Singapore held its inaugural Grand Prix in mid-September 1961. After gaining independence in 1965, it held its own annual Grand Prix from 1966 during the Easter holidays and called it the Singapore Grand Prix.

Some popular local racing champions in Singapore's racing scene during those days are Yong Kee Nam, Lee Han Seng, Rodney Seow, Chan Lye Choon, Lee Wing Sang and Soh Guan Bee.

Banned in Singapore after the 1973 Singapore Grand Prix with concerns that it promoted reckless driving, the racing scene became quiet until it was revived on 28 September 2008, with the introduction of night races.