Would you fancy doing a 24-hour race at the Nurburgring in a classic Mini? Or how about a Fiat Cinquecento? Thought not. But just 20 years ago, that did happen, as this video proves.
The variety of cars is a big part of the appeal in a 24-hour Nurburgring race, and that was no different in 1997. In just this first part of the highlights we see the aforementioned city cars, a host of Golfs, a Calibra, a Citroen AX, an Audi S2 Coupe, a Volvo 850 estate and more. Imagine being overtaken by some of the faster stuff, down the Foxhole, in a Mini. Madness.
This short clip, in fact all of the videos, has the benefit of English commentary too, so you have some idea of what's going on. And even off the track there's plenty to see (we've watched more of the vids, to be sure), with private teams camping in trucks, beers for mechanics and lots of sausage. This is Germany, after all.
What's most interesting to note in these videos is the speed difference between what was fast then and what's fast now. In 1997 there were diesel Golfs and 3 Series leading at points, whereas now of course the GT3 cars are the pacesetters. It's far more serious in the 21st century, put it that way!
But like every year, in 1997 the N24 provided thrills and spills for the full 24 hours - let's hope there's more of the same this year! For now, enjoy these excellent vids.
here
[And if you want the rest, see part two here, part three here and part four here - MB]