Historic motorsport at its best
For the 36th time now, 90 courageous participants and 40 advance cars will take on the 150 km of the Cologne-Ahrweiler Rally on Friday, November 8 from 4 p.m. and, as every year, offer excitement and good motorsport at its best. Not only is the start and finish location of Mayschoss, with the oldest winegrowers' cooperative in Germany, historic, but the concept of the special stages is also unique alongside the cars from the 70s and 80s.
The rally is the only event in Germany that brings the legendary "Südschleife" back to life every year. Formerly linked to the infamous "Nordschleife", it is now driven separately but is just as challenging as its big brother, the "Nordschleife", which is also being driven again this year - but untrainable and unique in the opposite direction! Of this year's 13 special stages, this is certainly an absolute highlight. However, the typical winding country roads of the Eifel, which wind their way through the wet, slippery and foggy forests from the Ahr valley to the Nürburgring, are a particular feature of this rally. This is where the wheat is separated from the chaff - some of the drivers are of the opinion that there should be more of these sections in order not to lose the character of the rally. An argument that cannot be denied.
There are also new developments in terms of vehicles. For the first time this year, the organizer has extended vehicle classes up to 1996 (Class N and A) and 2005 (Kit Cars, Super1600). However, the list of starters clearly shows that the historic old and youngtimers built up to 1988 make up over 90% of the starting field, also because the winner of the Cologne Ahrweiler Rally is determined from these classes. This means that the typical character of the rally is not in danger, also due to the 40 cars in front, with cars from the legendary Group B, such as three Audi Quattro!
Championships
The two championships of the Youngtimer Trophy and Youngtimer Rallye Trophy are also extremely exciting, as the classification in both competitions is still open and the winner will only be determined at the Cologne Ahrweiler Rally.
In the Youngtimer Trophy, Michael and Herbert Schmitz in a VW Golf and Jürgen and Peter Schumann in a Ford Escort RS2000 are still battling it out for the championship crown.
In the Youngtimer Rally Trophy, four drivers still have a chance of winning the title. Norbert Zaremba/Georg Kehren in the BMW M3 E30 have the best chance ahead of the northern duo Axel Schütt/Klaus Finke. But two other teams also still have a chance of winning the title. In addition to the experienced duo Uwe Hahne/Patrick Buhr in a BMW M3 E30, the team Toni Kluth/Philipp Kluth in a Lancia Delta Integrale were annoyed because they were unable to take part in the Köln Ahrweiler this year, although the newcomers to the Youngtimer Rally Trophy showed a remarkable learning curve, especially at the Cologne Ahrweiler Rally.
Highlights
One of the driving highlights is of course - how could it be otherwise - the eight-time winner of the Cologne Ahrweiler Rally, Georg Berlandy. The Stromberg native is also coming to the Ahr with a strong tailwind this year. Berlandy and his long-time co-driver Peter Schaaf recently celebrated winning the German Rally Championship (DRM) in the Peugeot 207 S2000! He is once again the measure of all things this year when he competes in the Opel Ascona A.
His toughest opponents this year include last year's fourth-placed Michael Küke/Joachim Carl in the Porsche 911RS from Kremer Racing and 2011's second-placed Reiner Hermann/Steven Hermann in the powerful Opel Ascona B400.
However, other drivers such as Carsten Meurer (Ford Escort RS2000), Bertram Altena (Opel Manta 400), Jürgen Lenarz (Opel Kadett C), last year's Youngtimer Rallye Trophy winner Axel Potthast (Ford Escort RS2000) and Dominik an der Heiden (Porsche 911RSR) should not be overlooked. However, the Cologne Ahrweiler Rally is always good for surprises. Especially in slippery and difficult "Eifel-typical" conditions, talented drivers in supposedly "weaker" motorized vehicles have often shown their skills in the past.
Another feast for the ears and eyes is definitely Claus Aulenbacher/Andreas Mirow in their "motor on wheels", aka Lancia Stratos! Vehicles like this are what make this event so legendary. Only rarely do spectators get to see such rarities live and in competition. The characteristic country roads, which wind their way up from the countless Eifel valleys in serpentines, evoke memories of the Monte Carlo Rally in the "golden rally times". Maybe it will work out with snow in the Eifel? Certainly not out of the question if you listen to the old stories of this rally.
The Dutchman Edwin Wolves will once again demonstrate the most spectacular driving style every year in his powerful Opel Kadett. He has proven in recent years that he can still set fast times.
Last but not least, two special features. Heinz-Robert Jansen in an Opel Manta (with a foxtail!) and Heinz Kottmann in an Opel Kadett C are two drivers who have been competing without interruption since 1994. However, Jansen proves every year that he is not an old hand and is always good for a top place - thanks to his fast and courageous driving style.
Timetable
Friday, 08.11: Start 16.15 from Mayschoss for special stage 1 (Wirft-Rodder)
Saturday, 09.11: Re-start from 8.01 for special stage 2 - 13,
