Reims - 3de Week-End van de l’Excellence Automobile
A HUGELY SUCCESSFUL WEEKEND
OF AUTOMOBILE EXCELLENCE AT THE REIMS-GUEUX CIRCUIT
The third Weekend of
Automobile Excellence once again proved to be a huge hit with the
public.
The success is due in no small part to the dynamic organiser Franz
Hummel and his team led by the equally efficient Gaëlle
Arpin.
And also of course to the event's partners, the local authorities
(Reims city council, departmental council, regional council),
without forgetting of course two of the most renowned champagne
houses: Pommery and Taittinger. As well as the "Friends of the
Circuit of Gueux '' led by Gérard Cuif.
Basking in the sunshine, the record number of visitors who
attended the two-days event was estimated by the authorities at
more than 40,000.
Once again, the event proved to be a worthy tribute to the
prestigious past of the Champagne racing circuit!
The racing cars, all magnificently preserved, were equally
impressive in their performance on the track, from the 1920's and
1930's models such as the Amilcars, Léon Bollées and other Bugattis
through to the more recent Alfa Romeos, Matras and Jaguars. The
Jaguars present included those which had triumphed at the 24 Hours
of Le Mans, or at the famous 1000 Miglia in Brescia.
The wonderful smell of castor oil transported participants and
spectators alike back to the circuit's heyday.
We were also honoured with the presence of the unforgettable
Italian MV Augusta motorcycles with their inimitable sound ridden
by motorsport's greats such as Giacomo Agostini and Phil Read, who
delighted the spectators. All in all, this third Weekend was
another triumph.
Furthermore, on Saturday, in the paddock, Bonhams - the world's
leading auction house - oversaw the sale of 45 cars for the modest
sum of … €2,500,000!!! In front of a full room of passionate
people.
Finally let's not forget the French Air Force display teams which
put on an incredible aerobatic show and which received a
well-deserved standing ovation!!
Among the acrobats was the newly crowned world champion, Renaud
Ecalle who won the title just a few days ago at Silverstone!
It is clear that once again the racing circuit of Reims-Gueux
managed to pull it off, attracting huge crowd and providing further
proof that this event must continue.
Gilles Gaignault
Foto's: Racingclassic
