The Nürburgring is always worth a visit. It could also be described as the ‘home of German motor racing’. A place steeped in history and stories, a place with a long tradition. The Oldtimer Grand Prix is a perfect fit, as this event always brings classic racing cars and traditional racing series to the starting line. This was also the case at the 52nd Belmot Oldtimer Grand Prix. Everything is as usual: loud, fast racing cars of various classes and origins paired with the typical Eifel weather. That’s the Oldtimer Grand Prix.
This year, the Nürburgring is celebrating the 100th anniversary of the laying of its foundation stone in 1925. It’s hard to believe that the Oldtimer Grand Prix is already taking place for the 52nd time and has been a fixture on the classic car scene’s calendar for more than half of the Nürburgring’s history. So it’s also a ‘classic for classics’.
For the first time after a long absence, the Formula One racing cars of the ‘Masters Racing Legends’ were back on the starting line. With all due respect to the other equally exciting racing series, the Formula One racing cars, most of which date from the 1980s, still attract more visitors. They are spectacular and fast and still look fantastic. Formula One is simply part of such an event. The line-up of single-seater racing cars was rounded off by the historic Formula 3 cars of the ADAC Graf Berghe von Trips Cup and the Grand Prix racing cars of the Historic Grand Prix Car Association from the early years of motor racing.
Also in this field of the HGPCA is the Lotus 16, the first design by the legendary Colin Chapman, two Ferrari 246 Dino F1s and, of course, the most famous of the front-engine era, the Maserati 250F. Four different 250Fs were at the start, representing a cross-section of the long production period of this legendary Grand Prix racing car. For me, this Maserati 250F is still the most beautiful of all front-engined Grand Prix racing cars.
As always, the starting grid for the German Racing Championship Revival was one of the most crowded ever, and this time there were three Ford Capri Turbos. With all its aerodynamic spoilers, skirts and rear wings, this extraordinary racing car is a real eye-catcher. And these Ford Capris are certainly fast, leading the pack and almost in a league of their own.
New to the programme was the Golden Era Classic Cup. A piece of one-make cup history, Porsche as far as the eye could see. Basically all 911s from the different series, including the 997 and 964, GT3, Carrera, RSR and a few more. There were also two 944s and a 924 at the start. It was a special sight on the track, but also very good.
Under the umbrella term ‘Golden Era’, there was another race, the ‘Iconic 2-Litre Touring Cars of the STW’. BMW E 30 and E36, Audi A4, Opel Vectra, Chevrolet Cruize and a few others were all there.
As every year, the highlight of the Belmot Oldtimer Grand Prix was the Saturday evening race for GT and two-seater racing cars up to 1971. The race traditionally started with a Le Mans start as a show effect. Unfortunately, this had to be cancelled this year due to the wet track at the time. That was a shame, but it didn’t detract from the racing action, even though the conditions were anything but easy. Starting on a wet track, an exciting battle developed, and as darkness fell, it certainly didn’t get any easier for the drivers. But the reward and the crowning glory of Saturday awaited in the form of a large fireworks display in the ‘Hatzenbach-Bogen’ as soon as the chequered flag was waved.
A truly surprising event was the appearance of motorcycles on the track on Saturday morning. Under the motto of the drivers’ association ‘Grab the Flag’, a few classic motorcycles from six different decades took to the track. It was really cool to watch, with some of the drivers really opening up the throttle and leaning into the corners almost like in MotoGP.
What else struck me was that more and more young women are getting behind the wheel of classic racing cars. Developments like this also keep historic motorsport alive. There are also more and more young male drivers in the cockpits of the cars.
The Belmot Oldtimer Grand Prix always delivers what it promises: exciting races, lots of noise and spectacle, great classic cars and the Eifel weather rounds it all off perfectly. With events like this, the Nürburgring is and remains the ‘Home of German motor racing’.
Next year, the Oldtimer Grand Prix will take place again on its traditional second weekend in August, from 7 to 9 August 2026.
Don’t miss it.
