NEWS

04 September, Wednesday

Nürburgring gives outlook on the 2025 annual calendar

With the current season still in full swing at the Nürburgring, the race track and event location is already giving a preview of the coming year. From international highlights to event exotics and from motorsport to entertainment, the 2025 calendar once again promises the unique Nürburgring mix. A current overview: Exciting motorsport highlights in the Green HellNaturally, the world's longest...
Nürburgring gives outlook on the 2025 annual calendar

04.09.2024

With the current season still in full swing at the Nürburgring, the race track and event location is already giving a preview of the coming year. From international highlights to event exotics and from motorsport to entertainment, the 2025 calendar once again promises the unique Nürburgring mix. A current overview: Exciting motorsport highlights in the Green HellNaturally, the world's longest permanent race track is also characterised by an attractive motorsport calendar in 2025. Particularly popular with fans: endurance motorsport on the Nordschleife. The highlight is the ADAC RAVENOL 24h Nürburgring, which will once again put man and machine to the ultimate test from 19 to 22 June 2025 and promise a gigantic motorsport party together with tens of thousands of fans. As usual, the ADAC Nürburgring Endurance Series (NLS) will kick off the motorsport year. After the first race on 22 March, eight more race days will follow until October, each of which usually falls on a Saturday. Only on 13 and 14 September are two race days scheduled on one weekend for the NLS and therefore also the only race Sunday in the series. The dates of the Nürburgring Rundstrecken Challenge (RCN) are another Nordschleife format on the calendar. Regularity and performance tests offer popular sport from road-legal to race-ready vehicles. From GT3 to XXL: thrilling motorsport from racing cars to race trucksFans of thrilling motorsport will once again get their money's worth on the Grand Prix circuit. The giants of motorsport will compete against each other on the sprint version of the International ADAC Truck Grand Prix from 10 - 13 July. Every year, the event delights visitors with a family-friendly concept of motorsport, festival, colourful paddock and trade fair. Included in the supporting programme: the ADAC GT Masters. The Fanatec GT World Challenge (29 - 31 August) and the Porsche Sports Cup (30 May - 1 June) will feature high-quality racing cars from the world's best-known automotive brands. The Nürburgring Drift Cup, which will host its first round on 26 and 27 April, and GRIP - the motor event that will attract the tuning community to the Eifel on 6 July, are also high on horsepower and, above all, action-packed drifting. The date for the DTM at the Nürburgring has already been finalised. However, fans will have to wait a little longer before the announcement. The racing series will present its annual calendar in the coming days. Experiences with music and muscle powerAway from the roaring sounds of engines, powerful guitar riffs await at the beginning of June. Rock am Ring will get visitors' hearts racing from 6 to 8 June. According to the recently published first wave of bands, ‘Slipknot’ and ‘Bring me the Horizon’ have already been confirmed as headliners for the festival's 40th anniversary alongside other well-known bands. A similar-sounding event name, but with a completely different intention, can be found in the 2025 calendar with Rad am Ring. In mid-July, thousands of tireless participants will once again take to the start line to conquer the Green Hell with their own muscle power. Incidentally, this is also required for the Hotfoot Run - but not on two wheels, but on foot. The obstacle course takes place on 10 May. Fast-paced PS classics in racing actionThe heroes and automotive jewels of days gone by have also once again secured several permanent places on the Ring calendar. Old and youngtimers and memories of many decades of motorsport will be brought to life on the Grand Prix circuit and the Nordschleife. The Nürburgring Classic will kick off 2025 from 13 to 15 June. This will be followed in August by the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix (1st - 3rd) and the legendary ADAC 1000km race from 20th to 21st September. The ADAC RGB season finale, the ADAC Westfalen Trophy and, last but not least, the Kölner Kurs as a historic motorbike event round off the historic programme. Motorbike service and racing on two wheelsSpeaking of motorbikes: after returning to the Nürburgring this year, the International Motorcycle Championship (IDM) is also on the calendar for the coming season. From 5 to 7 September, the series will kick off with thrilling two-wheel racing. There will be impressive pictures of thousands of motorbikes off the racing line at the ‘Anlassen’ motorbike service on 27 April. One of the highlights of the programme: the joint parade around the legendary Nordschleife. Diverse indoor events: entertainment away from the racetrackThe Nürburgring also continues to see a steady increase in events away from the tarmac. And so the 2025 season in the Green Hell starts and ends with indoor events throughout the year. The International Rhine Shiai Karate Tournament will kick off the season on the second weekend in January, while the German Carnival Garda Dance Championship will be the event finale in December. Both events will take place in the ring°arena, as will two cheerleading competitions on 15 and 16 February and the ‘Darts am Ring’ gala in March. The latter is set to become the undisputed fan magnet in the indoor calendar with over 3,000 fans expected. The exact date for the flying darts event will be announced shortly. Further music and entertainment formats at the Nürburgring venues are also scheduled for next year. Comedy at NightWash live, the Nürburgring Family Day and a colourful afternoon at the Disney Channel cinema have been decided for 2025 and will soon be added to the calendar.

