From Nascar and Formula 1 to rally and drag racing, the world of motorsport is truly one of the most entertaining elements that can be found within the history of cars. This makes a ton of sense, as this is where we see the fastest of vehicles compete against one another with the best of the world's technology under their skin. Racing has blossomed over the years, and it only is going to improve in quality with the advancements that we are currently seeing with our cars. However, one intriguing element of racing that always occurs is the fact that cars always seem to get too advanced for their own goods, outclassing their opponents in unfair ways that seem to border on cheating.

With all that has been stated thus far, we will be looking at 20 strange race cars that got banned. It is extremely important to note that these vehicles will be coming from a wide variety of decades. Many different car manufacturers will be discussed, as it appears that just about every single one has had a vehicle that has been banned from racing competition. At the end of the day, the reasons that will be discussed definitely vary. However, it is clear that the racing world felt that these cars simply had far too much of an advantage compared to others. Although it was hard to see cars like these go, it honestly was the right call for the sport.

Now, let's look at these banned cars!

20 1968 Lotus 56

via RM Sotherby's

The 1968 Lotus 56 was a race car that was, without a doubt, built for speed. Legendary racer Graham Hill was the lucky guy who got to use it during competition. However, it is important to note that Hill would actually total it, so he would not win during his run with it.

However, in its one viewing to the public, it became clear that it simply was far too fast for competition. With that being stated, it would quickly be banned from professional racing. It is truly a shame, as this vehicle was one of the coolest race cars of this legendary decade.

19 Chaparral 2E

via Ultimate Car Page

The Chaparral 2E was a very cool and unique race car. This is what would make so many people intrigued by it when it first came out to the public. However, it became known rather quickly that this car could get an unfair advantage when racing because of its unique shape and that enormous wing.

Due to this clear fact, this vehicle would end up being banned, and that truly is a shame. It would have been cool to see this vehicle in the race circuit, as there truly was not another car that was like it. However, it was justifiable for it to be banned, as it clearly was unfair for other racers.

18 1973 Porsche 917/30

via Hemmings Motor News

The 1973 Porsche 917/30 was definitely another strange race car, but it also was beloved. This is largely because of the fact that it had a very original style, while also having the ability to reach insanely high speeds with ease. This is due to its extremely powerful engine.

However, as time would pass by, this vehicle would end up being banned because of the fact that it outclassed race cars too severely. Its turbocharged version would end up being banned, as well, so it ultimately was forced out of competition entirely. It's truly a shame that this occurred, as it was such a cool car.

17 2001 BMW M3 GTR

via BMW Blog

The 2001 BMW MC GTR definitely would go on to receive a ton of attention when it first hit the racing circuit. This made a lot of sense, as this car manufacturer has been known for making high-quality vehicles throughout the entirety of their long history.

However, this vehicle would end up being banned because of the clear fact that its engine was far too powerful. This definitely was a bit disappointing, as this car was extremely fun to watch. At the end of the day, it definitely is a vehicle that could have done so much more damage than it actually did.

16 Dauer Porsche 962

via Supercars.net

The Dauer Porsche 962 had a period of time in which they were at the top of the racing world. This ultimately should not come as a surprise to anyone, as the car manufacturer has always been known for having an immense amount of success when it came to the speed of their cars.

However, what would end up getting this car banned was the fact that its fuel tank capacity was far bigger than the rest of the racing world. This, of course, was far too much of an advantage given to it. With the racing circuit aiming to be fair to all vehicles involved, it was justifiable for them to ban this car entirely.

15 1967 Penske Chevrolet Camaro Z/28

via Hemmings Motor News

The 1967 Penske Chevrolet Camaro Z/28 was driven by the famous race car driver, Mark Neary Donahue. He is easily one of the most popular names to have ever been entered into this sport. A big reason behind this is the fact that he always found a way to break rules in a subtle way.

However, with his Camaro, it had become known by the automobile world that he managed to make its body far lighter by dipping it in acid. This would end up making it reach blistering speeds. However, it would end up being permanently banned, and it deserved to be.

14 1992 Williams FW14B

via Wikipedia

Nigel Williams was the lucky racer who was able to drive the absolutely beautiful 1992 Williams FW14B. This vehicle was actually one of the smartest cars of its time, as it had the ability to prepare for surface changes on the racetrack. However, this would actually end up making it get banned.

The primary issue that would come from this is the simple fact that it cost a ton of money for this car to actually be made. It also had an unfair advantage compared to other cars with the fact that it was far faster thanks to its being able to adapt to the road.

13 1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R Group A

via Wikipedia

The 1992 Nissan Skyline GT-R Group A car was easily one of the best sports cars of its era. There is no question that the car manufacturer effectively made it far quicker than the rest of its competition. This is largely due to the fact that it had an extremely powerful engine that would always get the job done—including 49 straight wins between 1968 and 1972 in Japan.

However, as time would pass by, it would sadly end up being banned from racing. This definitely was a bit depressing, as so many individuals had grown to love it immensely. The reason for this was the fact that it was just too good and both Group A and JTCC felt that it simply had far too great of an advantage compared to other cars.

12 1969 Dodge Daytona

via Hot Rod Network

The 1969 Dodge Daytona is one of the most popular vehicles to have ever come from this legendary car manufacturer. This is a major reason why so many car collectors are desperate to add this masterpiece to their collections. However, the racing world did not get to see it for too long.

For a car from the 1960s, it is absolutely amazing that it had the ability to reach speeds as high as it did. In fact, it hit over 200 miles per hour with ease. This is why it would end up being banned from professional racing, as its aerodynamics made it simply far too fast compared to the cars of its time period.

11 Smokey Yunick's 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle

via Hot Rod Network

Smokey Yunick is one of the most recognizable racers in the history of the sport. This is because he went on to have an immense amount of success during his career. He was an extremely intelligent individual, as well, as he certainly knew how to make his vehicles faster.

