GP ICE RACE

Ferdinand ‘Ferdi’ Porsche, son of Wolfgang Porsche (Ferry Porsche’s youngest son) staged the second GP Ice Race at the Porsche family’s seat in Zell am See. Priceless historics landed in the snow-covered Austrian town for a dazzling display around a 600-metre track atop a thick layer of ice. Billed by many as “Goodwood Festival of Speed on ice”, the event welcomed rally cars from the factory collections of the extended Volkswagen Group family, including Audi and Skoda, as well as Stuttgart-crested speed machines brought to Zell am See from all over Europe by private owners and specialists. Early two-litre 911s were a particular highlight, cheered on by enthusiastic onlookers who also enjoyed watching 935s, 914s, 356s, 912s, a 991 Speedster and the occasional 991 GT3 RS strut their stuff, though it has to be said, these exciting Porsches couldn’t muster the same level of applause as those brought to the event by locals and held together with cable ties, duct tape and, so it seemed, not much else!

Many of the cars in attendance towed skiers in a nod to the lost art of skijoring. Works driver, Jorg Bergmeister, and Norwegian Olympic ski champion, Askel Lumd Svindal, were among those demonstrating the discipline, as was Formula E driver, Neel Jani, who also spent time explaining the capabilities of the 99X race car to interested parties. Away from the specially prepared track, Porsche Classic laid on a static display of historic Porsches, while Porsche Design launched a special GP Ice Race watch.