1976/77 Gilles Villeneuve Players Challenge Championship Formula Atlantic Trophy

1976/77 Gilles Villeneuve Players Challenge Championship Formula Atlantic Trophy

Formula Atlantic is a motor racing class for single-seat formula cars with engines not exceeding 1600cc in capacity. Before 1974 and prior to the Formula Atlantic category, this 1600cc class was formerly know as Formula B. Races for Formula B were held in the United States from 1965 up to 1972.

The first professional races held under Formula Atlantic rules in North America took place in 1974, organized by the Canadian Automobile Sport Clubs (CASC). These events attracted significant attention and large fields, thanks in part to national television coverage in Canada.

In 1976, the International Motor Sports Association (IMSA) capitalized on the growing number of teams by launching its own Formula Atlantic series in the United States. Gilles Villeneuve went on to dominate both the Canadian and U.S. Formula Atlantic series during the 1976 and 1977 seasons.

This trophy was awarded to the Players CASC Canadian Formula Atlantic/Formula B Series Champion for the years 1971 to 1977. The silver plated 'Punch Bowl' style trophy has a floral design stamped around the bowl. It is mounted on a round hard wood base that sits on a larger black painted wooden base which has the trophy’s title ‘Players Trophey Challenge’ engraved plaque plaque attached. Encircling the black base are oval plaques engraved with the names of the winning drivers and the years they won. The trophy measures approximately 12.5 inches (32 cm) in overall height, with a bowl diameter of 10 inches (26 cm), and weighs around 12 lbs (5.4 kg).

Previous winners of the trophy include:

• 1971: Jacques Couture – Renowned as the racing instructor who mentored a young Gilles Villeneuve.

• 1972: Brian Robertson – Champion of both the Ontario Region and Canadian Formula Vee championships.

• 1973, 1974, 1975: Bill Brack – A three-time winner who also made three Formula 1 Grand Prix starts, driving for the Lotus and BRM teams.

• 1976 & 1977: Gilles Villeneuve – Of course, the final winner of the trophy, before moving on to international stardom.

After starting his professional career in snowmobile racing and having a season in Formula Ford, Villeneuve progressed to Formula Atlantic, competing there for four years, running his own car for the first season. Villeneuve claimed his first Atlantic victory in 1975 at Gimli Motorsport Park, racing in heavy rain. In 1976, he joined Chris Harrison's Ecurie Canada team and dominated the season—winning all but one race and securing both the U.S. and Canadian titles. He repeated this feat in 1977, once again taking both championships. His success led to a Formula 1 opportunity with the Yardley McLaren team at the 1977 British Grand Prix. Later that year, he was signed by reigning F1 world champions team, Ferrari. From 1978 until his untimely death in 1982, Villeneuve raced exclusively for the Maranello team. Villeneuve was extremely popular with fans and had widespread acclaim for his performances. He has since become an iconic figure in the history of the sport.

You can read Gordon Kirby’s story, the Canadian auto racing journalist, about Gilles Villeneuve’s final 1977 Formula Atlantic race here.

https://www.gordonkirby.com/categories/columns/theway/2009/the_way_it_is_no212.html

This incredible trophy comes with a Certificate of Authenticity.