Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix 2023
When I was leaving Copenhagen after last year’s edition of the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix, I knew that I'd be back. But if there was any doubt about coming to this year’s edition, it was cleared with just three letters. Can you guess them?
In the history of motorsport, there are a few car-livery combinations that make the heart of every car enthusiast beat faster. For people my age, raised in the 90s, a white BMW E36 with Warsteiner logos, a red Alfa Romeo 155 with Nicola Larini name on the side window, or a black Mercedes 190 with silver Sonax branding are things that will never be forgotten. I think most of you already know what I’m talking about: DTM. One of the classes during this year's CHGP was devoted to the Tourenwagen Legenden, a racing series for classic DTM cars.
It turns out that in my memory, I’ve mixed up a few facts about DTM cars. On the one hand, I remember the models from the early 90s, that I’ve mentioned before. On the other hand, I remember DTM cars as purpose-built, uncompromised carbon fiber machines that can be called Formula 1 with a roof. While walking down the provisional paddock, I had a chance to verify a few misconceptions.
The most popular models at the event were the BMW E30 and Mercedes 190. A quick look under their bonnets quickly revealed why they are much easier to race now. Those cars were still based on the series models. Engines are modified, brakes big and suspensions stiff as steel, but the body construction still comes from standard versions.
There was, however, one car that stood out: the Mercedes C-Class. This car comes from the time when DTM cars broke their bond with their road counterparts. From my youth, I remember the sight of this car, in D2 livery, with the whole front removed, revealing an extremely low-mounted engine and incredibly huge air intakes. This car doesn’t have a traditional bonnet, headlights, or bumper. The whole front is one part that can be removed to facilitate access to all vital parts of the machine.
It was no wonder that on the track, the C-Class was effortlessly outpacing other participants. It is worth mentioning that the drivers of the rest of the pack were really trying to make the most of their machines. Watching their race was very enjoyable.
But this comment applies to all the drivers participating in the entire Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix. This event is about racing, and while looking at the cars going full speed a few centimeters from the barriers, one could know that no driver is afraid of leaving a scratch on their precious classic.
Unfortunately, this sometimes results in very unpleasant situations. No sooner had the first race started than the rescue truck was already on its way. After getting to the unfortunate spot, it became clear that the track was too small for one yellow Volvo and one white 911. Unfortunately, soon after that, a much more frightening crash happened. One of the drivers starting in the Formula Junior category lost control of his machine in the chicane. This time, the intervention of an ambulance was needed. Fortunately, the driver remained conscious and will hopefully soon be back on track.
The action on track is spectacular, but as always, the most interesting things happen backstage. A walk-through alley with mechanics working on both sides is fascinating. In this regard, one of the most interesting classes is the before mentioned Formula Junior. Passionate drivers and their relatives work themselves on the machines—everything just before the eyes of all the spectators.
On the other side of the spectrum are the garages of the professional teams participating in the Danish Touring Car Series TCR. Piles of new slick tires, sophisticated tools, and highly specialized personnel: even though this event has the word "historic" in its title, the modern machinery is a welcomed addition to the lineup.
It’s impossible for me to mention all the things happening during the weekend in the Bellahøj Park. To find out more about the static exposition of classics, or the part where cars from different eras are raced to raise funds for charity, please go to my article from the prelude event to the Grand Prix.
The Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix is already a fascinating event, but this year I decided to spice things up even more. I often photograph on film, using manual-focus analog cameras, but I never do it at such big events with so much fast action on track. It was quite an emotional challenge to cover this event on just five rolls of the precious Kodak Portra film. That’s also not surprising that manual focusing on racing cars negotiating fast corners is not an easy task for someone living in the digital era. But the most important fact is that photographing the event with the classic Canon A1 was great fun!
Every motorsport and classic car enthusiast will find something interesting happening during the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix. For me, the highlight of this edition was the presence of the DTM cars. I will also remember this edition as the one I photographed on film. What camera should I use next year?
