CHGP 2024 - Prelude Rally
RACECARS AND PANCAKES
It is already a well-known tradition. On the first Friday of August, to the surprise of all the tourists casually strolling out from Strøget, there is an unusual sight of quite a few classic and racing cars parked at Rådhuspladsen. Every year the Town Hall with its prominent square serves as the destination for the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix prelude rally, commencing the motorsport weekend every Danish petrolhead is looking forward to.
After a year of absence, I once again happily directed my footsteps to join the commencement at the Town Hall. I need to admit, I was lured as much by the interesting machinery and press conference full of racing stars, as I was by the renowned pancakes served after the ceremony. If with that I whetted your appetite not only for racing… let’s begin, shall we?
CAVALCADE OF MANY DECADES
If there is one car that I associate with Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix, it must be Lotus Cortina. I remember these iconic vehicles racing fiercely when I visited the event for the first time back in 2017. Fast forward five years, they were also leading the prelude rally back in 2022, with this year being no exception - spearheading the parade was a creamy white Cortina! Not far behind and much, much louder were two Formula Junior racers, sitting so lowly above the tarmac you could easily overlook them in everyday traffic.
But the most special moment happened right after these were parked. Drivers - or pilots, if you will - exited their machines, presenting period-correct racing overalls. All that to the accompaniment of engines tickling with heat and even the air… slightly hazed with smoke from radiators, oh so not used to standing in mundane traffic. Whilst these vehicles would prefer to go all speed ahead at the fast straights of Bellahøj Park Circuit, there will be time for that later. As more and more tourists approached to admire the automotive selection spanning several decades, drivers and guests slowly headed to the Rådhus’ Festesalen.
THE MASTERS OF LA SARTHE
Short commencement speech was given by Lars Weiss from the Copenhagen Municipality, after which Mikkel Thomsager moderated a rather special discussion. Four racing drivers were chosen as panellists, and they all had one special circuit in common. And before you shout out loud “Bellahøj Park”, think again… it’s Circuit de la Sarthe! Michelle Gatting, who entered at Le Mans six times already spoke briefly about her career and plans, shortly followed by Michael Christensen - the 2018 GTE Pro champion - who discussed the importance of CHGP for him.
The discussion grid wouldn’t be complete without Denmark’s first Le Mans winner, John Nielsen, who clinched the trophy back in 1990 driving a beautiful Jaguar XJR-12 in a memorable Silk Cut livery and… Tom Kristensen, who doesn’t need a special introduction. The already legendary pilot is the most crowned driver of La Sarthe, with his winning tally counting a staggering nine – one hell of a business card, isn’t it? Before wrapping the talks up, Nielsen appreciated the variety of car generations in the CHGP’s paddock whilst Kristensen shared some of his plans for the race weekend, including the famous fundraiser - Race for Riget.
LET’S RUSH BACK TO RACING
When all was said and done, the amazing staff at the Town Hall served their speciality – pancakes with cream and honey – and with them, opening the floor for a more casual discussion. Race drivers and panellists mingled with guests and enthusiastic chatter would have continued for hours, if only the cars and drivers didn’t need to return to the circuit for first free practice starting in few hours.
When all the cars left, so did I – but now with my mood already set for real racing to come!
Text & Photos: Adam Pekala ©
