After a surprising half-day intermediate classification with some newcomers in the top field of the Ennstal-Classic 2022, the final classification of the first day finds familiar names within the top ten of the competition. After Sölkpass, Großglockner, Hochkönig and Schladming, one could say: the Minis are storming to the front.
With Friedrich Radinger and Thomas Wagner, the winners of the last two competitions (2019 and 2021) are in the lead after the first day of the Ennstal-Classic 2022 and with a certain reassuring points lead over the next mini team consisting of Sebastian Klackl and Nicola Kovacic-Klackl. From then on, it’s virtually a matter of tenths: Kapsch, Schramke, Linz, Böhmdorfer, Felfer, Foglar, Schöggl and in tenth place Peter Ulm and Jan Soucek with their “new” entry, a 1966 Alfa Spider Duetto.
There was no need to worry about hot running engines or other heat-related mischief from the middle of the day on: Der Regen stattete dem Ennstal seinen saisonalen Besuch ab, sorgte für wunderschöne Wolken-Panoramen und kühlte Straßen, Fahrer und Gäste wohltuend ab.
The first race of the reawakened Racecar Trophy took place in the dry at the Brandlhof Driving Technology Center, and the race fever was guaranteed. Hier liegt nach Tag eins das deutsche Team Heiko und Reiko Thoms auf Porsche 911 GT3 RS in Führung, auf Platz zwei finden sich die Ennstal-Classic Veteranen Enrico Falchetto und Heike Falk, diesfalls auf einem Renault 5 Turbo 2 unterwegs, ein, den dritten Rang belegen Lutz und Gitta Gunther auf Porsche 911 ST. Even more than in the main competition, everything is still open after day 1.
Which brings us to the packed program of Friday, July 22. Der MARATHON startet ab 8 Uhr an der Startrampe in Gröbming, führt über Pürgg, Mariazell, Lunz am See, Waidhofen und Steyr nach Liezen, wo das erste Auto gegen 17 Uhr erwartet wird. Nach der stets wohlakklamierten Ortsdurchfahrt findet sich das Teilnehmerfeld gleich darauf am Gelände des Autohaus VW Laimer Liezen zur VW-SP. Already starting from 16h there by Robert Engstler and its team for the well-being of the guests and spectators is ensured, as special highlight a meeting with the BikerInnen of the Harley Davidson Charity route is announced, which make even there station – a celebration for friends of the four-wheeled and the two-wheeled locomotion with cult factor.
Apropos cult: Already in the last years the Ennstal-Classic could win a further prominent fan, who does not miss it also this year to be present. Actor Richy Müller, well known in this country as Stuttgart’s TATORT commissioner Thorsten Lannert, enjoyed Ennstal air for the first time last year and will join Gröbminger mayor Thomas Reingruber on the last stage from Liezen via Niederöblarn to Gröbming.
Speaking of Niederöblarn: There is also the Racecar Trophy on Friday from 15h a rendezvous, or a special stage. Already at 9.15 o’clock in the morning the fast troop of the Ennstal-Classic contests the mountain test on the Taublitzalm alpine road Bad Mitterndorf. Racing atmosphere is pre-programmed.
The evening of Friday belongs from 18h30 finally the PORSCHE NIGHT in the Classic tent Gröbming.