The series solely races on dirt ovals across California but in past raced on pavement ovals as well. Subsequent national champions were determined by a single "national championship race" held at various locations. The powerplants currently used are 4-cylinder production-based engines with stock internal dimensions to save costs for competitors. For many it was their first regatta and all 16 competitors tried their very best and should be proud of their achievements. Also unpopular were the attempts of USAC to keep the aging Offenhauser engine competitive with the newer, and much more expensive, Cosworth DFV engine using boost-limiting "pop off valves" and limiting the amount of fuel that could be used.

This format was used until

United States Auto Club

The powerplants currently used are 4-cylinder production-based engines with stock internal dimensions to save costs for competitors. The winner of the Indianapolis would be the de facto Gold Crown champion, as it was the lone points-paying event. The "triple crown" is earned in USAC racing when a driver claims all three national championships silver crown, sprint car, and midget car. World Sports Racing Prototypes. Retrieved on August 19, The inaugural championship,was decided by a two-race series one dirt, one pavement. The points format counts the 12 best races at USAC sanctioned tracks.