The Planai-Classic 2023 was, for once, not quite as bad a snowstorm as usual due to the less than desirable weather conditions. Nevertheless, it was a great experience for everyone involved. With 64 registered teams and 20 different car brands, the 26th edition also offered the largest and most diverse field of participants to date. The number of spectators also increased significantly after the lean Corona years. Johann Koffer, in the only open-top car and also the oldest - hence the starting number 1 - said with a laugh: "For us, it feels like a great spring drive."
Fantastic rookie victory
The youngster team Florian Pachleitner and Christopher Wischenbart caused a surprise right at the first special stage. The two Planai newcomers in a Porsche 911 T from 1972 finished the night prologue on the Dachstein with 0.0 seconds off the target time. The reactions of the experienced participants were somewhat reminiscent of those at Walter Röhrl's debut at the Olympic Rally: there must be something wrong with the timekeeping. But in the very first stage the next morning, the young Porsche drivers picked up where they had left off. Only Fritz Jirowsky and Gerhard Soukal in the VW 1303 S were able to pose a brief threat to them, but were unable to stop them, meaning that Pachleitner and Wischenbart secured the day's victory.
On Saturday, the two drivers in their mid-twenties made it exciting once again. After a botched morning, Klaus Zimmermann and Angelika Bacher in a Volvo 144 S Deluxe were able to draw level with Pachleitner and Wischenbart. But just like the day before, the two novices in the yellow Porsche did not let themselves get rattled and countered on the last special stage. They crossed the finish line first, 600 points ahead of VW 1200 drivers Georg Geyer and Sebastian Klackl. They were followed in third place by Michael Krammer and Andreas Ulm in the 1968 Fiat 850 Coupé, 900 points behind, with Zimmermann and Bacher finishing in fourth place. Fifth place went to Guenter Schwarzbauer and Erich Hemmelmayer in the 1972 Datsun 240 Z.
A chance for young talent
The track conditions were not without their problems this year. Although only a little snow had fallen, icy roads were to be expected in exposed places and in the mornings and evenings. Caution was required. Despite the imminent danger, there were only a few very few dents in the old metal, which is of course also due to the great discipline of all participants. They once again praised the cozy atmosphere in the fascinating landscape. Special praise also went to the two winners, who proved that classic car rallies are not just a sport for old men, as is often assumed. A new generation of drivers is growing up here, and it is to be hoped that they will be even more numerous at the next Planai Classic.