BELMOT Oldtimer-Grand-Prix was a successful festival

12.08.2024

Positive results for the largest classic car racing festival on the European continent:  42,000 spectators experienced an all-round successful mix at the 51st BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix at the weekend. Against the backdrop of historic racing at the highest level, the Nürburgring became a meeting place for insiders, experts and, of course, motorsport fans. Around 600 historic vehicles were on display on the race track, as well as numerous classic cars exhibited in the paddock and many fantastic treasures brought to the Nürburgring by the participating one-make clubs or the visitors themselves. The range of participating vehicles in the weekend's twelve racing classes and driving events spanned a good 100 years. There were highlights in practically every starting field with rare or unique racing cars, well-known current and former racing drivers or vehicles taking part for the first time. An American La France from 1918 with an impressive 14.5-liter displacement was the oldest model of the entire weekend. The fully booked starting fields with touring cars, GTs and sports cars also captivated the spectators. A remarkable "class reunion" of top drivers took place in the "Touring Car Golden Era" and the DRM Revival, for which over 100 vehicles had already entered. The autographs of ex-DTM drivers such as Roland Asch, Harald Grohs, Olaf Manthey, Kris Nissen, Peter Oberndorfer, Kurt Thiim and Leopold Prinz von Bayern were particularly popular. Ford GT3 works driver and reigning 24-hour Nürburgring winner Christopher Mies climbed into one of the legendary Ford Capri Turbo cars from the former DRM. Former Formula 1 driver Arturo Merzario - who became famous at the Nürburgring for his rescue of Niki Lauda in 1976 - did the honors as a participant in the FCD Racing Series in the youngest starting field of the weekend. Unique racing cars on the trackThe races for the two-seater sports cars and GTs up to 1965 once again lived up to their reputation as a meeting place for rare and beautiful racing cars. There was a strong Italian accent here with models such as the Ferrari 246 SP and 250 GT, O.S.C.A 37, several Maserati 300 S and two impressive Bizzarini 5300 GTs. British sports cars such as the Austin Healey and Elva MK8 and, of course, German models such as the Porsche 356 and 904 as well as the Mercedes-Benz 300 SL were also on display. The British HGPCA racing series presented Formula 1 cars from the same era in which the monoposti made the transition from front-engined to rear-engined vehicles. There was plenty of historical flair, information and personal encounters with the cockpit stars over the weekend, for example during the grid walk through the starting grid of the Golden Era touring cars, at talks and autograph sessions or during the demonstrations of the legendary Le Mans start. Organizer: Positive balanceThe unique atmosphere at the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix inspired everyone involved and made for satisfied faces: "As organizers, we draw an all-round positive conclusion," says Wolfgang Schulz, Managing Director of CHRSN Sport GmbH for the OGP organizer association, "The historic races this weekend not only impressed with full starting fields, but also with many outstanding vehicles. We are also delighted that numerous participants and guests have already given us positive feedback during the weekend." Despite all the love for history and the preservation of motorsport and automotive heritage, many of those responsible were also looking to the future. Wolfgang Schulz: "After the big anniversary with the 50th edition last year, we started this year with fresh ideas and innovations for the future. We owe this success to the joint efforts of numerous supporters and volunteers. The organizer consortium of CHRSN GmbH, Histomobil GmbH and HMSC-Wirtschafts-GmbH would like to thank all these people and institutions. We look to the future with great optimism." The next edition of the event is already being planned and is expected to take place on the first weekend in August 2025. Strong partners helped shape the eventOn the road to the future, the BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix can rely on new and proven partners, who once again played a major role in making this year's event a success. As a new addition to this circle, BELMOT was particularly influential: "It was a great debut for us this year as the title partner of this traditional event. Together with a number of partners, we were able to present ourselves to a knowledgeable and open-minded audience and take away many positive impressions and good encounters," says Roland Koch, Head of Marketing at Mannheimer Versicherung. "It's great that we were also able to set new accents and show perspectives for the future of classic cars and classic car sports with top-class panel discussions." The trade magazine Motor Klassik proved to be a long-standing and loyal partner. In 1984, the magazine was presented to the public at the classic car Grand Prix and consequently celebrated its 40th birthday at the Nürburgring. Watch manufacturer Junghans was not only involved as the official timekeeping partner, but was also present in the paddock. In addition to the timepieces, vehicles from the Steim car collection and a DTM vehicle from Schnitzer-Classic, which was once driven by Jockel Winkelhock, were also on display. The fuel specialists from Aspen were in high demand in the paddock: at their debut, they presented participants with a fuel specially tailored to the needs of classic cars. In the coming years, there are plans with this partner to use more sustainable fuels in racing, which will lead to CO2-neutral historic motorsport in the future.

The starting lists for the 51st BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix are online!

