Image: Manfred Binder
It is one of the last two races of its kind that still takes place in Austria: On September 24th, the Esthofen mountain race in St. Agatha proves again why it attracts around 10,000 visitors year after year.
“People appreciate that they can still experience motorsport hands-on, as it used to be,” says organization manager Markus Altenstrasser from MSC Rottenegg. In concrete terms, this means: The paddock is open to visitors on the race Sunday itself and during the training sessions on Saturday. You can admire the cars and motorcycles up close and even chat to one or other of the 220 registered drivers.
You can watch along the entire 3.5 kilometer long race track. The visitor hotspot will once again be the slope in front of the infamous forest entrance. The racing vehicles rush past at more than 220 km/h, and the audience can read the speed live at a measuring station.
Classic cars first
The start will again be based on the performance factor of the Federation Internationale de l’Automobile (FIA). The vehicles are divided into several classes based on 30 key figures – one was added this year for low-performance cars. First it’s the turn of the classic cars, followed by the modern vehicles.
The Italian Christian Merli, who has already been crowned European Champion 2023 and holds the course record from 2021, will be there again. The Lower Austrian Karl Schagerl, winner of Performance Class 1 in the European Championships and motorsport athlete of the year, is also there.
There are eleven women on the starting list this year – more than ever before and an impressive number for motorsport, says Markus Altenstrasser: “You can tell that a new generation is pushing forward, who enjoys what they do and can drive really well. ” Sascha Plöderl, owner of the main sponsor “Noblend” from Peuerbach, spontaneously offered 500 euros in prize money for the fastest woman at the press conference for the mountain race.
The Esthofen mountain race is also known for its excellent organization – this is made possible by numerous club members who prepare everything in the background for months. “We are very happy that we have such a disciplined team. It is a pleasure that the members continue to help with such commitment,” says Altenstrasser.
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Source: Nachrichten
