August 22, 2002
Story and photos by Alessandro Gerelli
For the 30th year in a row, the Automobilclub von Deutschland held the Oldtimer Grand Prix. It has become a popular venue, which attracts hundreds of cars from Europe to race on both the old and new Nurburgring circuits.
The old track, all 183 corners, is still operational and open for tourists: everybody can amuse or frighten himself driving on the track where Caracciola, Fangio, von Trips won their greatest races. It is perhaps even more dangerous today, as many motorbikes are on the track at the same time, the hairpins are unexpected, and there are no marshals! Now and then, a service car is looking for possible accidents. One could sit injured in a deep ditch for a long period.
The Oldtimer event includes both competitive and non-competitive races, for different car classes arranged by type and age. But today, most of the races use the new track. The old, long track is used for one endurance race, which allows only cars built to the mid-1970s.
This year the different classes were created for Formula cars and Grand Prix cars made until the 1960s. There were additional classes for touring cars, sports and prototype cars, including the most recent ones. On Friday, a three-hour endurance race was planned on the old track with no less than 110 cars. On the weekend, about 580 cars were raced—it was quite a large turnout. Unfortunately the weather was not perfect and a few cars were loaded on the trucks for an early and prudent return home. The ‘Ring is dangerous enough without rain.
It has become a tradition that there are also meetings of the German Ferrari, Maserati, Porsche and Alfa Romeo owner’s clubs during the weekend. These are allowed on the inside of the circuit, while outside the circuit is reserved for a variety of other clubs. Usually the Ferrari owner’s club gathers a lot of attendants, but this year the official meeting will be held during the Ferrari racing days at the beginning of September when about 1000 Ferraris are expected. Therefore, the number of Ferraris were perhaps less than usual.
The presence of Ferrari in the different classes was limited but significant.
David Piper was present with a nice Dino 206S, Theiler with a stunning 330 P4 replica, Meiners with a 500 TR, Glasel with a 250 TR, Jean Sage with his 375 MM and Smith with a wonderful single seat Dino Tasman V12.
On the contrary, the Maseratis were numerous and outstanding, including seven 250 Fs, three 6 CMs, and two 4 CLTs in the single seat classes. In the sport classes there were many A6GCSs, 150Ss, 200Ss, 300Ss. It is incredible how many old Maseratis are now racing, apparently in perfect condition and with outstanding performances.
Alfa Romeo was well represented, with three Alfa 8C Monzas and a few of other important models. There were a lot of Giuliettas and Giulia Supers, GTAs, SZs and TZs racing in the Endurance and Touring events.
Stanguellini had an important role in the Formula 3 event, while Lancia won in the endurance race with the Fulvia HF. Abarths included the 850 and 1000 TC, and a few Abarth Simca 2000s. In the paddock it was also possible to admire a wonderful, very rare, eight cylinder 1971 Abarth 3000.
Among the Ferraris of the German owner’s club, there was a stunning 550 Maranello spider with the ugly hard top, necessary for the raining weather of the days. There were many 275 GTBs, 250s, plus of course a number of newer models such as the Testarossa and Modena.
In the Maserati parking place, two new barchettas (yellow and red) were the subject of many photos. The number of GT and spiders was surprising--the German market is very important for Maserati.
One will note that the winners of the classes are not listed. To be sure, there were winners,
but it is more important for everybody to be there and to drive his own car on the same circuit where so many past champions have raced. Winning isn’t everything.