01.08.2024

The provisional entry lists for the Oldtimer Grand Prix from August 9 to 11 are bursting with fantastic vehicles. Many of the races are fully booked! The touring cars and GTs in particular will be packed, but you can also expect huge starting fields in the sports car and formula races. Want to get in the mood for your visit? You can now find the provisional entry lists for the weekend here.

Experience racing history at the 51st BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix 2024

12.03.2024

The 51st BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring will once again provide an exciting retrospective with more than 25 races from August 9 to 11, 2024 as the most traditional European racing event for classic automobiles. In many races, some of which are also held as championship races, over 400 racing cars and their drivers will once again meet for exciting competitions on the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit. Experience racing history in the following racing series, which have already been confirmed: Golden Era Touring Cars DRM Revival (German Racing Championship) Race 5 / Evening Race (two-seater racing cars + GT up to 1960/61 - participation by invitation only) FHR Historic Championship '65 (sprint series for GT, touring and sports cars built up to 1965) FHR Historic Championship '81 (90-minute race for GT, touring cars built up to 1981 and sports cars built up to 1971) FHR Historic Championship CanAm & Sportscars (sprint series for GT, touring cars and sports prototypes built up to 2006) HGPCA (Historic Grand Prix Cars Association) HRA Formula 3 (ADAC Graf Berghe von Trips Cup)  Ferrari Club Germany Formula Vau Vintage Sports Car Trophy (pre-war cars built up to 1948, NO timekeeping) The AMG Arena is reserved for the TOP brand club meeting. Clubs will meet there on a large exhibition area. We have already welcomed TVR, Morgan, Aston Martin, Porsche and Ferrari.  Not forgetting the many club parking spaces around the Nürburgring Grand Prix circuit, which will make a major contribution to turning the 51st BELMOT OGP 2024 into a rolling museum of sporty automobiles. The Historic Paddock is and will remain the meeting place for pre-war vehicles and will provide a home for the drivers of the vehicles participating in the Vintage Sports Car Trophy.

Living motorsport history at the Anniversary of the Oldtimer Grand Prix

13.08.2023

The "Classic for Classics" celebrated a milestone birthday this weekend: At the 50th edition of the Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring, around 500 historic race cars from almost all eras and categories of motorsport competed once again on the tradition-steeped Eifel circuit. Fast-paced birthday party at the Nürburgring The most traditional classic race celebrated its 50th birthday Around 50,000 spectators experienced historic motorsport at first hand Oldtimer Grand Prix 2024 expected to take place on the second weekend in August The 50,000 or so spectators were just as eager to miss the successful anniversary party of the Oldtimer Grand Prix as former competitors and participants. Together with the organizers, they celebrated a successful party with many highlights. An anniversary gala at the ring°werk already kicked off the event on Wednesday. Long-time participants drove around the circuit in the anniversary parade and showed off their automotive treasures in the tent of media partner Motor Klassik. Timekeeping partner Junghans even launched its own special watch series, the two models of which, strictly limited to 50 pieces, were sold out in no time at all. A large marquee in the paddock served as a meeting place for visitors, guests of honor, teams and drivers. Just in time for the anniversary, the AMG Arena was once again part of the paddock area - where top brand clubs presented themselves. The organizers had prepared a special tribute for the event's most loyal participant - Uli Sauer from Iserlohn, who has attended the Oldtimer Grand Prix in his pre-war BMW 328 every year since its debut in 1973. The Nürburgring and the organizers dedicated a tree to him on Rolf-Stommelen-Strasse, the connecting path between the historic and Grand Prix paddock, where a special avenue honors selected people with a very special connection