Roads are becoming more and more congested, traffic is becoming more and more regulated and controls are becoming tighter and tighter. Even a pre-war vehicle can hardly be driven (safely) on public roads these days. For this reason, so-called "track days" are becoming increasingly popular. This involves driving to a racetrack where you can drive your old car in a safe, fast and fun way.
The Friday Classic has been offering precisely this opportunity for over 10 years. The private Anneau du Rhin circuit in Alsace, a good 50 km north of Basel, is used as the race track. The approximately four-kilometer track offers everything you could wish for in a classic/youngtimer: tight and open bends, long straights and serpentine twists and turns.
The Friday Classic divides the participating vehicles into categories so that a manageable number of similarly fast cars are on the track at the same time. This prevents large differences in speed from occurring on the track. For example, MG B and Triumph TR4 will drive together, but formula cars will also have their own group. The foresighted planning is also the reason why there has never been a serious accident to date.
Each pilot gets to drive for around 100 minutes. If that doesn't seem like much, you've probably never been on a racetrack. Inexperienced trackday visitors often take their first long break after just a few laps, that's how exhausting driving on the circuit is. Of course, nobody drives for 100 minutes at a time, but these are actually divided into five times 20 minutes (per category) throughout the day, so that both the driver and the car can cool down in between. In the evening, there are an additional 20 minutes for all those who haven't had enough.
For the organizers of the Friday Classic, it is important that they do not organize a racing event, but rather an entertaining day with friends and like-minded people. The all-round feel-good program is organized with corresponding care. For example, participants can arrive the evening before and a Friday Classic Dinner is organized. Catering will also be provided on race day.
The costs are manageable. Pure use of the racetrack costs CHF 380, with an additional 20 to 30 euros per person for catering. Dinner and overnight stay are additional. Neither a driver's license nor an FIA-HTP is required, but a helmet must always be worn and the cars must comply with the usual regulations (including noise).
The Friday Classic of 2018 will take place on Sunday, May 27, 2018. Further information can be found on the website. You can also register there.