For his 1967 Chevrolet Chevelle, Yunick modified it extensively, in such a manner that allowed it to reach far higher speeds. However, it would end up being banned because they felt that the modifications were not entirely fair. It would have been cool to see this car last longer, but it just was not meant to be.

10 1997 Chevrolet "T-Rex" Monte Carlo

via Wikimedia Commons

Without question, the Chevrolet Monte Carlo series is one of the most important to have ever been bestowed to the automobile world. Although it would have a very underwhelming finish, it still would leave a lasting impact on the racing world for a number of years.

The 1997 Chevrolet "T-Rex" Monte Carlo is just one primary example of this. This vehicle would end up doing an exceptional job during its time in the racing scene. However, due to the stylistic choice its creator made, it would end up being banned far too prematurely. It was an incredibly obscure decision to ban this one and it deserves a bit of criticism.

9 1978 Brabham BT46B

via WhichCar

The 1978 Brabham BT46B had a short-lived tenure in racing, but it definitely was dominant during it. This is largely because of the fact that it had the ability to turn extremely well because of the manner in which it was structured.

Given the clear advantage that this vehicle would end up having, other racers would constantly complain about how unfair it was. This would result in this glorious vehicle being banned from competitive racing. It truly could have had a longer tenure, but alas, it simply was too unfair for the rest of the racing world. Its impact lived on, however.

8 IMSA Consulier GTP

via Road and Track

The IMSA Consulier GTP is one of the most dominating race cars in the history of the automobile world. It would have an immense amount of success during its time in the racing circuit, but this would end up resulting in it being banned from racing a few years after its release.

It definitely was a bit disappointing to see this car go, as it honestly could have continued to have a lot of success. However, what is even more devastating is the fact that this is easily one of the most forgotten sports cars of all time. That is a shame, as for a short time period, it was in elite company with its immense amount of accolades.

7 1997 Tyrrell 025

via WordPress

The 1997 Tyrrell 025 is definitely a car that was beloved for its technological advancements. For a race car from the 1990s, it is clear that the manufacturer worked extremely hard on making it fit in with what modern cars of that time were expected to possess—and then some.

However, this car would end up having major flaws in the manner in which it drove. Of course, this would naturally result in it being banned. This is quite understandable, as it had a very hard time turning correctly in racing settings. At the end of the day, this truly was the best decision for everyone involved.

6 1984 Chevrolet C4 Corvette

via Hagety

The Chevrolet Corvette series is definitely one that is known for its blistering speeds. This definitely was the case when it came to their 1984 C4 Corvette as well. Due to this clear fact, it would end up being beloved by all car enthusiasts and especially by racers.

This would result in the C4 absolutely dominating the racing circuit during its time on it. However, it became known that it was far too ahead of its competition, so it would end up being banned a few years after its release. It was definitely a hard hit, but at the end of the day, it made sense to give other cars a chance.

5 1970 Plymouth Superbird

via HistoryGarage

The 1970 Plymouth Superbird was an absolutely beautiful race car. Although it had an amazing appearance that would draw a crowd, it should be noted that its speed was its best attribute. This is exactly why it would go on to have so much success on the racing circuit.

However, after a long period of time in which it dominated, it would end up being banned. A major contributing factor behind this occurrence was that it possessed far too much aerodynamic efficiency, like the similarly-styled Charger Daytona. It definitely was tough to see this vehicle go, but there was honestly no other option. It had to go.

4 1988 Toyota Celica GT-Four

via Toyota

The 1988 Toyota Celica GT-Four is one of the most recognizable vehicles to have ever been a part of the racing world. This honestly makes sense, as this series would dominate for a long period of time. However, this car would end up being banned for not following the new rules of racing.

This vehicle naturally possessed a turbocharger, as it was a sports car. However, they found a way to limit the role of their restriction plates, one of the most famous cheats ever in the history of motorsport. This fact would soon become known by the vast difference in speed it had compared to other cars. This would end up making this spectacular vehicle banned, and although it was hard to see, it was understandable.

3 1970 Chaparral 2J

via Reddit

In terms of overall originality, it is quite clear that no sports car fit this description better than the 1970 Chaparral 2J. This vehicle had a futuristic style, but it also was built in such a strange manner. I mean, it had a suction system basically powered by two fans that enabled it to stick to the ground like glue.

However, due to the fact that its impact on the racetrack was far too damaging by the way it was programmed, this vehicle would quickly be banned from racing. However, even though this understandably occurred, it is clear that this is a car that we must respect for how weird it was.

2 Lancia Delta S4

via Wikipedia

Many drivers would go on to love the look of the Lancia Delta S4. This should not come as much of a surprise, as it was a truly unique sports car. It had the ability to reach blistering speeds, as well, so it seemed to be the full package.

However, this vehicle would end up being banned from racing because of the clear fact that it did not follow safety rules in the slightest. During the era, the entire rally racing world was changing, and the Delta S4 was simply deemed too powerful. Although a cool car, anyone was testing fate while driving it.

1 Dodge Challenger Demon

via Hennessey Performance

The Dodge Challenger Demon is one of the most popular modern cars on the primary market. This should not come as a surprise, as it is truly built for speed and is also structured in a very effective fashion. This is why it should continue to be quite successful for years to come.

However, in terms of its place in the racing world—and despite the fact that it is a factory vehicle—it has been announced that it is permanently banned. The reason for this is the fact that it simply is far too fast compared to other cars and lacks the requisite safety measures. Its ability to reach blistering speeds at a fast rate completely dominates the rest of its competition, so banning it does make sense at the end of the day.

Sources: Jalopnik, Hagerty, and Wikipedia.