to the Eifel race track. Satisfactory balanceIt is also already certain that Germany's most traditional and largest racing event for historic vehicles will continue: the 51st Oldtimer Grand Prix at the Nürburgring is expected to take place on the second weekend in August in 2024. After the successful anniversary and the optimistic look into the future, the organizers of the event draw a satisfied balance: "The weekend was a birthday party full of positive and special moments for us as long-time organizers," summarizes organization manager Wolfgang Schulz. As managing director of CHRSN Sport GmbH, he is co-organizer of the Oldtimer Grand Prix and a long-time companion of the event and sums up: "We as organizers were pleased about many congratulations and exchanged many anecdotes with old and new friends. This all-round positive review encourages us all to now enter the sixth decade of this great race with a lot of energy." Packed touring car and GT fieldsThe sporting program this year was once again alive with a successful mix of German and international racing highlights. The domestic motorsport history was represented, for example, by the huge starting field of "Golden Era" touring cars, which included many unforgettable DTM and STW cars. There were also veterans from the great DTM era at the wheel. For example, Kris Nissen, Olaf Manthey or Roland Asch, who shared his Ford Cosworth with his son Sebastian. The races of the DRM revival, which saw a true summit meeting of the Group 5 cars, also made for shining eyes. Ralf Kelleners (De Tomaso Pantera Group 5) and Peter Mücke / Stefan Mücke in the Zakspeed-Ford Capri shared the victories, third place in both races went to the Turbo-Capri of Heinz Schmersal / Mike Stursberg, which has only been racing again this year. The three series under the umbrella of the FHR drivers' association also contributed to the round of legendary touring car, GT and racing sports vehicles: The HTGT, the Gentle Drivers Trophy and the CanAm & Sportscars / Groupe C Classic offered exciting runs with their many excellently prepared race cars. Shining eyes and headlights: 50s and 60s sports carsThe CanAm / Sports Car Series of the FHR was also a highlight in the sports car sector, in whose field, for example, driver and team boss legend Olaf Manthey started. The successful motorsport professional drove a Porsche 993 RSR - the very first Manthey Porsche, which marks the beginning of the racing team that has been successful for decades. One of the most important highlights of the weekend, however, was the race of sports cars from the 1950s and 1960s, whose historically valuable vehicles came to the Nürburgring from half of Europe. Once again, rare racing sports cars were at the start, following in the footsteps of the long-distance classics: On Saturday evening, their one-hour run into the falling night formed the atmospheric highlight of the weekend, which was celebrated with a fireworks display after the finish. The program also included the pre-war sports cars, which could be seen on the track for the first time without a sports classification. The field of almost 50 participants included Simon Scrivener and Conny Jäger from Liechtenstein in a Whippet Grand Prix from 1927 - the oldest race car of the entire weekend. But the program also offered an excursion into the sports car present - the FCD Racing Series of the Ferrari Club Germany with its Italian dream sports cars took care of that. New accents set in formula racingLast but not least, historic formula racing was an important pillar in the racing program. For the first time, a demo run of Formula 1 and Formula 2 legends provided a Grand Prix feeling, as did the races of the HGPCA. This British racing series presents the pre- and early history of the Formula 1 World Championship with its fine monoposto cars. For the first time, the first race of these classic formula cars was held separately for the rear- and front-engine classes on Saturday - and thus thematized the evolution of formula design. Also new were the international Formula 2 cars of the HSCC series. The formula classes were rounded off by the AvD Historic Race Cup of the HRA drivers' association and the well-staffed field of the Lurani Trophy with its Formula Junior racing cars.

