For many years, the ADAC Hockenheim Historic has been one of the world's most popular classic car events with the largest audiences. The secret of its success is easy to explain: The fascination exuded by the motorsport of days gone by, coupled with almost unhindered access to the automotive treasures and their drivers, family-friendly prices and a spectacular race track - a combination that simply goes down well with participants and spectators alike.
Among the participants in this year's ADAC Hockenheim Historic, which will attract race fans to Baden-Württemberg from May 3 to 5, 2024, are numerous former professionals who are determined not to let the joy of driving be taken away from them and who have always been among the absolute crowd favorites.
Crowd puller Manthey
And when we talk about crowd favorites, one name is right at the top of motorsport fans' favorites - and has been for more than four decades: Olaf Manthey. The man from Bonn with the distinctive beard celebrates his 69th birthday on April 21, but has lost none of his popularity and passion for hearty racing. That is why, 40 years after his DTM debut season in 1984, which he finished as runner-up behind Volker Strycek in the Rover Vitesse, he is still passionate about driving touring cars. Especially those from the "Golden Era", which will once again be making an appearance at the ADAC Hockenheim Historic.
To make sure he doesn't get bored, Olaf Manthey will be driving two BMW 635 CSi touring cars from Schumann Motorsport in Saarbrücken as part of the "Touring Cars - Golden Era" and the "DRM Revival". One is the Group A version, which produces around 340 hp in Schumann's trim, and the other is the sharper Group 5 version with around 430 horsepower.
A very welcome trip back in time for Olaf, especially as the Rhinelander is coming full circle in 2024. In 1984, he celebrated his first of two runner-up titles in the DTM; 40 years later, the team he founded will start the DTM season as defending champions. In 2023, Austrian Thomas Preining drove to the title in a Porsche 911 GT3 R from Manthey EMA Racing.
Fun and friendship
The motivation for an old warhorse like Olaf Manthey to get behind the wheel of a racing classic like the BMW 635 CSi as part of the ADAC Hockenheim Historic is as simple as it is obvious: fun! "We don't take it all that seriously any more. Many friendships have developed over the years, we enjoy being together and socializing, putting something on the barbecue in the evening, having a beer together and talking. On the other hand, when I have someone in front of me on the track, my old ambition is immediately rekindled. It's just fun."
Comparisons between the racing cars of the past and today are only valid to a limited extent. "Everything has its time," emphasizes Olaf Manthey. "Today's racing cars are obviously on a completely different level technically, much more mature, they have more grip and are much faster. I've already driven our new car and I have to say: I still prefer the old ones. There's even more of a popometer involved, the cars move more, you have to be careful not to over-rev the engine when changing gear and things like that. It's simply more fun, and when I let our current works drivers do cab runs on the Nordschleife in an old Porsche 997 GT3 Cup, they get out all sweaty, but also totally enthusiastic. I'm really pleased to see how many young people are interested in the motorsport of that time."
Diverse audience
It is precisely for this reason that the audience at the ADAC Hockenheim Historic represents a colorful cross-section of all ages and social classes. And they all have direct access to the cars, teams and drivers. A crowd favorite like Olaf Manthey enjoys this direct contact with the fans: "We participants are happy about every spectator who comes. If I'm asked the same question for the hundredth time, I'm happy to answer it for the hundredth time. If someone wants a selfie or an autograph, they will of course get one. I always find the family photos the best. And when a fan thanks me for what I've done in four decades of motorsport, it goes down like oil."
Nine different racing series, around 500 racing cars
In addition to the Touring Cars - Golden Era and the DRM Revival, there are seven other racing series that offer racing fans a first-class spectacle.
Whether the Historic Racecar Association with the "ADAC Graf Berghe von Trips Pokal", the Lurani Trophy of the Formula Junior, the Historic Formula Vau Europe, the MOMO Sportscar Supercup, the Raceclub Germany, the BOSS GP or the Lotus Cup Europe - there is something for everyone and for most people one racing series is as fascinating as the next anyway.
Affordable tickets from EUR 15
The ticket prices reflect the family-friendly character of the ADAC Hockenheim Historic - The Jim Clark Revival. A day ticket for Friday is available for just EUR 15, while tickets for Saturday and Sunday are also affordable at EUR 35 and EUR 30 respectively. And for those who want to treat themselves to the complete three-day program, tickets cost 49 euros - including up-close viewing, listening, smelling and tasting. Wheelchair users and children up to the age of 14 are admitted free of charge.
More information about the event and the opportunity to buy tickets can be found on the event website.
