With strong visitor numbers, top-class starting grids, and several new program items, the 53rd BELMOT Oldtimer Grand Prix has successfully come to an end. From August 7 to 9, around 43,000 spectators flocked to the Nürburgring, representing a significant increase in attendance compared to the previous year. Boosted by summer weather, the traditional classic car festival once again developed into a meeting place for fans of historic racing cars from all eras.
The sporting program spanned from pre-war racing cars and historic Formula 1 vehicles to touring cars, GT vehicles, and more recent prototypes. In addition to the races, the open paddocks and numerous exhibitions and program highlights also attracted many visitors.
Classics and crowd favorites
One of the highlights of the weekend was once again the traditional evening race for two-seater racing cars and GT vehicles built up to 1965. The special atmosphere at dusk, with illuminated hot-air balloons and the concluding fireworks, once again made this part of the program one of the emotional highlights of the weekend. At the same time, it became apparent that the generational shift in historic motorsport is increasingly succeeding, as more and more vehicle owners are entrusting their valuable racing cars to younger drivers.
The Tourenwagen Goldene Ära also generated great interest. In the once again strongly contested Super Touring Revival, Uwe Alzen celebrated a successful comeback after a racing break of around four years, winning the first heat in the 1998 Opel Vectra STW. Also strongly contested were the Porsche Classic Cup and the Vintage Sports Car Trophy with numerous pre-war race cars. Among the special exhibits were the Mercedes-Benz 680 S, with which Rudolf Caracciola won the Nürburgring opening race in 1927, and a Bugatti exhibition on Sunday. Motorcycle fans got their money's worth at „GrabTheFlag!“ with guest of honor Helmut Dähne.
New formats enrich the program
Several new event items celebrated a successful premiere this year. The Formula Heritage presented historic formula racing cars in a time-on-track format, while the Trophy Race for Ferrari Cars integrated modern GT and super sports cars into the program. Also receiving attention was the Class One Revival, supported by BMW Classic, which featured, among other things, the victorious BMW M3 GT2 from the 2010 Nürburgring 24 Hours.
Also part of the weekend for the first time was the Interwetten Sports Cars Challenge. With high-performance sports cars and impressive engine sound, the series added extra excitement. Former Formula 1 driver Christian Klien won both races. The discussion panels by Schnitzer Classic also met with great interest. They commemorated Herbert Schnitzer, who passed away this year, while companions and former drivers looked back on many decades of Schnitzer motorsport.
BELMOT extends commitment
Planning certainty is ensured by the extension of the partnership with BELMOT. The title sponsor will support the Oldtimer Grand Prix at least up to and including 2029. In addition to the sporting program, other partners also contributed to the success of the event with offerings for visitors and participants – including autograph sessions, expert discussions, and a car auction in the ring°boulevard.
Looking ahead to 2027
The organizers drew an overall very positive conclusion and pointed to the numerous positive feedbacks from participants and visitors. Preparations for the next edition of the Oldtimer Grand Prix are already underway. The date is again scheduled for early August, but is not yet finalized in connection with the planning for the 100th anniversary of the Nürburgring. The traditional classic car event aims to help shape this special anniversary of the legendary race track next year accordingly.