Indy atmosphere in the middle of Zurich
INDY OERLIKON Next Tuesday, July 25, it's that time again. For the 15th time, historic sports cars will turn their laps on the Open Racecourse in Oerlikon. A unique spectacle in Europe, and this in the middle of Zurich. Bicycle, car and motorcycle racers in peaceful coexistence, and in the middle of a Swiss metropolis? Once a year - now already [...]
Bicycle, car and motorcycle racers in peaceful coexistence, and in the middle of a Swiss metropolis? Once a year - now for the 15th time - Georg Kaufmann makes this possible next week.
On Tuesday, July 25, the Open Racecourse in Oerlikon will open its doors not only to the quiet pedalers and their fans, but also to petrol heads. Alternating with the bicycle racers, with the stopwatch running along, historic sports and racing vehicles on two, three and four wheels turn their 333.3-meter laps in the steep-walled oval built in 1912.
Indy in Oerlikon, as the event is called, now has a kind of cult status among motorsport events in Switzerland. Indeed, it has become known far beyond the borders of Europe.
Organizer Georg Kaufmann has once again succeeded in putting together a magnificent field of participants with around 60 vehicles, some of which are precious and unique. From 4 p.m., they can be admired in the open paddock. From 6 p.m. to 10 p.m., they will turn their loud demo laps in the concrete oval, which is elevated by up to 40° and divided into nine fields, between the bicycle races.
Crowd favorites are brute pre-war race cars whose past has a direct connection to Indianapolis or at least reminds them of it. The Maserati 250F of organizer Georg Kaufmann, a skillfully piloted front-engine GP race car from 1956, is also an acoustic and visual treat.
From the motorcycle scene there are several sidecar teams and racing machines from manufacturers such as Scott, Norton, Motosacoche, Indian, Harley Davidson, Ducati, Kreidler, Gilera and a Rudge from the former racing team of Enzo Ferrari at the start.
Around 5,000 spectators are expected around the track, on the grandstands and in the infield with the open paddock. There will be a catering service.
Should the weather not cooperate on July 25 (information via 044 311 25 61 or via the homepage), Thursday, July 27, will be the alternate date.
The entrance fee is CHF 20. This will go entirely to the preservation of the Open Racecourse Oerlikon.
