"Rennpappe, Easter und Co" - a book title so aptly summarized motor racing in the GDR. In addition to the racing buggies, "grand touring cars" such as Lada and Zastava, but also formula and sports cars such as the legendary Melkus RS1000 offered impressive motorsport. From November 12, 2023 to April 28, 2024, a new special exhibition at the Museum für sächsische Fahrzeuge Chemnitz is dedicated to racing in the East.
It is particularly important to emphasize that the development, construction and use of the racing cars were almost exclusively private initiatives, on whose initiative unique vehicles were created despite the socialist shortage economy. Drivers such as Ulli Melkus achieved numerous successes and exciting racing, especially in comparison with motorsport drivers from other socialist countries.
Racing as a spectator magnet
Full spectator ranks at the racing events on the Sachsenring or at the Schleizer Dreieck also impressively demonstrated the huge interest of the GDR population in motor racing. For many racing drivers, their first laps in a K-car as part of the working groups of the pioneer organization of the GDR marked their entry into motor racing.
The new special exhibition, which was designed in collaboration with Chemnitz-based illustrator and author Jens Conrad, shows an interesting cross-section of these racing vehicles. In 2022, he published the book "Meister mit zwei Kerzen. Trabant racing in the GDR" was published by Top Speed Verlag in 2022.
Large number of racing cars from well-known hands
Former active drivers such as designer Helmut Tschernoster, racing driver Jürgen Rädlein and local Chemnitz hero Matthias Neuber have been secured as prominent lenders. Eleven racing cars are on display.
Vehicles from formula and touring car racing, contested on circuits and in hill climbs, were selected from the wide range of motorsport disciplines. Included are the legendary first Melkus racer with the nickname "Plättglocke"; but also formula cars, such as the MT 77; the popular racing trotters, including Klaus Schumann's first champion car; a Zastava of the "big" touring car class and a TR Spider.
Away from the racetrack
Of course, the drivers, mechanics and many helpers should not be neglected in the exhibition. Trophies, photos and documents contributed by former drivers bring the history of motorsport to life. In addition to the actual racing cars, the exhibition also aims to present the chronology of events, the tracks on which they were raced and the different racing classes.
You can find more information about the new special exhibition on the website of the Museum für sächsische Fahrzeuge Chemnitz e.V
