AVD Oldtimer Grand Prix

AVD OLDTIMER GRAND PRIX, NÜRBURGRING, GERMANY. 7-9 AUGUST

100 years of motor racing at the Nürburgring is celebrated with a unique AvD Oldtimer event

The 48th AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix will go down in history as what will probably turn out to be the only major historic motor sport event to go ahead with spectators in 2020. Beyond the obvious context, however, the event had historic plans of its own – namely the celebration of 100 years of motor racing at Germany’s most famous – and infamous – racetrack.

A strict 5000 classic fans per day were treated to 300 classics taking to the track, from former F1 cars, to DTM cars and relatively standard saloons. And while the return of the gruelling Historic Marathon – which takes place on the Nordschleife circuit, rather than the more modern Grand Prix circuit – was put on hold for this year, visiting enthusiasts were still treated to plenty of on-track historic racing action throughout the weekend.

Automobilclub von Deutschland AvD president, Ludwig Fürst zu Löwenstein-Wertheim-Freudenberg, said: ‘We are aware of the fact that we were a pioneer this weekend and that attention was focused on us. That is why we are very pleased to see that everyone involved – participants, officials and spectators – adhered to the rules. We accomplished something that had been considered impossible and I hope that in doing so we were able to pave the way for other largescale events.’

■ avd-ogp.de/en

’We accomplished something that was considered impossible’

The 100 Mile Trophy saw Ford Capris, mixing with BMW M1 Procars and low-slung Lolas.

The oddly named Gentle Drivers Trophy saw Lotus 23s battling with big ‘Healeys and Shelby Mustangs.

Jacky Ickx drove the Ferrari 312 B3 in which he won at the Nürburgring back in 1972.