Full starting fields full of historical highlights at the anniversary of the Oldtimer Grand Prix

07.08.2023

In mid-August, the Nürburgring will turn into a time machine - for the 50th year: The Oldtimer Grand Prix will present the spectators with a packed programme on the occasion of its anniversary, which will probably thrill everyone who has anything to do with automobile and motorsport history: Pre-war racing cars and Formula 1 icons will take to the track, as will touring cars from the DRM and DTM. Little runabouts from the junior classes of the 1950s will be on the grid as well as beefy sports cars and prototypes that still thrill with their sound and performance today. And in many a race, vehicles can be seen racing on the track that are otherwise well protected in private or museum collections. For many races, the organisers also announce "full house" - the starting fields are often booked up to the last seat. A worthy backdrop, then, for the event that has long since developed into a classic in its own right over five decades. > more info & tickets Sports car classes: Legends and shining eyesOne of the jewels in the programme of the Oldtimer Grand Prix is the race of the sports cars up to 1965, whose first race on Saturday evening marks a highlight of the weekend. The race will thrill with a line-up of four dozen sports cars: Porsche and "Gullwing" Mercedes will be in a fight with Aston Martin and Lotus, Maserati and Ferrari - a fascinating display of vehicles that are considered by many to be among the most beautiful racing cars ever built. Just how rapidly the sports car class has developed can be seen in the course of the CanAm&Sportscars / Group-C-Classics. The models come from McLaren, Lotus and Lola, for example, and never fail to impress with their performance and sound. Formula History from Entry Level to Grand Prix SportFormula history occupies a large space in the programme. With well over 40 entries, the class of the "little runabouts" is at the start - the Formula Junior cars from the years before 1963. These "forefathers" of the junior formulae also stand for the time when the formula engines moved behind the drivers and thus made an important step in the evolution of racing cars. The somewhat younger junior formulae are also represented in the AvD Historic Race Cup. Here, more than 30 racing cars from Formula 2, Formula Ford and comparable series will compete, which were held between the mid-1970s and the end of the 1980s. The up-and-comers from these series then found themselves in the cockpits of Formula 2, for example, whose cars represent a novelty in the programme of the Oldtimer Grand Prix: The British HSCC Formula 2 presents these great 70s racing cars. Historically, a double race series, which also comes to the Nürburgring from the British Isles, looks back at least another decade: the HGPCA (for "Historic Grand Prix Cars Association") comes up with almost 50 racing cars from Formula 1 prehistory and early history. Here, too, the evolution from front to rear engine can be studied on a living object - and this year even more vividly. On Saturday, the rear-engine and front-engine starting fields will each run a separate race, only to unite in a single giant field in the second race on Sunday: the legendary front-engine Maserati 250 F, the Ferrari 246 Dino and other Grand Prix icons will then clash with the early Formula 1 racing cars from Cooper, Lotus, Brabham and Co. A very special treat also awaits the spectators in a special demo race, which will be run on Saturday and Sunday: Formula 1 and Formula 2 cars will then be on display - from well-known global brands such as Ferrari and Dallara to unknown formula forges such as Rial or Maurer. Touring car and GT classes: Top line-up and star meetingsIn the touring car and GT races, too, there will be a lot of action in fully occupied starting fields and a reunion with legendary cars. One of the absolute highlights for many visitors will be the race of the "Golden Era of Touring Cars", in which a number of old warhorses will be involved: Harald Grohs, Kris Nissen and Olaf Manthey will each drive a BMW E30 M3, Roland Asch and his son Sebastian will sit in a Ford Sierra and Mercedes-Benz 190 Evo 1. Ex-DTM driver Volker Schneider will also be driving a Sierra, while Kurt Thiim will start in a Volvo 240 GRA. Of course, the almost 60 racing cars will also include Audi, Alfa Romeo, Opel and other unforgettable models that shaped the great DTM era from the 1980s onwards. The DRM revival will also be a spectacle with a huge starting field full of remarkable cars: Group 5 bolides such as the legendary Ford Turbo-Capris, Porsche 935 K3 or BMW 320 Turbo will lead the field of four dozen vehicles from the legendary German Racing Championship. In addition, the races of the FHR present themselves in top form, with the HTGT ("Historic Touring Car and GT Trophy") and the Dunlop Gentle Drivers '65, two starting fields with great cars. Here, racing cars such as Ford GT40, early 911 Porsche, BMW 2002, Alfa Romeo 1750 and others are gathered, which always thrill with their action-packed races. Don't miss it: Experience tour through the paddockVisitors to the Oldtimer Grand Prix will not only encounter legendary vehicles on the race track. It already starts on the parking areas directly at the Grand Prix circuit, which are partly used for the big brand club meeting. This meeting of enthusiasts continues in the infield in the Mercedes Arena, where top brand clubs will set up their lovingly maintained Porsches, Maseratis and Ferraris. The latter will also enrich the weekend in the form of the FCD Racing Series with runs with modern super sports cars on the race track. In the Grand Prix paddock, in addition to the cars from all the weekend's races, the large marquee awaits, which will serve as a meeting place for drivers, fans and officials. The catering and dealer stands are also worth a visit - and especially two event partners: Junghans will present the two special watch models created especially for the event anniversary. The Official Timing Partner of the Oldtimer Grand Prix is located in the tent next to the podium. Only a few metres further on, media partner Motor Klassik will be present with its tent, where the vehicles of the demo run "OGP Legends" will also be presented. Last but not least: the Historic Paddock. This is where the participants of the "Vintage Nürburgring" are accommodated, who are not racing their pre-war racing cars, but are showing off their automotive treasures in special runs on the Grand Prix circuit and on the Nordschleife.

