Interswiss Trophy: Closing with a windfall
PARTICIPANT RECORD At the final evening of the IS Trophy, there were cash and non-cash prizes for each and every classifier. For the second time after 2016, Stephan Burri in the VW Polo 1600 emerged as the overall winner. With 58 classified drivers, the number of participants in the 2019 Interswiss Trophy was higher than ever before. The size and cohesion of the IS squad was reflected [...]
With 58 classified riders, the number of participants in the 2019 Interswiss Trophy was higher than ever before. The size and cohesion of the IS troop was reflected in the presence at the final evening, which was attended by 51 of the registered riders with or without accompaniment.
Almost 15000 francs
Thanks to the sponsors autofit, Horag Hotz Racing (racing tire service) and KW automotive Switzerland, it was possible to present each and every classified driver with a bonus or entry fee refund of 40 francs per race or a maximum of 400 francs. Thus, at the final evening in Malters, where Seppi Koch, the chairman of IG-Interswiss, and other IS drivers are at home, no less than 14800 francs were distributed.
In addition, everyone received a prize in kind instead of a cup, and as a crowning finale, there was a raffle to win a free starting place in a slalom or mountain race donated by various organizers. So no one went away empty-handed.
Compromise for 2020 regulations
The fact that they are cooking their own soup is also evident in negotiations with Auto Sport Schweiz about the future regulations. In the past, everyone didn't take it very seriously - neither ASS in controlling and enforcing the regulations, nor the drivers themselves in complying with and implementing them.
An IS delegation was able to reach a compromise with the sports authority in several meetings. Most of them can now bring their vehicles into compliance with the rules without costly interventions, while a few will have to dig deep into their pockets or change groups. Those who do nothing or too little will undoubtedly risk reclassification, a ban or a protest in 2020.
Burri takes advantage of the opportunities
For Stephan Burri, it's the second title win in 2019 after 2016. His highlight was the new 1600 record at the St-Ursanne-Les Rangiers hill climb. Only in Oberhallau did the Bernese driver, who has relocated to Affeltrangen TG (he took over a garage there), suffer defeat under normal conditions against Christoph Mattmüller. Mattmüller also set a record time there with his VW Scirocco. Previously, he only competed in Reitnau, but plans to do so more often again in 2020 if he finally finds a capable mechanic to work in his garage in Bolligen...
At the Gurnigel, Burri might have lost out to Martin Bürki even without clutch problems on his VW Polo, but certainly not so clearly. This meant that Burri's season was over prematurely, but the IS title was already in the bag.
Only Roman Marty in 2009 (record with 200 points plus 15 as a strike result) and Stefan Schöpfer as the first and dominating winner with a 1400cc car in the 2015 season (194) had more points in the race series, which was launched in 2008, to their credit.
More in the yearbook 2019
A detailed report about the IS Trophy 2019 can be found in the Yearbook RENNSPORT SCHWEIZ 2019which will be published on December 19 and can be pre-ordered from Aktiv-Verlag in Stans.
