Many had expected the 2022 Olympic Rally '72 Revival, Germany's largest classic car rally, to be very popular. But no one expected this: An extremely diverse field of starters has come together for the trip from Kiel to Munich (August 8 to 13, 2022). As things stand, vehicles from 41 different brands and an incredible 172 different vehicle types will be at the start.
This means that there will hardly be two vehicles of the same type in the field of a maximum of 197 teams from nine nations. More than 100 participants alone will start in classes 1 and 2 for rally cars up to or after the Olympic Rally '72.
The teams on the waiting list are hoping to be allowed to move up after all in the event of cancellations. Vintage production cars will round off the rolling parade of the automobile museum.
With Walter Röhrl
Walter Röhrl's career began 50 years ago at the legendary 1972 Olympic Rally.
This laid the foundation for the unique story of the rally driver of the millennium.
Röhrl will of course be there again, the original winning car has been organized.
Walter Röhrl on the original and the revival:
"Although I dropped out with engine damage shortly before the end, in a duel with the eventual overall winner Nicolas, and didn't reach the finish in Munich, I was able to show the professionals what the hammer is made of with my Capri. The media spoke of a super show and for me it meant my international breakthrough. I now received offers from several manufacturers and tuners. Mr. Neerpasch, who had recently switched from Ford to BMW, even saw me as the future BMW racing driver. But I wanted to remain a rally driver and accepted the offer for my first driver contract from Mr. Preikschat at Opel. Under the guidance of Opel tuner Günther Irmscher, I prepared for my first Monte-Carlo Rally and an exciting '73 season with my new co-driver Jochen Berger. A life in rallying was in store for me and the Olympic Rally set the course for this. That's why I'm delighted that there will be an Olympic Rally Revival for the 50th anniversary."
The "Walter Röhrl & Friends" group also includes some of his former rivals, some of whom are bringing along the original works cars from the past. Discussions are also still ongoing as to who will get which vehicle with a lot of history.
The replicas of the four vehicles that the Regensburg native drove in his four Monte victories will also be there. Of course, an original Opel Olympia will not be missing from the incredibly diverse starting field.
Incidentally, the two motorsport and journalist legends Herbert Völker and Rainer Braun will also be there!
From Kiel to Munich: The route is set
Since December 31, 2021, just in time for the turn of the year, the exact route of the six daily stages of the journey from Kiel to Munich has been finalized.
The respective section leaders have completed this important part of the preparation. From Monday to Saturday, the participants will complete 2252 km with 47 special stages, which, in contrast to 1972, will now be completed on target time.
Here are the key dates:
- Day 1 (Monday, 08.08.2022) - 295 km - 8 special stages
Kiel - Lübeck - Adendorf - Mölln - Wolfsburg - Day 2 (Tuesday, 09.08.2022) - 396 km - 8 special stages
Wolfsburg -Braunschweig - Reitling im Elm - Einbeck - Bad Karlshafen - Paderborn - Day 3 (Wednesday, 10.08.2022) - 336 km - 7 special stages
Paderborn - Warstein - Meinerzhagen - Cologne - Day 4 (Thursday, 11.08.2022) - 483 km - 8 special stages
Cologne - Gemünden - Grolsheim - Kaiserslautern - Speyer (longest stage) - Day 5 (Friday, 12.08.2022) - 425 km - 8 special stages
Speyer - Hockenheim - Neckarsulm - Gunzenhausen - Greding - Regensburg - Day 6 (Saturday, 13.08.2022) - 317 km - 9 special stages
Regensburg - Konzeil - Grün - Plattling - Pilsting - Landshut - Munich
Each day's stage consists of two sections, one in the morning and one in the afternoon. As different as the route may be, some key points are always the same: at least one original stage from 1972 is ridden every day. Between the start and the lunch break and on the afternoon stage there is an 'espresso stop' for the supply and disposal of drinks.
The exact course of the route with the passage times for the individual planning of the fans will be published on the website before the event.
Excitement rises: first program highlights revealed
On the journey from Kiel to Munich, the Revival entourage will be traveling together for a good week. The different daily stages will bring excitement and entertainment, and the organizer will also ensure variety in the evenings. It's not just the evening catering that promises a variety of culinary experiences. Participants can already look forward to two items on the program. One evening will be dedicated to the 50th anniversary of Walter Röhrl's international rally career, which began at the Olymppia Rally '72.
Another evening event will be enriched by two legendary reporters. As press officers, Herbert Völker and Rainer Braun provided journalists with all the information they needed 50 years ago. With their 'paddock stories', they will offer participants a unique and one-of-a-kind look behind the scenes.
Further information can be found on the event website.