Oldtimer-Grand-Prix feiert rasantes Jubiläum

07.08.2023

Am kommenden Wochenende (11. – 13. August 2023) feiert der Oldtimer-Grand-Prix mit einem prallvollen Programm voller historischer Renn-Highlights seine 50. Auflage. Das 1973 erstmals ausgetragene Event ist heute die älteste Oldtimer-Rennveranstaltung auf dem europäischen Kontinent und zeigt sich dabei so jung wie eh und je: In zwölf historischen Rennklassen sowie Demoläufen und Ausfahrten werden am Jubiläumswochenende mehr als 30 actionreiche Stunden Programm auf der Rennstrecke geboten. Mit dabei sind etwa die DTM-Boliden der 80er-Jahre, Fahrzeuge aus der legendären Deutschen Rennsport-Meisterschaft oder auch Demoläufe mit Formel-1- und Formel-2-Fahrzeugen. Die im traditionsreichen historischen Fahrerlager versammelten Rennwagen der Vorkriegszeit gehen zu Ausfahrten auf die Strecke. Die Langestrecken-Ikonen der 50er- und frühen 60er-Jahre setzen mit ihrem Lauf am Samstagabend den Höhepunkt des Rennwochenendes, der nach dem Zieleinlauf mit einem Feuerwerk und der Party für Fahrer, Fans und Funktionäre im großen Festzelt im Fahrerlager endet. Tickets sind an den Tageskassen vor Ort für alle Veranstaltungstage erhältlich. Wer es nicht an den Nürburgring schafft, der kann am Samstag und Sonntag viele Höhepunkte im Livestream erleben. > Mehr Infos & Tickets Der Zeitplan des Oldtimer-Grand-Prix bietet drei Tage lang ein Wiedersehen mit Rennsportlegenden. Insgesamt haben sich 500 Rennwagen für das Wochenende angemeldet, die eine rasante motorsportliche Zeitreise versprechen. So gibt es im Feld der DTM-Tourenwagen ein Wiedersehen mit BMW 320, Ford Sierra Cosworth oder auch Mercedes 190 E Evo2, die zudem häufig von echten Rennsport-Legenden pilotiert werden. Eine ganze Reihe ehemaliger DTM-Piloten werden am Nürburgring zu Gast sein – unter ihnen etwa Roland Asch, Olaf Manthey oder auch Leopold Prinz von Bayern. Voller Automobillegenden ist auch der DRM-Revival-Lauf, in dem etwa die Gruppe-5-Monster à la Ford Capri Turbo, BMW 635 und Porsche 935 K3 antreten. Bei den Rennen der seltenen (und kostbaren) zweisitzgen Rennsportwagen und GTs der 50er-Jahre jagen „Flügeltürer“-Mercedes 300 SLS, Porsche 356 und 904, Ferrari 246 SP und 250 im Verein mit anderen bildschönen Le-Mans-Autos um den Nürburgring. Beim zweiten Lauf am Sonntag zeigen die Piloten und Pilotinnen des Rennens den Besuchern auch einen waschechten Le-Mans-Start; am Abend zuvor zelebrieren außerdem die Teilnehmer der Vintage Nürburgring die heute aus Sicherheitsgründen nicht mehr praktizierte Startprozedur. Auch sonst entführen die vier Dutzend Vintage-Rennwagen in die Gründertage des Motorsports. Hier fahren die BMW 328, Kompressor-Mercedes-Benz, Bentleys und Jaguar zwar nicht in sportlicher Wertung, dafür aber mit nach wie vor schlagendem Motorsport-Herz über die Rennstrecke. Auch wer es spektakulär mag, wird beim 50. Oldtimer-Grand-Prix zufrieden sein: Die Demoläufe der Formel-1- und Formel-2-Boliden bieten ebenso Sound und Performance wie die Läufe der Can-Am- und Gruppe-C-Rennwagen. Mit Rennen für die frühen Formel-1-Autos, Formel-2-Monoposti und mehreren historischen Nachwuchs-Klassen wird auch das Racing „ohne Dach über dem Kopf“ stark im Programm vertreten sein. Natürlich bilden außerdem die sehr gut besetzten Läufe für Tourenwagen und GTs der 50er- bis 80er-Jahre einen Fixpunkt des sportlichen Programms. Auch im Fahrerlager gibt es viel zu erlebenWer sich von der Sitzschale auf der Tribüne einmal losreißen kann, den erwarten im Fahrerlager zahlreiche Attraktionen. Natürlich gibt es hier die menschlichen und automobilen Hauptdarsteller des Wochenendes zu bestaunen. Daneben haben die Organisatoren aber eine Reihe von echten „Schmankerln“ für Besucher vorbereitet. Im historischen Fahrerlager aus den 20er-Jahren gibt es neben den Vorkriegs-Rennwagen eine MG-Ausstellung. Im Grand-Prix-Fahrerlager gehören zu den Ausstellern auch die wichtigen Partner des Events. Darunter ist auch der offizielle Timing-Partner Junghans, der eigens für das Jubiläum zwei limitierte und hochwertige Editionsmodelle aufgelegt hat. Zur Anlaufstelle für die Zuschauer und Teilnehmer soll aber auch eine neue Attraktion werden: Auf der Fläche neben dem Medical Center gibt es ein großes Festzelt, das am Wochenende zur Rast einlädt und in dem immer wieder Raum für Begegnungen mit den Aktiven geschaffen werden soll. Hier steigt auch die Party nach dem Abschluss des Abendrennens am Samstag als einem der Höhepunkte des Wochenedes. Beim Bummel durch das Fahrerlager sollte man außerdem die AMG-Arena nicht vergessen, wo sich Top-Markenclubs mit ihren Fahrzeugen versammeln. Sie sind Teil des großen Treffens, mit dem das Wochenende auch in Sachen Straßenfahrzeuge viel zu bieten hat.

