Brazilian Motorsport: The Legacy of the Carcará

In June 29, 1966, a historic event marked Brazilian motorsports. A vehicle called Caracara, with an aerodynamic design and a history as remarkable as its name, reached 212.903 km/h, setting the first Brazilian absolute speed record. This achievement took place in the old BR-2 Rio-Santos, which today corresponds to Avenida das Américas, in Barra da Tijuca, in Rio de Janeiro.

The name “Carcará” was not chosen at random. It pays homage to bird of prey of the falconidae family, known for its courage and agility. Just like the bird, the vehicle was bold and determined to overcome challenges. Interestingly, in 1966, the song “Carcara”, played by Maria Bethania, was also successful in Brazil, with verses that extolled the strength and bravery of the bird, “the animal that flies like a plane”.

A Visionary Project

O Caracara was the result of a collaboration between big names in Brazilian motorsport and the support of Abril Publishing House, represented by Leszek Bilyk, editorial director of the magazine Four Wheels. The body, handcrafted in aluminum, was developed on the farm of Matao, in the interior of São Paulo. This same place is famous for having been the birthplace of the iconic Puma GT.

The car was built on a chassis of Junior Formula, a single-seater category that, unfortunately, did not have the expected success in Brazil. This chassis, designed by Chico Landi It is Toni Bianco, used an engine DKW three-cylinder, modified to achieve 104 horsepower. The position of the engine, located in the central-rear part, helped with weight distribution and vehicle stability.

With only 390 kilos, the Carcará was extremely light, but it needed ballast to comply with the regulations of FIA (International Automobile Federation). This reduced weight, combined with aerodynamic efficiency, was crucial to achieving such high speeds.

Technical Preparation

The Carcará engine was specially prepared by Miguel Crispim, one of the biggest names in automotive mechanics in the 1960s. Crispim, who worked on the official team of Vemag-DKW, received praise even from the Germans for the excellence of its preparation. The propellant had 1,100 cm³, and its power was more than enough to challenge the limitations of a Brazilian road at the time, which was far from ideal for speed tests.

Another notable point was the use of high-precision equipment to measure the speed of the Carcará. Abril Publishing House imported a Swiss brand chronometer Omega, known for its reliability. In addition, the test was supported by photocells on the track and a team made up of engineers, pilots and highway police officers who ensured safety at the site.

The pilot in charge of flying the Carcará was Norman Casari, a respected name in national motorsports. To set the record, Casari made two passes on the track, as required by international measurement rules.

The Influence of Jorge Lettry

A central figure in the success of the Carcará project was Jorge Lettry, an engineer and pilot who played a crucial role in the development of the vehicle. Lettry was born in the city of Ivrea, in Italy, but arrived in Brazil when he was less than a year old. He quickly became a reference in national motorsport, working alongside names such as Otto Kuttner and Miguel Crispim himself.

Lettry also had the opportunity to do an internship at Auto Union, in Germany, in 1961, where he improved his technical knowledge. His involvement in the Carcará project symbolizes the combination of talent and passion that marked the development of motorsports in Brazil.

The Day of Record

The test took place at a time when Brazilian roads were rudimentary, and conditions for reaching high speeds were far from ideal. Even so, the Carcará demonstrated impressive performance. Its white body, painted in the traditional color of the Vemag-DKW, cut through the air with precision.

With each acceleration, the engine roared like a true predator. When the Swiss chronometer registered the 212.903 km/h, Brazil entered the history of motor racing. This was the first national absolute speed record, approved in accordance with international standards.

The Legacy of the Carcara

The Carcará was not just a speed milestone. It represented the pinnacle of Brazilian creativity and engineering at a time of limited resources. The project showed that, with determination and talent, it was possible to compete in a scenario dominated by foreign powers.

Today, in 2025, the Carcará is remembered as a legend of national motorsports. It inspires new generations of engineers, drivers and enthusiasts. Its legacy is celebrated in exhibitions and events dedicated to the history of motorsports in Brazil.

Conclusion

Remembering the Carcará in 2025 is to celebrate an era of innovation and passion for motorsports in Brazil. It was more than just a car; it was a symbol of courage and determination, characteristics so present in the Brazilian spirit.

With each new generation of vehicles and drivers, the Carcará legacy lives on, inspiring those who believe that limits exist only to be overcome. Whether you are an enthusiast or just an admirer of automotive history, the Carcará is an essential chapter in Brazil's history on the track.

If the Carcará broke its record in 1966 with limited technology and a lot of creativity, imagine what is yet to come in the automotive world, where innovation and boldness continue to guide those passionate about speed.