In auto racing, an Independent's Trophy is awarded to a team that does not have a major manufacturer support. These teams are sometimes also known as privateer or part-time teams, although in many cases they attempt to run every race on the schedule. Originating in the first incarnation of Eurocup in the late 1980's, it has since spread to other racing series.
WSCC[edit | edit source]
The Jack Parsons Independent's Trophy is awarded to the driver who places highest in the Independent's standings at the end of the season. The points system and eligibility have undergone several changes throughout the seasons, many of them due to sponsor concerns.
The World Stock Car Championship is the highest form of stock car racing that currently offers an Independent's Trophy. The series defines eligibility for the Independent's Trophy as "a team without direct support of a major manufacturer; or a team without a permanent grid spot." Thus, teams such as Lada Sport WSCC are eligible despite being a fully-backed factory effort.
Conception[edit | edit source]
The Independent's Trophy was conceived as part of the resolution of the 1995-1996 WSCTA-WSCA Dispute; it was created as a concession to the teams that were not a part of the WSCTA.