Phil Cooper, founder of the immensely popular Legends Cars Championship, has announced an emotional retirement from motorsport – with two-time Legends Cars Champion Will Gibson taking full ownership and control of the category.

Confirming the news at last night’s Legends Cars Championship Awards, at the Hilton East Midlands Airport, Cooper announced the coming season will be something of a ‘farewell tour’ for him as he passes the baton and works alongside new series owner Gibson during the 13-round campaign.

Gibson, of course, took over the role of Commercial Director from Simon Belcher in October and, as Cooper’s 80th birthday approaches, Gibson has now acquired full ownership of the national Legends Cars category as a new chapter opens.

Truly a legendary figure within motorsport for over three decades, Cooper first introduced UK race fans to the unmistakable pocket rockets – which are based on 5/8 scale versions of 1930s American cars from the likes of Ford, Dodge and Chevrolet – in 1994, with its first full season following in 1996.

Since that time, the former music industry mogul has guided Legends Cars to become one of the most popular forms of motor racing in the country with fans and competitors alike. In recent years, of course, the Legends Cars Elite Cup was inaugurated as part of the overall championship. This brought Legends action to a whole new audience with races on ITV4 as part of BTCC weekends.

With the newly announced acquisition by Gibson, the future of the Legends Cars Championship is assured with the racer-turned-owner planning some exciting developments as he seeks to build on the 30-plus year history of the category. Indeed, an attractive prize package for the top three finishers in the overall standings and the Masters Cup class was announced less than two weeks ago.

Having been involved with Legends Cars racing himself for over a decade, Gibson – who won the overall title back-to-back in 2023 and 2024 – has been a passionate supporter of the championship throughout and is determined to continue the series’ growth and development in its new era. Just as importantly, he is keen to pay tribute to Cooper’s stewardship of Legends since founding the series.

Will Gibson – Legends Cars Championship Owner:
“It has been a true honour to be asked to take over full control and ownership of the Legends Cars Championship. As a boy I watched the very first Legends Cars race here in the UK and instantly fell in love with the series. I have had an incredible time racing them and to be approached about taking over the ownership has been a dream come true.

“I look forward to working closely with Phil [Cooper] during the 2026 season, learning what a series owner has to do and trying to take some of his 30-plus years of experience into the future. Phil has done an incredible job during his time as owner, promoter and importer and to still have the passion for Legends Cars all these years on is something I hope I can have.

“From myself, and I’m sure I can speak for everyone involved in the championship, we wish Phil all the very best and also say a massive thank you for bringing this amazing series over to the UK. If it wasn’t for Phil, we simply wouldn’t have Legends Cars in the UK at all.”

Phil Cooper – Legends Cars Championship Founder:
“When I first brought Legends Cars to the UK it was intended as a five-year plan…and here I am, over 30 years later, still amazed by how far the series has come. It has been an incredible journey, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve built together.

“I want to thank Simon Belcher for his support in helping run the championship over recent years, and our trusty photographer George McNeill for his hard work behind the camera – the series wouldn’t be where it is today without them.

“I couldn’t be more delighted that Will [Gibson] is taking ownership of Legends Cars. He knows the championship inside-out, not just as a double Champion but as someone who genuinely cares about its future. I look forward to working alongside him during the 2026 season as part of this transition, and I would like to thank everyone – drivers, teams, officials, partners and fans – for supporting Legends Cars over the years. It’s been an extraordinary journey.”

2026 Legends Cars Championship Calendar
Rds1&2 – 4/5 April – Silverstone National Circuit
Rds3&4 – 18/19 April – Donington Park National Circuit (BTCC – Elite Cup)
Rds5&6 – 2/3 May – Brands Hatch Grand Prix Circuit (Elite Cup)
Rd7&8 – 6/7 June – Brands Hatch Indy Circuit (American Speedfest)
Rds9&10 – 25/26 July – Snetterton 300 Circuit (USA Snetterton 300 – Elite Cup)
Rd11 – 22 August – Oulton Park International (US Autoshow)
Rds12/13 – 26/27 September – Donington Park Grand Prix Circuit