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1000km Nuerburgring 1973 Foto: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia

Great times: Prototypes and racing cars on the track

We will use the winter months to get the racing cars/prototypes back on track for the 1000 Kilometer Race 2025. Although they are no longer allowed to take part in the race itself on the Nordschleife after the DMSB track license for safety reasons, this does not have to stop us from bringing the racing cars back onto the track as part of the supporting program.

Now it's up to the owners of the cars to get them out of their cellars and garages and get them back on track where they once had their heyday.

Chaparral 2F Foto: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia
Chaparral 2F Foto: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia

The era of racing prototypes

The 1000-kilometre races on legendary circuits such as the Nürburgring, Le Mans, Spa-Francorchamps and Monza were the highlights of motorsport in the 1960s and 1970s. These races characterised the era of racing prototypes, in which major car manufacturers such as Porsche, Ferrari and Ford faced each other in intense competition. Technological advances, particularly in aerodynamics and engine performance, turned the vehicles into powerful machines with over 500 hp.

Porsche 908 Foto: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia
Porsche 908 Photo: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia
Ferrari 312P Foto: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia
Ferrari 312P Photo: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia

The Porsche vs. Ferrari duel

A central theme of this era was the rivalry between Porsche and Ferrari. While Ferrari initially enjoyed success with models such as the 330 P4, Porsche took the lead at the end of the 1960s with the 908 and the iconic 917. The Porsche 917 became a symbol of the manufacturer's dominance in the 1000-kilometre races and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Despite Ferrari's efforts, including with the 312P, Porsche managed to win many important races, including the 1000-kilometre race at the Nürburgring.

Foto: Cannoneer Photopgraphy
Photo: Cannoneer Photopgraphy

The Nürburgring and the end of the era

The Nürburgring, especially the Nordschleife, was famous for its challenges. The 1000-kilometre race on the "Green Hell" was considered one of the most demanding races in the world. Great drivers such as Jacky Ickx and Jo Siffert competed here. The era ended in the mid-1970s due to stricter regulations and technical changes. Nevertheless, the race remained an important part of endurance racing, especially in the Group C era of the 1980s.

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Alfa Romeo 33.3 Foto: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia
Alfa Romeo 33.3 Photo: Lothar Spurzem, Wikipedia