The seventh issue of Automobilsport is here and, as always, it covers a wide range of motorsport-related topics. The cover story, which makes up a large part of the magazine, deals with stories about the BMW M1 Turbo. But there are also many other topics such as Graham Hill or the Lotus 56B.
The first star in the Jägermeister team
He was used to taking risks in his career. But hardly any weather could stop two-time Formula 1 world champion Graham Hill from getting into his machine. It is now 40 years since the first star of the Jägermeister racing team died in the crash of his private plane. Eckhard Schimpf knew him and now tells his story.
In 1968, Lotus competed in the Indy 500 with a spectacular all-wheel-drive turbine car. Three years later, Colin Chapman brought this revolutionary concept to Formula 1. Automobilsport portrays the Lotus 56B, one of the most fascinating technical adventures that Grand Prix racing has ever seen.
Run-up with hurdles
On paper, the Group 5 version of the BMW M1 would have had what it took to compete with the Porsche 935 on an international level as at least an equal opponent. It was not until 1981, shortly before the Group 5 regulations expired and the great era of Group C sports cars dawned, that a BMW M1 could be officially entered in this category.
When it came to the top places in the big dimension of the German Racing Championship in 1981, there were three main competitors for the BMW M1: the Zakspeed-Capri, the Joest and the Kremer-Porsche-935. However, the BMW M1 had clear physical advantages over its immediate competitors, theoretically.
Back to the roots
Long lost, the Schnitzer BMW M1 Turbo has been restored to its former glory since this year. After a complete restoration in its old birthplace, the only turbo M1 ever used is now ready for new starts. Franz Klinger Junior, son of the former Schnitzer chief mechanic Franz Klinger, who was instrumental in building the M1 back then, was responsible for the restoration with a small team today.
Old love never rusts
Full starting fields and full grandstands - this year's AvD Oldtimer Grand Prix had the two most important ingredients for a motorsport weekend in a class of its own.
The "Chantily Arts & Elegance - Richard Mille" concours, which honored the most attractive vehicles for the second time, was all the more impressive with a top-class selection of classic cars rather than competitions.
Family reunion
The Goodwood Revival once again enchanted spectators and participants with a spectacular program this year. In addition to fantastic races and breathtaking demonstrations, the six built Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupés from all over the world came together in Goodwood. In an interview, Jochen Neerpasch talks about his time as a driver in the Shelby team.
Automobilsport also reports on motorsport events such as the Rally Legend, the Spa Six Hours, the Porsche Rennsport Reunion V, the Edelweiss Bergpreis, the Daytona Spa Classic and many more.
