For the 15th time, racing engines from bygone days dominate the legendary Open Racecourse in Oerlikon for one evening. At this event, which has long since become a cult event, historic racing cars and motorcycles take to the steep-sided oval for fast-paced demo laps, creating a magical atmosphere for over 5,000 spectators. On July 27, 2017 (weather permitting) it's time again. This is already the rescheduled date, as bad weather is expected for the original date of July 25, 2017.
Roaring racing engines from bygone days and the smell of sausages and burnt castor oil fill the air and create a unique atmosphere on the legendary cycling track. Once a year, the legendary steep-sided oval in Oerlikon, built in 1912, becomes a pulsating cult site for motorsport fans.
Organizer Georg Kaufmann has once again succeeded in presenting a hand-picked field of participants steeped in history with around 60 unique historic racing cars. The line-up is peppered with delicacies with two, three and four wheels, some of which are worth tens of millions.
Rarities on the narrow concrete oval
From 4 p.m., they can be admired by everyone in the open paddock. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., they will turn spectacular demo laps between the wheel races in the concrete oval, which is elevated by up to 40 degrees and divided into nine fields. The Ferrari 340 America Touring Barchetta Superleggera (1950) by Louis Frey, one of two examples still in existence worldwide in largely unrestored condition, is likely to attract particular attention.
However, the list of delicacies is long. Luciano Arnold brings his 1971 Brabham BT36 Formula 2, once driven by Silvio Moser, to Oerlikon.
One of around 100 Enzmann 506 Roadsters built in Switzerland is being driven by grandson Kari Enzmann. Alain Rüede's Allard J2 Chrysler was driven by racing legend Richard Petty in 1951. Ernst Sigg presents the Sauber C2 once driven by Dieter Kox in its original condition and organizer Georg Kaufmann takes his breathtaking 1956 Maserati 250F Grand Prix car for a spin.
Almost like Indianapolis
Crowd favorites are brute Indianapolis racing cars from the wild 1930s, which do credit to the Indianapolis event in Oerlikon. Legendary and long-forgotten racing cars from Studebaker, Stutz and Nash make the concrete oval tremble with a piercing roar.
Two-wheeler fans also get their money's worth in Oerlikon. There are sidecar teams and many racing bikes from manufacturers such as Scott, Norton, Motosacoche, Indian, Harley Davidson, Ducati, Kreidler, Gilera, a Rudge from Enzo Ferrari's former racing team and many more at the start.
An unusual tribute to the oldest sports venue in Switzerland. The architecturally attractive concrete oval was built in 1912 and has hosted seven track cycling world championships and many unforgettable stars such as Oscar Plattner, Ferdy Kübler and Hugo Koblet. Today, cycling races take place every week from May to September and once a year the 333.3-metre-long concrete oval mutates into a cauldron for nostalgic racing cars.
Indianapolis in Oerlikon has developed into a thrilling spectacle and, with its vibrant paddock that is open to everyone, a unique meeting place for motorsport enthusiasts. Georg Kaufmann: "A real racing atmosphere almost in the middle of Zurich is unique and, thanks to the huge crowds in recent years, a great festival with many like-minded people. But it's not a race. Safety has top priority. That's why we only invite experienced and level-headed pilots. However, they will still put the pedal to the metal and are guaranteed to give the audience goosebumps."
Indianapolis in Oerlikon, Thursday evening, July 27, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., with a festival restaurant and open paddock, demo laps from 6 p.m., admission CHF 20 in aid of the Oerlikon Open Racecourse.
Weather information and further details can be found on the racecourse website or by calling 044 311 25 61.
