Since 2011, classic car enthusiasts in the Heidiland region have been organizing a two-day event for like-minded people every summer: the Heidiland Classic. This family classic car rally celebrates its 10th anniversary in 2020 from June 18 to 21. A good reason to let the event grow. This rally will remain a family event, but at the request of previous participants, the Heidiland Classic 2020 will be extended by one day - and a classic car excursion. The evening program is also worthy of an anniversary.
Trips to Graubünden and Appenzell
From the very beginning, the Heidiland Classic has focused on the joy of historic vehicles, the love of classic car bodies and old engines. Sitting together after the ride and talking shop or working on the engine with the support of another participant are things that Heidiland Classic participants appreciate. Joint rides with the classic cars are part of it, as is the sporting competition.
Participants decide how ambitious they want to be when they register. The Heidiland Classic will also be held in three categories in 2020:
- "Sport" (route length approx. 220 km, average speed 35-40 km/h)
- "Classic" (route length approx. 180 km, average speed 30-35 km/h)
- "Relax & Drive" (route length approx. 180 km, no evaluation and skill tests).
In its anniversary year, the Heidiland Classic has two rides on the program. The first will take participants to the Prättigau/Davos region on Friday, June 19. The second outing on Saturday, June 20, will take the rally participants to Appenzell and Toggenburg. Both rides start and finish in the center of Bad Ragaz.
Talk with Manfred Schurti and Urs Kuratle
The evening program of the Heidiland Classic 2020 will be more attractive and varied than ever. On Thursday, participants will get in the mood for the coming days with an aperitif and dinner at Wartenstein Castle, situated high above Bad Ragaz and boasting breathtaking views of the Rhine Valley and as far as Lake Walen.
On Friday evening, a panel discussion with two top-class guests from the racing scene is on the program in the Alte Bad Pfäfers. Manfred Schurti - Formula Vee World Champion 1970, Formula Super Vee European Champion 1972 and former Porsche works driver at the 24 Hours of Le Mans - and Urs Kuratle - Head of Testing & Racing at Porsche in Stuttgart, former chief mechanic at Sauber in Formula 1 - are looking forward to a panel discussion with plenty of drive.
This first meeting between the Liechtenstein racing legend and the former chief mechanic, who grew up in the Heidiland and Igis regions, promises exciting insights. "I know Manfred Schurti, although I don't know him personally yet. He drove very often and successfully with Porsche at Le Mans. That's why I'm looking forward to June 19 all the more, because we've been carrying on this Le Mans legacy at Porsche since 2013," explains Kuratle. He does not own a classic car himself, but Kuratle's professional responsibilities include the workshop that restores historic racing cars on behalf of the Porsche Museum. Perhaps also the cars that Manfred Schurti is allowed to drive at classic events on behalf of Porsche. "I don't own a classic car, but I am allowed to drive my former racing cars from time to time," says the 78-year-old, who is in regular contact with the Porsche Museum in Stuttgart.
Manfred Schurti and Urs Kuratle will have plenty to talk about on June 19 at the Altes Bad Pfäfers, because although they are not from the same generation, there are many similarities in their careers - both have worked for Peter Sauber as well as for Porsche. And both have worked on racing cars themselves over the course of their careers. "In Formula Vee and Formula Super Vee, I was the only private driver among the title contenders and had no factory mechanics to fall back on - I had to lend a hand myself. I had the support of two work colleagues, both motor vehicle experts at the MFK in Vaduz," reveals Schurti.
Anniversary party and "Prix d'Elégance"
Friday evening will be dominated by racing nostalgia and technical discussions, with celebrations on the agenda for Saturday evening: first the award ceremony for the Heidiland Classic 2020, then the big anniversary party with "Bligg - live on stage" in the marquee in Maienfeld from 9.30 pm. After the big rap show, you can party and dance until the early hours.
In its anniversary year, the Heidiland Classic will once again conclude with a "Prix d'Elégance" in the center of Bad Ragaz. On Sunday, June 21, from 9.45 am to 4 pm, the rally cars will be presented to the interested public on the village square in Ragaz. A jury will select the most beautiful historic vehicles on the square at lunchtime.
Further information can be found on the event website, where you can also register (by June 5, 2020).