The highlights of the 50th Oldtimer Grand Prix

02.08.2023

At the Oldtimer Grand Prix, the Nürburgring will be transformed into a true festival of classic racing from 11 to 13 August 2023. The well over two dozen races and driving events in the 13 classes offer an emotional foray through motorsport history, from pre-war vehicles to the dreamlike sports cars of the 50s and 60s and early Formula 1 racers to the legendary touring cars from the DRM and DTM. But that's not all: as befits a real festival, there will be something to see or experience in almost every corner of the Nürburgring this weekend. In the paddock, the large driver-team tent will attract visitors and media partner Motorklassik will present legends of the Oldtimer Grand Prix. A highlight: the anniversary clock, which event partner Junghans has created especially for the anniversary. > Tickets, schedule and further information Of course, the greatest spectacle at the Oldtimer Grand Prix will take place on the race track, where spectators can join in the excitement at more than two dozen races and driving events in the 13 historic racing classes. In addition, the grandstand at the start and finish will certainly be full for two special demonstrations, namely when the Le Mans start demonstrations are scheduled. This starting procedure from the days of the founding fathers of motorsport will of course only be included in the schedule today for demonstration purposes: After the first corner, the first thing to do is "stop" to tighten the seat belts once more! Nevertheless, this start certainly offers a great experience for all involved. On Saturday, it is the final prelude to the evening programme, because after the pre-war cars, the run of the two-seater sports cars and GTs of the 1950s is on the agenda. Traditionally, the 65-minute race leads into the twilight and ends with a fireworks display after the finish. The victorious participants do not roll into the pits or to their team tents in the paddock, but drive to the large marquee in the paddock, where an atmospheric come-together is scheduled. Demo rides with formula cars and OGP legends Many fans will also be eagerly waiting in the grandstand for two demonstration runs scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. One will be themed around the history of Formula 1 and Formula 2 and thus invites to reminisce about legendary drivers and cars. A second parade will form on the Grand Prix circuit to mark the event's 50th birthday. Long-time participants and formative vehicles from the OGP history have been invited to take part here. The defile of these very special cars will certainly be an emotional highlight of the weekend especially for the organisers and the most loyal participants. Historic paddock with pre-war carsEven though there is always something to see on the Grand Prix circuit during the weekend, it is also worth taking a stroll around the grounds. This already starts in the historic paddock, where traditionally the pre-war cars can be admired. This year, they will no longer be racing in a sporting classification, but will be organised purely as a driving event. This brings additional participants to this part of the event, which is of course perfectly accommodated within the walls of the 100-year-old pit area at the Nürburgring. The "100 Years of MG" exhibition on the north side of the paddock in front of the CHRSN tent is also worth a visit. It shows models from the history of the British brand from the pre-war period to the present day. Junghans presents anniversary watchOf course, there is a lot going on in the Grand Prix paddock, where the majority of the participants gather, the tyre and race services have their domicile and, on top of that, there is a lot more on offer. A visit to OGP partner Junghans is a must. The famous watch brand has not only launched great special models for the anniversary, but is also exhibiting an original Formula 2 racer from Stefan Bellof. A fitting backdrop for the two exclusive chronographs in blue and orange, each limited to 50 pieces. Numerous details already make these valuable timepieces coveted collector's items, for which Junghans received the first pre-orders even before the official launch. The other partners, merchandising stands and various shops are also not to be missed. Of course, a visit to Motorklassik is a must: The tent of the OGP media partner features vehicles from the history of the event, and of course, as always, there will be talk over coffee from the popular annual cups. The OGP collection can also be found nearby: The popular race jumper and other great accessories are especially sought-after souvenirs in the anniversary year. New driver team tent in the paddockOne of the most eye-catching new features in the paddock is the large riders' team tent on the area next to the heliport. Here, there will be catering and a programme throughout the weekend, driver interviews and autograph opportunities will be offered. In addition, the teams and active drivers will also be guests here, so there will certainly be opportunities for many exciting encounters. Right next door, there will also be fun for the whole family with a bouncy castle and a photo bull. There will also be super sports cars to admire in a small parking area. AMG Arena is part of the programme againAfter a break of several years, the AMG Arena is once again part of the festival programme. Some teams will be accommodated here - especially the Ferrari and Maserati of the FCD Racing Series. In addition, special brand clubs will be found here, making the area a meeting place for dream cars. This is certainly a starting point and an incentive to also visit the other brand clubs in the parking areas directly at the racetrack. Off to the discovery tourBy the way, if you're on your way to the grandstand area, you can also drop by the Nürburgring right away: The ring°werk museum is of course open and has a little surprise in store for all young visitors under 17 during the summer holidays. The kart track is also open and the popular backstage tours with a look behind the scenes of the world-famous track are also available. And if you still haven't had enough, you can also have a look around the Nordschleife: There are always time slots for brand club drives there at the weekend, and on Sunday morning the pre-war cars are also on the road here.

