Imagine a paddock filled to the brim with some of the greatest tin top race cars of all time, sporting the most iconic liveries from your favourite eras of racing. Now imagine those same cars running bumper to bumper on the Nürburgring with zero care for damage.
That’s a dream, surely? Well it’s not, it’s real and they run in support of the Nürburgring 24 hour race.
Playing second fiddle to the more modern ADAC Total 24h Race is a tough gig, but the Nürburgring 24h Classic Race and Touring Car Legends Races must win Oscars for ‘Best Supporting Role’. Group A heroes like the Ford Sierra RS500 rub shoulders with Super Touring masterpieces like the Opel Vectra. The mix is seasoned with Porsches from every era and there’s even screaming DTM beasts too.
It’s like a chocolate selection box filled only with the cult classics, so it’s strange to think that neither race event is the top billing during the N24h weekend.
There’s so much to take in that it is a little bit of a sensory overload. Straight-sixes, boxers, V8s and inline-fours all sing with a variety of carburettor or fuel injected amplification. It’s a symphony of motorsport sounds.
If you can’t find a car you like watching in these races, I’d be interested to hear what makes you tick.
If, for you, the essence of saloon car racing is the idea of celebrating everyday vehicles, then this type of racing is absolute heaven. I’m just torn between who to support – the Toyota AE86, E30 BMWs or maybe some of the old Opel stuff…
Can I get three flags, please?
Ryan Stewart
Instagram: 7.nth
ryan@speedhunters.com
Photos by Daniel Nikoden
Instagram: BMWJogge