2000s in motorsport

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.

North America

Dodge replaces Pontiac in NASCAR as General Motors discontinues the brand. The Dodge Avenger is the vehicle of choice for the new brand.
NASCAR severs ties with R.J. Reynolds after decades of sponsorship
The United States Grand Prix returns in 2001 after almost a decade, being held at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway road course. It is held there until 2007, after which it is dropped again.
The Canadian Grand Prix is dropped in 2008 after 20 years. It returns 2 years later.
Watkins Glen International returns to the IndyCar Series for the first time since 1981. It is dropped in 2011, revived in 2016, and then dropped again in 2018.
Sonoma Raceway becomes a regular on the IndyCar schedule. It will last until 2018, after which it is dropped in favor of WeatherTech Raceway Laguna Seca.
The Chevrolet Camaro is discontinued in 2002. It will not return for eight years.
The Dodge Challenger returns in 2008 based on the original model from the sixties.
IMSA first holds an event at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve
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 Mercury Cougar is discontinued after over 30 years
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.
The IndyCar Series drops all tobacco advertising

Europe

The French Grand Prix is dropped in 2008 after over 50 years. It does not return until 2018.
The Austrian Grand Prix is dropped in 2003. It does not return until 2014.
The San Marino Grand Prix is dropped in 2006 after over 20 years. Imola Circuit will return to the calendar in 2020 in the form of the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
The Bahrain Grand Prix debuts in 2004
Kinetic Energy Recovery System is introduced in Formula One
Bentley returns to the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003, winning for the first time since 1930 using a thinly-disguised Audi R8.
The FIA bans the use of tobacco advertising from F1
Debut of Formula One champion Fernando Alonso

Asia

The Chinese Grand Prix debuts in 2004
The Singapore Grand Prix debuts in 2008
The Acura NSX is discontinued in 2005. It does not return for over 10 years.

Middle East

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix debuts in 2009
The Turkish Grand Prix debuts 2005

References

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