Triple Crown of Motorsport
Quick Answer
The Triple Crown of Motorsport is an unofficial title for drivers who have won three of the world's most prestigious motor races: the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Monaco Grand Prix. Graham Hill is the only driver to have achieved this remarkable feat.
- Only one driver (Graham Hill) has won all three races
- The Monaco GP and Indianapolis 500 have been held on the same day since 1987
The Triple Crown is an unofficial title for drivers who have won three of the world's most prestigious motor races throughout their motor racing career. Those three events are the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Monaco Grand Prix.
"The Triple Crown represents the ultimate achievement in motorsport, requiring mastery across three completely different racing disciplines: oval racing, street circuit Grand Prix racing, and endurance sports car racing."— Robert J. Wood, PhD, Founder of Topend Sports
The FIA World Championship of Drivers, equivalent to today's Formula One, once included the Monaco and Indianapolis events in the World Championship Series. However, in 1961, the Indianapolis was dropped. In 1987, the Monaco race was moved forward two weeks later than usual. These events caused the Indianapolis and the Monaco race to be held on the same day.
Other racing events have their own versions of triple crowns. In endurance racing there is the Le Mans, 24 Hours of Daytona and the 12 Hours of Sebring. In IndyCar racing the Triple Crown consists of the Indianapolis 500, the Pocono 500, and the California 500.
We have created a list of drivers who have won two of the three events required to win the Triple Crown below:
💡 Pro Tip: Graham Hill's row is highlighted in the table because he is the only driver to have achieved the full Triple Crown, winning all three races during his illustrious career.
Interesting Fact: Some define the Triple Crown using the Formula One World Championship and not the Monaco Grand Prix. Even so, Graham Hill is the only driver to have achieved this title.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Triple Crown of Motorsport?
The Triple Crown of Motorsport is an unofficial title for drivers who have won three of the world's most prestigious motor races: the Indianapolis 500, the 24 Hours of Le Mans, and the Monaco Grand Prix throughout their racing career. These three races represent the pinnacle of different racing disciplines and require exceptional versatility from drivers.
Has anyone won the Triple Crown of Motorsport?
Graham Hill is the only driver to have achieved the Triple Crown of Motorsport. He won the Monaco Grand Prix five times (1963, 1964, 1965, 1968, 1969), the Indianapolis 500 in 1966, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 1972. Hill was also a two-time Formula One World Champion (1962, 1968).
Who is closest to winning the Triple Crown?
Fernando Alonso is currently closest to completing the Triple Crown, having won the Monaco Grand Prix twice (2006, 2007) and the 24 Hours of Le Mans twice (2018, 2019). He has attempted the Indianapolis 500 multiple times but has not yet won. Juan Pablo Montoya is also close, having won the Indianapolis 500 twice (2000, 2015) and the Monaco Grand Prix once (2003).
Why are these three races considered the most prestigious?
The Indianapolis 500, Monaco Grand Prix, and 24 Hours of Le Mans represent the pinnacle of different racing disciplines. The Indianapolis 500 showcases high-speed oval racing, the Monaco Grand Prix tests precision on a tight street circuit, and the 24 Hours of Le Mans challenges endurance and reliability. Each race requires unique skills, making the Triple Crown an extraordinary achievement.
When did the Monaco GP and Indianapolis 500 start being held on the same day?
The Monaco Grand Prix and Indianapolis 500 began being held on the same day in 1987, when the Monaco race was moved forward two weeks later than usual. This scheduling conflict makes it nearly impossible for modern drivers to compete in both races in the same year, significantly increasing the difficulty of achieving the Triple Crown.
References
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway. (2024). "Indianapolis 500 History and Statistics." Indianapolis Motor Speedway Official Website.
- Automobile Club de l'Ouest. (2024). "24 Hours of Le Mans Historical Archives." ACO Official Records.
- Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile. (2024). "Monaco Grand Prix Results Database." FIA Historical Records.
- Hilton, C. (2012). "Graham Hill: Master of Motor Sport." Haynes Publishing.
- Henry, A. (2018). "The Triple Crown of Motorsport: An Unofficial Achievement." Motor Sport Magazine.
- Wood, R. J. (2017). "Motorsport Triple Crown Analysis." Topend Sports Research.
Related Pages
Indianapolis 500
Explore the history and records of "The Greatest Spectacle in Racing," one of the three Triple Crown events.
Learn More →24 Hours of Le Mans
Discover the world's oldest active endurance racing event and its legendary winners.
Learn More →Monaco Grand Prix
Learn about the most prestigious Formula One race held on the challenging streets of Monte Carlo.
Learn More →Motorsports Overview
Comprehensive guide to all types of motorsports, racing series, and major competitions worldwide.
Learn More →Motorsports Events Calendar
Stay updated with the latest motorsports events, schedules, and race dates throughout the year.
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