Once and unfortunately only once a year, and only in absolutely dry conditions, is it possible to drive the two 45-degree banked bends in the small 333-metre-long wheel noodle pot in Oerlikon with top-class racing cars from the past. Much to the delight of the fans who have been coming in large numbers for 21 years.
Racing at sunset
Last Tuesday, July 23, 2024, there were once again around 6700 spectators enjoying the sunset from the concrete grandstand. Instead of heavy disco sounds, top-class racing engines played and around sixty spectacular racing and sports cars, motorcycles and sidecars were on display.
In between, bike races were started again and again, which is what the track is actually intended for.
Special cars
The composition of the vehicles changes every year and there is always something special. One example is the Formcar Formula Vee from 1964. It was precisely this monoposto with good Volkswagen technology that Huschke von Hanstein imported to Germany on behalf of Ferry Porsche to see whether this new American racing series was also suitable for European conditions.
Huschke von Hanstein and Herbert Linge tested the single-seater with a 1200cc engine and 33 hp in Weissach and achieved the same cornering speeds as the new Porsche 904.
This was the beginning of Formula Vee in Europe and to celebrate its 60th anniversary, this number 1 did its laps in Oerlikon and did so quite impressively.
Impressive weather atmosphere
The racing cars circled the concrete oval three times for half an hour each and organizer Georg Kaufmann was delighted by the colourful hustle and bustle with the full grandstands.
The sky was rarely as dramatic and photographically exciting as it was last Tuesday evening and spectators were treated to some impressive images.
Just for fun and to enjoy the pictures
As there are no lap times or trophies at this event, everything is just great fun and you can simply enjoy a few photographic delicacies and put the 2025 event - which always takes place on a Tuesday (alternative date: Thursday after) - in your diary now, because it will certainly be worth it for you too.