Full starting fields in the anniversary year for the Oldtimer Grand Prix

24.07.2023

At the 50th edition of the Oldtimer Grand Prix, visitors will experience a programme full of legendary vehicles. The organisers are currently receiving entries for the twelve races of Germany's most traditional classic car festival on a daily basis and are hoping for sensationally filled races. The race of the sports cars up to '65, for example, is full, and its one-hour run at dusk on Saturday evening is an atmospheric highlight of the weekend. The DTM cars of the "Golden Era" will shine with a star line-up, the DRM revival race promises spectacular touring cars from the 70s. New this year is a race for Formula 2 cars, which perfectly complements the other races of historic monoposti. The well-known automotive highlights, such as the meeting of the pre-war racing cars or the parades and demonstration runs, will also form up and promise a fast-paced foray through automotive and motorsport history. Next to the track, the get-together of the automobile legends continues - there, the well-known highlights of the past years are now joined by a large marquee that offers catering and a colourful programme and becomes a meeting point for drivers, teams and visitors. The jubilee of the most traditional motor sporting classic car event on the European continent promises non-stop attractions. On the grandstands around the Grand Prix circuit, classic car fans can look forward to twelve racing classes and fascinating demonstration drives. One of the highlights of the entire weekend will be the race of the two-seater racing cars and GTs up to 1965. Technically and aesthetically, these vehicles represent an absolute pinnacle of motorsport, and at the Oldtimer Grand Prix, these unique vehicles can be seen in a full starting field: Ferrari, Maserati and Lotus, Porsche and Mercedes-Benz, Jaguar and Aston Martin - real legends meet here. In addition, both races of these vehicles provide highlights in the programme: On Saturday evening, the race goes on for more than an hour into the twilight - the finish in the darkness accompanied by fireworks is the crowning glory of the weekend. And on Sunday, before the actual start of the race, the drivers demonstrate how the race used to be started at Le Mans: This starting procedure, in which the drivers sprint to the car at the signal of the race director and only then drive off, will also be demonstrated by the participants of the "Vintage Nürburgring" - they form another highlight of the programme with this demonstration and the laps of the pre-war racing cars on Saturday. These oldest racing cars of the weekend can be experienced in the historic paddock and in three demo runs during the weekend on the race track. Touring car highlights promise action-packed memoriesTouring car racing, which is traditionally strong in Germany, will also be a main focus at the Oldtimer Grand Prix. The top series of the 70s will come back to life in the DRM revival race. Group 5 cars, the legendary Ford Capri, the BMW 320 Turbo or the De Tomaso Pantera GTS will meet here. Spectators can also look forward to a strong line-up in the race of the Golden Touring Car Era. Here, it is mainly the DTM cars of the 1980s that come together, supplemented by STW cars of the 1990s and related touring cars. The highlight: many of these fantastic cars will be driven by the stars of the past, because once again, a whole squad of former DTM drivers has signed up. For example, the championship top three of the inaugural DTM season in 1984, Volker Strycek (in an Opel), Olaf Manthey (ex-Blaupunkt BMW M3) and Harald Grohs (also in a BMW) will be there. The rest of the line-up is also a who's who of DTM history. Leopold von Bayern, Klaus Niedzwiedz and Roland Asch (together with his son Sebastian on the grid!) have already been confirmed, and there will be no shortage of legendary cars either. BMW 320 and 635 CSi, Ford Cosworth, Opel and Co. will ensure a fast-paced journey through time. The touring car programme, which is already worth seeing, will be complemented by the series under the umbrella of the FHR drivers' association: the HTGT and the Dunlop Gentle Drivers both stand for full starting fields with highly attractive cars. With the "CanAm & Sportscars / Group-C-Classics", this series association also offers extremely emotional sports car action. Parades with Formula Legends and Anniversary ParadeOf course, there will also be formula action at the Nürburgring this year. The HGPCA, for example, will travel from the British Isles with their cars from the early days of Formula 1. For the first time, there will be separate heats for front- and rear-wheel-drive formula cars on Saturday, which will then be reunited in a single heat on Sunday. Of course, the Lurani Trophy with its full starting field of Formula Junior runabouts is not missing either. Also new to the programme is the British HSSC / Historic Formula 2, which offers a fast-paced excursion into the 1970s. There will also be demonstration laps for cars from the history of Formula 1 and Formula 2 on Saturday and Sunday. A very special parade will also take to the track on both race days. It is the anniversary parade on the occasion of the 50th Oldtimer Grand Prix, bringing together formula cars and sports cars, touring cars and GTs that have been instrumental in the successful development of the event. They will form a unique defilee especially for many long-time visitors and organisers - an invitation to remember 50 years of wonderful history. A stroll through the paddock is a mustThat this 50th edition of the Oldtimer Grand Prix is something very special becomes clear as soon as you make your way through the paddock, where there are many new things to discover. In the historic paddock from the 1920s, for example, not only the Vintage Nürburgring as a meeting of pre-war racing cars is further upgraded and enjoys lively popularity. There is also an exhibition on 100 years of MG. In the large Grand Prix paddock, the marquee, which will serve as a central meeting point for drivers, fans and officials, will catch the eye. This is also the place where the drivers can always be seen during the weekend, who will also find an opportunity to rest in the separate area. The partners of the event represented in the paddock are also worth a visit. Junghans, for example, will present two limited edition watch models in the exclusive OGP anniversary design. In the tent of media partner Motor Klassik, there will be space for vehicles from the anniversary parade, and in addition to the usual petrol talks over coffee, there will also be interviews and autograph opportunities. The Mercedes Arena will be open on the OGP weekend for the top brand club meeting and also invites visitors to stroll around. After a break, the area is finally integrated into the paddock again and offers a domicile to the Ferrari Club Germany during the event.