The history of the Opel Test Track

This page tells the history of one of the first permanent race tracks in Germany, original intended as test track, the Opel-Rennbahn. Read the complete story from the prior history, the glory years and the remained abandoned circuit.

The prior history

In 1886, Adam Opel founded in his native city Rüsselheim the Opel bicycle factory. He became Germany's largest bicycle manufacturer. In 1895 Adam Opel died at the age of 58 due to typhoid. His widow and five sons continued the factory.

Brooklands, the first purpose-built motor racing circuit.

The English circuit of Brooklands was the first purpose built motor sport venue in the world. Read here the story about this motor racing monument of the past.

In the begin of the 20th century car races where usual held on public roads. Because the British law forbid speed contest on public roads the entrepreneur Hugh F. Locke-King came to the idea to build a permanent motor racing venue.

Rouen les Essarts, the lost circuit.

This page tells the story of what was once one of the world's finest racing circuits. This street circuit located in the French region of Normandy was of the caliber of Spa-Francorchamps. Unfortunately, it didn't survive as race track.

In 1950 the Automobile Club of Normandy opened this new circuit near the village Les Essarts, South West of the French city Rouen. The track was formed by 5,1 km (3.169 Miles) on public roads, with permanent grandstands and a pit complex which was one of the finest at that time.

Népliget 2010

Budapest, the beautiful Hungarian capital on the Danube river. The first time I came here was in 1998. It was less than ten years after the fall of communism and the atmosphere of that time looked, at least in my experience, still there...