15 ’80s Auto Racing Fads That Have Faded Away

The 1980s were a golden age for auto racing style and spectacle, where high speeds were matched by high drama. Many fads that once lit up the tracks are now long gone, replaced by more refined technology and stricter rules.

Tricia Quitales
July 31, 2025
5 min read

15 ’80s Auto Racing Fads That Have Faded Away — Diana ✨ on Pexels

Auto racing in the 1980s was a thrilling mix of raw performance, flashy aesthetics, and bold experimentation. The era produced trends that defined motorsport culture at the time, yet many of them have since been phased out. Some faded due to changing technology, while others fell victim to tighter regulations and evolving fan expectations. Looking back, these fads offer a nostalgic glimpse into a wilder, more colorful side of racing history.

1. Turbo Lag Battles

Sebastiaan Stam on Pexels

Turbocharged engines surged in popularity during the 1980s, especially in Formula 1 and Group B rallying. However, the technology back then suffered from significant turbo lag. Drivers had to anticipate power delivery by seconds, making throttle control a tricky game. It added drama but also danger to every corner. Modern turbo systems have eliminated most of the lag, leaving this challenge in the past.

2. Pop Culture Liveries

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Cars in the 1980s often featured wild liveries inspired by pop culture, cartoons, or bold advertising themes. These designs grabbed attention and helped sponsors stand out. While memorable, they were sometimes more style than substance. Today’s liveries are sleeker and more brand-focused. The over-the-top designs of the ’80s are now a rarity.

3. Group B Rally Madness

Alf van Beem on Wikimedia

Group B rally racing was the most extreme motorsport of the decade. The cars were incredibly fast, light, and dangerously overpowered. Fans crowded track edges with no barriers in sight. After multiple fatalities, the category was banned in 1986. The spectacle lives on in legend, but the format is gone for good.

Lokman Sevim on pexels

Some teams in the ’80s experimented with movable sponsor panels that changed messages during races. These panels were motorized or spring-loaded, revealing different ads. While clever, the gimmick distracted from the sport and added mechanical complexity. Racing bodies soon outlawed them for safety and clarity. Static sponsorship has been the standard ever since.

5. Tall Rear Wings with Endplates

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Rear wings in the ’80s grew taller and featured exaggerated endplates. These parts provided added downforce but also created visual chaos. They sometimes obstructed rear visibility and added drag. As aerodynamic science progressed, cleaner designs became preferred. The towering wing styles have been phased out across most racing series.

6. Neon Driving Suits

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Drivers in the 1980s often wore bright, neon-colored racing suits. These outfits stood out on television and matched the era’s flashy aesthetic. While fun, they lacked some of the fire resistance and advanced materials found in today’s suits. Safety standards have since evolved, focusing more on function than flair. Neon suits are now more costume than gear.

7. Overboost Buttons

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Many race cars featured a button that temporarily increased turbo boost for extra power. These “overboost” buttons were used strategically during overtakes or qualifying laps. The extra power came with added stress on engines and was hard to regulate. Racing leagues have moved toward balanced power units and energy recovery systems. The overboost gimmick is no longer common.

8. Pit Board Signaling

Spencer Davis on pexels

Before advanced radio communications, pit crews used large boards to signal lap times, gaps, or strategy to drivers. These boards were held out over the pit walls during each lap. While functional, they left room for miscommunication or missed signals. Radios and telemetry have replaced this practice entirely. Pit boards are now more symbolic than practical.

9. Loose Rules on Aero Mods

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The ’80s saw a wave of wild aerodynamic add-ons that were often made up in the garage. Teams would test bizarre wing placements or airflow devices with little oversight. This created unpredictable handling and sometimes unsafe driving conditions. Regulations today tightly control aero design for safety and fairness. Creative chaos has given way to calculated precision.

10. Night Street Racing Influence

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Street racing culture seeped into professional racing aesthetics during the 1980s. Tracks added night races and neon lighting to replicate the edgy vibe. Some cars even featured glowing underbody lights during exhibition events. These features were quickly banned for safety reasons. The street racing flair has mostly disappeared from sanctioned motorsport.

11. Push-to-Pass Tricks

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Some cars included push-to-pass systems that gave drivers a temporary power boost. They were designed to spice up overtaking opportunities in tight races. While exciting, they were difficult to monitor and equalize across vehicles. Today, energy deployment systems offer more controlled bursts. The original push-to-pass approach has largely faded.

12. Exposed Engine Bays

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In some touring and endurance series, teams left engine bays partially exposed for cooling. It also served as a way to show off mechanical muscle. While visually striking, it increased the risk of damage and fire. Enclosed bays have since become mandatory. Open designs are now only seen in vintage exhibitions.

13. Flame-Spitting Exhausts

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Backfiring and flame-spitting exhausts were a common sight, especially in turbocharged race cars. They thrilled fans and made for spectacular photos. Unfortunately, they were also indicators of inefficiency and wasted fuel. Emissions rules and fuel-saving strategies have nearly eliminated them. Today’s race cars burn cleaner and quieter.

14. Window Net Loops as Style

Quentin Martinez on pexels

In stock car racing, window nets were required for safety but became a style statement too. Some drivers personalized their nets or adjusted how they were displayed. It was a small touch of flair in an otherwise regulated cockpit. Safety regulations now require standard designs with less room for variation. The customized net look has vanished.

15. Onboard Cameras with Wires

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The first onboard cameras in the ’80s were hard-wired, bulky, and low resolution. They often shook violently and had limited angles. Still, they offered a groundbreaking perspective for viewers at home. Modern cameras are compact, wireless, and crystal clear. The clunky setups of the past are no longer used.