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) lead after day one of the Ennstal-Classic 2022. They hold a comfortable points advantage over the next Mini team of Sebastian Klackl and Nicola Kovacic-Klackl. From there on, it is virtually a matter of tenths. Kapsch, Schramke, Linz, Böhmdorfer, Felfer, Foglar, and Schöggl are closely packed together. In tenth place are 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: Rain made its seasonal visit to the Ennstal, creating beautiful cloud panoramas and pleasantly cooling the roads, drivers, and guests.
Racecar trophy
The first race of the reawakened Racecar Trophy took place in dry conditions at the Brandlhof Driving Technology Center. Race fever was guaranteed from the start. After day one, the German team Heiko and Reiko Thoms leads in a Porsche 911 GT3 RS. In second place are Ennstal-Classic veterans Enrico Falchetto and Heike Falk in a Renault 5 Turbo 2. Third place is held by Lutz and Gitta Gunther in a Porsche 911 ST. Even more than in the main competition, everything remains open after day one.
Friday, July 22: A Day Packed with Highlights Along the Marathon Route
Which brings us to the packed program of Friday, July 22. The MARATHON starts at 8 a.m. from the starting ramp in Gröbming. It leads via Pürgg, Mariazell, Lunz am See, Waidhofen an der Ybbs, and Steyr to Liezen. The first car is expected in Liezen around 5 p.m. After the warmly received passage through town, the participants gather at VW Laimer Liezen. There they compete in the VW special stage. From 4 p.m., Robert Engstler and his team ensure guest and spectator hospitality. A special highlight is a meeting with the Harley Davidson Charity riders. This stop becomes a celebration for fans of four- and two-wheeled vehicles with cult status.
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.
In the picture: Thomas Reingruber, mayor of Gröbming, together with actor and Tatort investigator Richy Müller.
(c) Ennstal-Classic / Martin Huber
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.
