Where to in 2024 for top international historical sport?
No, I don't take anyone's enthusiasm for the current Formula 1 and other fads of "modern" motorsport. However, those who want to see genuine racing cars and meet personalities from the times when artificially induced neutralizations or prescribed pit stops were not needed to develop a certain tension, can warmly recommend these companies for the 2024 season. These are subjectively selected events in "Central Europe" that should be reachable by car...
Text and photo: Roman Klemm
1. Hockenheim Historic, Jim Clark Revival – May 5
The event is traditionally the start of the international season in Germany. Although it will not offer the F1 Masters this year, its program includes, among other things, DRM-Revival, Formula Junior and Raceclub Germany drives with dozens of F1, F2 and other formula cars. In addition, as part of the "Clark-Revival", the BossGP will also start in the 2024 season.
2. Monaco Historique – May 12
There are not enough superlatives to write about this company. Just an unattainable peak. Seven series of intense races for F1 cars of all eras up to 1985, plus one class for sports cars of the 1950s. Prominent people are not only seen in the paddock and pits, but often also in the cockpits! And so in recent years, Alesi, Werner, Pirro, Caffi, Moreno, Barilla and others have raced here. Previously even Phil Hill, Sir Stirling Moss and Arturo Merzario. "A must" for every motorsport connoisseur!
3. Red Bull Ring Classics – June 9
The Austrians, who certainly could have done better, failed to win the F1 championship for their company announced with great fanfare this year as well. And so they will repeatedly show CanAm with Group C, touring cars of the "Golden Era" and BossGP. A somewhat weaker company, but who doesn't want to go far to Styria, why not?
4. Solitude Revival – June 23
On the classic road route between Stuttgart and Leonberg, not only dozens of restorers present their racing cars and motorbikes, but also the big German manufacturers do not miss the opportunity to take historical uniques from their museums. The paddock is usually full of domestic witnesses. The only downside of the event is that it is only a demonstration drive behind the leading car - so no one is allowed to drive directly.
5. Brno GP Revival – July 14
The enterprise, to which the British Masters organization will bring F1 cars, GTs and sports prototypes, will complement the HAIGO series with the Lurani Trophy and exhibitions of Czech racers and motorcycles. Without a doubt, it will be the top circuit sport of the year in the Czech Republic. It can't be more. To miss this would be an unpardonable sin.
6. Ennstal Classic – July 20
Organized for over 25 years by the legendary Austrian journalist Helmut Zwickl, the event consists of a 3-day composure rally through the Styrian Ennstal valley and culminates on Saturday with the Gröbming Grand Prix. During this demonstration ride, racing machines and personalities from the history of sports are presented. Number one in Austria, unfortunately a little too much in the name of the Porsche manufacturer in recent years...
7. Oldtimer Grand Prix Nürburgring – August 11
The biggest event of its kind in Germany, unfortunately without the F1 Masters this year. For this, tens of thousands of fans will enjoy the races (even at night!) of historic GT, DRM, DTM and demonstration drives of single-seaters. The Škoda brand is well represented (thanks to the initiative of the German club). Anyone who walks carefully through the paddock will surely meet more than one steering wheel giant. The extensive marketplace of literature, models and memorabilia is also worth mentioning.
8. Minardi Days Imola – August 25
Always a great weekend, during which Giancarlo Minardi organizes free drives of all possible classes of racing cars from F1 to prototypes to F-Italia. In the paddock, hundreds of exhibits are admired not only by fans, but also by a huge number of Italian motorsport celebrities. The market of literature, models, spare parts and memorabilia will be complemented by the presentation of new specialist books – and last year even a theatrical piece by the former F1 pilot, Dr. Siegfried Stohr.
9. Bergpreis Rossfeld – September 29
This historic race up the hill above the resort town of Berchtesgaden is taking place this year under the slogan "Racing Cars of the Stuck Family". The exhibits of BMW, Auto Union and Porsche will surely shine in the historic paddock - and we can guess three times where Rossfeld will drive them to the top? They will be joined by around two hundred other historic cars and motorbikes from the section with former pros in the cockpits.
