Gallery: Hungaroring a Highlight for Peter Auto
Only 21 days before the Hungarian F1 GP and the Budapest circuit pulsated to the rhythm of historic cars last weekend with the Hungaroring Classic, the fourth round of the Peter Auto Series. After what was a historic first staging in 2017, this year’s event confirmed its success with 179 participants, 170 cars entered, 780 local car clubs and 45,000 spectators who flocked to the track to watch and admire the cars racing in the seven grids.
The Hungaroring circuit is known as a bit of a roller-coaster because of its 16 corners that follow one another in quick succession. Its layout is slow, narrow and bumpy so driving skills make all the difference. These were the challenges that faced the 179 drivers and 170 cars entered in the seven racing grids this weekend (2.0 L Cup, Sixties’ Endurance, Classic Endurance Racing 1 & 2, Group C Racing, the Greatest’s Trophy and the Heritage Touring Cup).
Nine thrilling races were on the programme and there was also plenty of action going on in the background with the presence of the car clubs, mostly Hungarian, whose drivers made the journey at the wheel of machines rarely seen at Peter Auto events. These included Trabants, Wartburgs and DKWs made in East Germany and of course the traditional Ladas from Russia and provided a unique display at the Hungaroring circuit. Among the exhibitors were spare parts and scale model sellers, barbers, vintage clothing brands etc. It was a big hit with the public equalled only by the media enthusiasm at the Hungarian rendezvous as more than 150 accredited journalists were present.
The second staging of the event was a great success for the Peter Auto organisation team who were able to count on the expertise of the local promoters, Tamás Rákosi and Balázs Szalay. The Hungaroring Classic was a bit of a gamble for Peter Auto.
“Today, the quality of the cars entered in all the grids as well as the enthusiasm on the part of the public have only served to confirm our vision,” said Patrick Peter.
Pictures: Tony Hankin/PhotoClassicRacing
