The 1986 American Racing Series Championship consisted of 10 races and was the inaugural season for the series. Fabrizio Barbazza won five races on his way to the championship.
This was a "spec series", and all cars were March 86A Wildcat, powered by Buick V6 engines.
Held April 6 at Phoenix International Raceway. Kim Campbell won the pole. This was the first race for the series.
Top Five Results
Held June 8 at The Milwaukee Mile. Jeff Andretti won the pole.
Top Five Results
Held June 29 at the Meadowlands Sports Complex. Fabrizio Barbazza won the pole.
Top Five Results
Held July 20 at Exhibition Place. Fabrizio Barbazza won the pole.
Top Five Results
Held August 16 at Pocono Raceway. Jeff Andretti won the pole.
Top Five Results
Held August 31 at The Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course. Steve Millen won the pole.
Top Five Results
Held September 20 at Road America. Juan Manuel Fangio II won the pole.
Top Five Results
Held October 12 at Mazda Raceway Laguna Seca. Tommy Byrne won the pole.
Top Five Results
Held October 19 at Phoenix International Raceway. Jeff Andretti won the pole.
Top Five Results
Held November 9 at Tamiami Park. Fabrizio Barbazza won the pole.
Top Five Results
For every race the points were awarded: 20 points to the winner, 16 for runner-up, 14 for third place, 12 for fourth place, 10 for fifth place, 8 for sixth place, 6 seventh place, winding down to 1 points for 12th place. Additional points were awarded to the pole winner (1 point) and to the driver leading the most laps (1 point).
Note:
Race 4 and 7 not all points were awarded (not enough competitors).
R10=retired, but classified