Last weekend (May 6 to 7, 2017), the DTM traditionally kicked off the new season in Hockenheim. The two races were won by Lucas Auer (Mercedes) and Jamie Green (Audi).
What is of much greater interest to fans of historic racing, however, is the so-called "Touring Car Classics", which will be held for the first time this year as a supporting program to two DTM races.
Two guest appearances
Two guest appearances will take place at the legendary Norisring (June 30 to July 2, 2017) and later at the Nürburgring (September 8 to 10, 2017).
No fewer than 42 cars are registered for the six races, the other four of which are part of various historic racing events, and will compete in three categories (DTM, STW and DTC).
The stars of yesteryear in the cars of yesteryear
With Christian Danner, Volker Schneider, Alexander Burgstaller, Kurt Thiim, Marc Hessel, Altfrid Heger and Volker Strycek, some former drivers will also be at the start.
One or two of the stars of that time will certainly be joining them, for example Michael Bartels is expected at the Norisring in his former orange winning Alfa Romeo 155 V6 Ti.
Rainer Braun was also there and he told us:
"On Saturday, I was at the presentation of the historic 'Touring Car Classics' racing series with mainly old DTM cars from 1984 to 1996. A few old full-throttle heroes were invited to garnish the event, but in the end it took on a certain momentum of its own and there was a miraculous proliferation of former top-class DTM drivers."
Naturally, the meeting was documented photographically. You can see in the picture:
Bernd Schneider, Michael Bartels, Klaus Ludwig, Harald Grohs, Manuel Reuter, Prince Poldi of Bavaria, Peter Oberndorfer (hidden), Marc Hessel, Bernd Mayländer, Johnny Cecotto, Volker Strycek, Jörg Weick (former DTM office manager), Rainer Braun and Christa Haas, from left. The two former 3sat/ZDF live reporters Braun and Haas have been lured out of retirement for a few rounds of the DTM revival and will be on board as guest commentators at the Nürburgring and Norisring, among others.
Professionals and amateurs
During the 40-minute races, the car owner will alternate with a professional at the wheel, separated by a two-minute mandatory pit stop.
The official press conference has already taken place in Hockenheim and some of the cars were shown to the fans in a special exhibition.
The two premium manufacturers BMW and Mercedes were also present with two fantastic racing touring cars from the 1970s. The sound alone - demonstrated in the pits - of the two cars captivated the motorsport fans in droves.
More information about the Touring Car Classics can of course be found on the racing series website.
