The date still seems a long way off: on September 24, 2021, the Automobile, Traffic and Practice Road, or AVUS for short, will be 100 years old. ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg and classic car expert Ulf Schulz want to celebrate the cultural heritage of the AVUS. Preparations for the anniversary celebration of the historic road are already underway.
Showcase project of modern road construction
Today's highway was once a showcase project of modern road construction. For 77 years, it offered spectators motorsport spectacles at an international level. Famous brands such as Mercedes-Benz, Bugatti, Ferrari and Porsche won victories here. Record-breaking drives by the Silver Arrows and the steep north curve are legendary. The last starting shot was fired at the end of the 1990s on the AVUS, which today takes 180,000 drivers straight through the Grunewald forest every day.
Symbol of German history
Only the fragments of the grandstands at the exhibition grounds are now a reminder of the glorious days of the AVUS. Nevertheless, its eventful past has not been forgotten. Ulf Schulz, who is known as an expert on the classic car scene, has been working for some time on a concept to celebrate the anniversary in two and a half years' time. The event and marketing specialist is a proven expert on AVUS history and collects memorabilia himself.
"The AVUS has an enormous cultural heritage that goes far beyond its role as a motorsport mecca. It is a real Berlin landmark. As early as 1909, still in imperial times, there were initial plans to build the track. And long after the last race in 1998, the AVUS is still considered one of the most famous racetracks in the world. This must not be forgotten," explains Ulf Schulz. Many fates - some happy, some tragic - are inextricably linked to the history of Berlin's part-time race track.
A spectacle for the people
The past under the radio tower is to be honored comprehensively, critically and entertainingly as part of the celebrations for the 100th anniversary. The ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg, which used to organize many races on the AVUS, is a partner of the "AVUS100" project.
"We want to celebrate the anniversary of the AVUS with the public and commemorate the many stories that have been written here," explains Manfred Voit, Chairman of the Board of the regional club. To this end, various event concepts are currently being considered. A motorsport festival, museum retrospectives and events with a pop-cultural character are being considered.
Famous supporters for "AVUS100"
"We are currently developing a coherent concept and will announce further details in the course of the year," reveals Ulf Schulz and adds: "In recent months, we have not only made trademark arrangements for our vision, but have also already found well-known supporters of our idea." Hans-Joachim Stuck (racing driver and President of the DMSB, Deutscher Motor Sport Bund e.V.) and Carsten Müller (CDU Member of Parliament and Chairman of the Parliamentary Group for Automotive Heritage) have already pledged their support to the project.
Heidi Hetzer, who recently passed away, was also a patron from the very beginning. "She was passionate about the AVUS100 project right from the start. After all, these two Berlin ladies shared countless stories and memories. With her, we have not only lost a friend, but a Berlin original," says Ulf Schulz. "With our activities surrounding the anniversary, we want to do justice to the AVUS heritage. As the world's first road for cars only, as a former race track and as an artery of the capital, the route is still a living part of Berlin's history," says Manfred Voit.
Further information
You can find more information on the Avus100 website.
