Racecars and pancakes - build-up to CHGP 2024
It looked like a typical day at the City Hall Square in Copenhagen. Tourists photographing the historic building, smart-clothed couples exiting it after quick marriage ceremonies, and average city dwellers rushing to deal with their daily affairs. But just before 12:30, something strange started to happen. More and more people started to gather before the entrance to the build. Weirdly, they had two things in common: cameras and high sensitivity to any louder engine noises.
A few minutes later it became clear what is happening. A beige Lotus Cortina appeared on one of the streets leading to the square. It was followed by two Formula Junior cars. Not a common sight on a city street.
From this moment on, the situation started to evolve quickly. Drivers started to leave their machines, and photographers and tourists gathered tightly around them. In the heat of the moment, it was hard to notice new cars coming and parking. After a few minutes, a complete set of classic cars and modern supercars was present.
It is a tradition that on Friday, before the start of the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix, a little presentation of cars is taking place at Rådhuspladsen in the very center of Copenhagen. The little car exhibition attracts a wide audience, but there is also another part in the schedule. A short press conference is being held inside the spectacular interiors of the City Hall.
Despite its small international recognition, Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix is a very serious automotive event. The proof of how serious the organizers are is not only the effort behind building a track in the city, but also who is the face of it. And the names speak for themselves. They also have something in common: all are experienced 24h Le Mans participants.
The first one to speak was John Nielsen: Denmark’s first Le Mans Champion from 1990. He did it accompanied by Martin Brundle and Price Cobb in a Jaguar with a beautiful Silk Cut livery. Next the microphone was passed to Michael Christensen – 2018 Le Mans class champion GTE pro and to Michelle Gatting – with 6 entries to the famous race in her racing portfolio.
The last one to speak was Mr. Le Mans himself. The most successful diver to ever participate in the 24-hour race on Circuit de la Sarthe. With 9 wins in his score, Tom Kristensen holds the record for most wins in this race. They all talked about their careers and their involvement in the Race for Riget – a fundraising run, where everyone can get an opportunity to do a few laps of the track with a star driver. Unfortunately, I know it only second hand, as the only thing I could understand directly was “gammel bil” which is Danish for classic car.
After the official part commenced, all gathered in the City Hall could taste the specialty of the place: the famous pancakes. It was also an opportunity for some less formal discussions.
When all pancakes disappeared from the dishes, drivers and officials headed back to their vehicles. Rådhuspladsen became quiet again. But the real action was only about to begin, as the same day, in the afternoon, first trainings and qualification runs were planned on the track in Bellahøj Park.