The revised plans for the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix (August 7-9, 2020) are increasingly taking shape. After the organizers had to rethink many details of the classic weekend at the Nürburgring due to the corona pandemic, the planned programme on the race track has now been finalized. Eleven races, special runs and presentations will take place at the 48th edition of the largest continental European classic car racing event.
Its composition shows some deviations from the original plans. The new elements include the Historic Touring Car and GT Trophy (HTGT), which is organized under the umbrella of the Drivers' Association for Historic Racing (FHR). A 120-minute endurance race on the Grand Prix circuit for touring cars and GTs is also new to the schedule. The race with the title 'AvD OGP / FHR Endurance Cup' replaces the previously planned AvD Historic Marathon on the Nordschleife that turned out to be unfeasible due to organizational problems. A new highlight in the program, however, is the special race of the Formula 1 legends of the 70s to 90s: The race, which was already included in the original program plans, will bring spectacular historic Formula 1 cars back to the track with a focus on Ferrari models. Motorsport legend Jacky Ickx will come to the Nürburgring as guest of honor and take part in the special race in his original car from 1971.
The next steps in the preparations for the event have already been initiated: Together with the Nürburgring management, the organizers are currently working on an event concept that takes particular account of infection protection and hygiene measures and then has to be checked and approved by the relevant authorities.
New plans
The organizers of the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix are facing unusual challenges in view of the pandemic situation. "The planning for this year's event was already well advanced when we had to start all over again," says AvD Sport President Volker Strycek. The former DTM driver is always behind the wheel in historic racing as well and therefore knows the event both as an organizer and from the cockpit perspective. He can therefore give a first-hand account of the effort required. "Since many foreign participants cannot come to us in the current situation, we unfortunately had to cancel some very attractive races," he explains. "Even the long-planned AvD Historic Marathon on the Nordschleife has proven to be unfeasible under the current conditions. This is particularly painful for us because we were all looking forward to this race. Instead, we were able to add a very nice series with the HTGT."
One major challenge is the new event concept, which focuses in particular on infection prevention measures. For example, some supporting events have been removed from the program - for the first time in many years, the Mercedes Arena will not be used as an event space.
The stretched program means that many processes can be streamlined. In cooperation with the Nürburgring management, work is currently underway to retain as much of the spirit of the event as possible. This also includes ensuring that spectators can enjoy the historic sport wherever possible. "The protection of everyone involved is of course the central point of all considerations," explains Volker Strycek. "We want to protect spectators, participants and organizers from infection as much as possible. In many areas, this will result in the AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix presenting itself differently than in previous years."
Nevertheless, there will be plenty to see on the AvD OGP weekend - including on the Nordschleife. For instance, the track day on Friday will be held for the fifth time and historic cars are likely to be seen on the track on Saturday and Sunday as well. The paddock will not only feature the vehicles taking part in the races, presentations and special runs, but also other historic delicacies: The participants of the Vintage Sports Car Trophy will be joined by the vehicles of the Pre-War Cars Meeting. They will be housed in the historic paddock, as will the rally cars of the "Slowly Sideways" drivers' association. The Grand Prix paddock will once again host the sports car show, where owners of historic vehicles can present their classics in style and even offer them for sale. However, the organizers have come up with a few ideas to ensure that things don't get too crowded. "For example, we are dispensing with the Historic Paddock Club and the drivers' team tent," reports AvD Sport President Volker Strycek. "This will create additional space in the paddock and reduce unnecessary contacts." With details like these, the organizers hope to be able to hold the 2020 AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix. Strycek: "We are continuing to work at full speed on a concept and on closely coordinating with the partners at the Nürburgring and the competent authorities."
The program of the 48th AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix at a glance
Races / special races / presentations:
- Revival German Racing Championship / 100 Mile Trophy
- AvD Touring Car and GT Trophy
- Touring Car Classics
- FCD RacingSeries
- Two-seater racing cars and GTs up to 1960/61
- International Audi R8 LMS Cup
- Formula 1 legends of the 70s - 90s (special run)
- A Gentle Drivers Trophy
- Vintage Sports Car Trophy for pre-war vehicles (presentation)
- Historic Touring Car & GT Trophy (HTGT)
- AvD-OGP / FHR Endurance Cup (endurance race for historic touring cars and GTs)
Exhibitions:
- Pre-War Cars Meeting (Historic Paddock)
- Slowly Sideways (historic paddock)
- Sports car show (Grand Prix paddock)
Free driving:
- AvD OGP Trackday (Nordschleife, Friday)
The program is as of 24 June 2020. Information on the latest status can be found on the AvD OGP website.
