A wedding like this changes lives. When Stephanie and Jörg Solar got married in the summer of 2018, they celebrated on the grounds and in the clubhouse of MSC Brokstedt, the sporting home of speedway world champion Egon Müller - to name just the most famous offspring. Brokstedt with its "Holsteinring", a sand track oval, is only three quarters of an hour north of Hamburg, where the Solars live.
And because the couple have been motorcycle enthusiasts as more than just a hobby for years - Jörg owns a workshop for classic motorcycles in Hamburg's Portuguese quarter - they cautiously asked the MSC whether it would be possible to organize a flat track event on the Holsteinring.
This became the "Hotshoe Days" - the name comes from the sliding shoe on the left foot of the flattrack riders, which tends to get warm due to the continuous friction with the sand track. The event has been held annually in July ever since, even during the coronavirus pandemic. Stephanie and Jörg managed to comply with the safety regulations so that their small, colorful training weekend could succeed. And so it happens that, as an inexperienced spectator, you take a trip into the countryside, into the Holstein landscape, and you arrive somewhere without any expectations, and you feel right at home straight away.
Because there's a lot to look at: old motorcycles in particular, which are moved around enthusiastically. There is bratwurst and beer and cake and an evening program with a barbecue and music from a record player. People sit down on the grass or on the grandstand on the 400-meter sand track oval and watch the action. There is a paddock where the drivers are working and the fairy lights are lit up in the evening. And everyone who is there always has a satisfied grin on their face.
There were 110 participants this year, divided into classes. Anyone who wants to can take part; perhaps in the "Absolute Beginners" starter group for people with no racing experience - and no stress. Or in the "Inappropriate Bikes", where choppers and café racers are also allowed to take part. Even mopeds and mopeds are allowed. The uncomplicated Yamaha SR 500 is very popular, and then of course there are the enthusiast bikes such as the beautiful Terrot with JAP engine or the Velocette with Rickman frame from Mike from the Cotswolds, who sailed across the Channel especially for this weekend. And real flat trackers like Jörg's BSA. He brings several bikes with him in his old Ford Transit.
And because it's about nothing but fun - no lap times, no placings - it stays that way. Of course, there is still a trophy, the "Hotshoe". But the winner is determined by kicking balloons, not on the slopes. "None of us are going to be world champions anymore," says Jörg, reiterating his claim to have a good time with friends and like-minded motorcycle enthusiasts. I'll definitely be going back to Brokstedt next year.
