when
Porsche Racing begins their dynasty and the FIA makes several rule changes.
The new millennium saw many changes for motorsport. Not only were there technological developments, but also historic ones like NASCAR's severing of ties with the tobacco industry.
The
Pontiac GTO returns based on the
Holden Monaro. Due to bland styling and Pontiac's decreasing sales, the model is discontinued after only four years. During its run, it is used in the
Rolex Sports Car Series and Grand Am Cup Series. The latter is now known as the
Michelin Pilot Challenge.
The
Mercury Cougar is discontinued after over thirty years. Due to the brand's discontinuation, the model does not see a return
The
Pontiac Firebird is discontinued in 2002 alongside the Camaro. Due to the discontinuation of the Pontiac brand, the Firebird does not see a return.
The
Ford GT is introduced based on the
Ford GT40, albeit as a grand tourer rather than a prototype. Unlike the GT40, the GT is not dominant in motorsport.
After NASCAR legend
Dale Earnhardt's horrific fatal death, NASCAR introduces the
Car of Tomorrow in an attempt to develop a safer vehicle. This begins an era of NASCAR vehicles becoming more stock, today akin to grand tourers.
Debut of IndyCar legend
Danica Patrick. Over the years she has tried to become the first woman to win the
Indianapolis 500, but without success. Due to the attention gained by her attempts, she is added to a version of
Sonic & Sega All-Stars Racing.
The
Detroit Grand Prix is dropped in 2001 after twenty years. It is revived in 2007 after six years. It is held until 2009. It is revived again three years later at
Belle Isle as a doubleheader. It remained there until 2023 when it moved to a new circuit in downtown Detroit.
Debut of IndyCar star
Dan Wheldon. He would compete until his death at
Las Vegas Motor Speedway in 2011. This resulted in the introduction of the introduction of the
HANS device
Scott Speed becomes the first American F1 driver since
Michael Andretti, joining in 2006. His career is shortlived, ending in 2007. He goes on to compete in IndyCar and NASCAR among other series.
Audi dominates for many years in endurance racing due to its
diesel engines and pit strategies. Their streak ends in 2015 when
Porsche Racing begins their dynasty and the FIA makes several rule changes.