Mein erstes Mal Vernasca Silver Flag – 2025

Schon lange hatte ich von ihr gehört – der Vernasca Silver Flag, dieser legendären Huldigung rollender Geschichte mitten in der Emilia-Romagna. Alte Freunde hatten geschwärmt, Bilder geschickt, mir Anekdoten erzählt von blitzenden Chromteilen, Ölgeruch in der Morgensonne und italienischem Lebensgefühl zwischen Haarnadelkurven. 2025 sollte es für mich endlich so weit sein.

Ich stand also frühmorgens am Startpunkt in Castell’Arquato – ein mittelalterliches Juwel auf einem Hügel, in dem sich Geschichte förmlich in jedem Pflasterstein sammelt. Die Luft vibrierte schon, noch bevor der erste Motor lief. Man spürte: Dies war keine gewöhnliche Oldtimer-Veranstaltung. Die Vernasca Silver Flag ist ein „dynamischer Concours“ – kein Rennen, aber auch kein Schaulaufen mit Stehzeug. Hier geht es ums Fahren. Um das Erleben. Um Bewegung als Ehrung der Technik.

Die Strecke nach Vernasca ist seit 1953 dieselbe, 8,5 Kilometer durch das liebliche Val d’Arda, gesäumt von Bäumen, kleinen Dörfern und unzähligen begeisterten Zuschauern. Wer hier fährt, fährt nicht nur eine kurvige Bergstraße – er fährt durch die Zeit.

2025 stand die Veranstaltung ganz im Zeichen eines außergewöhnlichen Motorsportjahres: 1975. Die Italiener hatten damals alles gewonnen, was es zu gewinnen gab – Ferrari holte den Formel-1-Titel mit Niki Lauda, Lancia dominierte die Rallye-Welt mit dem Stratos, Alfa Romeo siegte in der Markenweltmeisterschaft der Tourenwagen, und selbst Fiat mischte ganz vorne mit. Italienische Ingenieurskunst auf dem Höhepunkt. Und genau das war der rote Faden dieses Wochenendes.

Schon beim ersten Rundgang über das Fahrerlager spürte ich, wie besonders dieses Thema gewählt war. Überall standen herrlich restaurierte Zeitzeugen dieser Ära: ein originaler Lancia Stratos HF mit Martini-Streifen, der 33 TT 12 von Alfa – und sogar ein Fiat Abarth 131 Rallye in voller Monte-Carlo-Montur. Allesamt fahrbereit, mit sanft blubbernden Motoren, bereit, die Straße zurückzuerobern.

Ich durfte als Beifahrer mit meinem alten Jaguar XK an den Start rollen. Die Technische Abnahme verlief so italienisch entspannt, wie man es sich erhofft hatte: Ein freundliches Nicken, ein paar neugierige Blicke unter die Haube, dann ein „Perfetto – ci vediamo alla partenza!“

Der Moment, in dem wir uns am Start einreihte, war magisch. Vor uns ein Ferrari hinter uns ein Lancia. Ich fühlte mich plötzlich nicht wie in einem Oldtimer-Event, sondern wie mitten in einer Szene aus einem historischen Film. Die Straße gehörte uns, und der Applaus der Menschen am Straßenrand war ehrlich, laut und voller Liebe zur Materie.

Die Fahrt selbst war… schwer in Worte zu fassen. Der Klang des Jaguar-Motors, das Spiel mit dem Gas, der Blick in die grüne Weite – und dazu dieses Wissen: Du bist Teil einer lebendigen Geschichte. Keine Vitrine, kein Museum. Das hier ist echtes Fahren. Und es zählt.

Am Ziel in Vernasca wartete der Marktplatz mit tosendem Applaus, Espresso und warmen Focaccia-Stücken. Man umarmte sich, fachsimpelte, bewunderte die Patina der anderen Fahrzeuge und sog diesen einzigartigen Geist auf, der diese Veranstaltung so besonders macht: Eine Mischung aus Motorsport, Dolce Vita und echtem Enthusiasmus.

Am Ende des Wochenendes war ich nicht nur ein Teilnehmer der Vernasca Silver Flag 2025 – ich war infiziert. Mit dem Virus der Leidenschaft, das all diese Menschen hier verband. Und ich wusste: Das war mein erstes Mal. Aber sicher nicht mein letztes.

My First Time at Vernasca Silver Flag – 2025

I had heard about it for years – the Vernasca Silver Flag, that legendary tribute to rolling history in the heart of Emilia-Romagna. Old friends had raved about it, sent me photos, told me anecdotes of gleaming chrome, the smell of oil in the morning sun, and the Italian joy of life curling through hairpin bends. In 2025, it was finally my turn.

So there I was, early in the morning at the starting point in Castell’Arquato – a medieval jewel perched on a hill, where history seems to seep from every cobblestone. The air was already buzzing, even before the first engine fired up. You could feel it: this wasn’t just another classic car event. The Vernasca Silver Flag is a dynamic concours – not a race, but certainly not a static parade either. This is about driving. About experiencing. About movement as a tribute to engineering.

The route to Vernasca has remained unchanged since 1953 – 8.5 kilometers through the idyllic Val d’Arda, lined with trees, small villages, and countless enthusiastic spectators. Whoever drives here doesn’t just tackle a winding mountain road – they travel through time.

In 2025, the event paid homage to a truly extraordinary motorsport year: 1975. Back then, Italy won everything there was to win – Ferrari clinched the Formula 1 title with Niki Lauda, Lancia dominated the rally scene with the Stratos, Alfa Romeo triumphed in the Touring Car Championship, and even Fiat joined the winners’ circle. Italian engineering at its peak. And that was the central theme running through the entire weekend.

From the very first walk through the paddock, I could feel how perfectly chosen this theme was. Everywhere I looked stood beautifully restored icons of that era: an original Lancia Stratos HF in Martini livery, the Alfa 33 TT 12 – even a Fiat Abarth 131 Rally in full Monte Carlo trim. All fully operational, engines gently burbling, ready to reclaim the road.

I had the privilege of taking part as a co-driver in my old Jaguar XK. The technical inspection was as relaxed and Italian as one could hope: a friendly nod, a few curious glances under the hood, then a cheerful, “Perfetto – ci vediamo alla partenza!”

The moment we lined up at the start was magical. Ahead of us a Ferrari, behind us a Lancia. Suddenly, I didn’t feel like I was at a vintage car event – I felt like I had stepped into a scene from a historical film. The road was ours, and the applause from the crowd lining the course was genuine, loud, and full of love for the machines.

The drive itself… is hard to put into words. The sound of the Jaguar engine, the play with the throttle, the view into the lush green valley – and the awareness: you’re part of living history. Not a display case, not a museum. This is real driving. And it matters.

At the finish in Vernasca, the town square greeted us with thunderous applause, espresso, and warm focaccia. People embraced, exchanged stories, admired the patina on each other’s cars, and soaked up the unique spirit that makes this event so special: a blend of motorsport, dolce vita, and genuine passion.

By the end of the weekend, I wasn’t just a participant in Vernasca Silver Flag 2025 – I was hooked. Infected by the passion that connects all who come here. And I knew: this was my first time. But definitely not my last.

A Journey Through Speed – Where Myth Meets Machinery

Every two years, the legendary Circuit de la Sarthe transforms into a living time machine. When the engines roar to life at Le Mans Classic, the sound is more than just fuel and fire — it’s pure emotion, echoing with history. This event has become much more than a tribute: it’s a celebration of motorsport heritage, a showcase of engineering milestones, and a playground for those who live and breathe racing nostalgia.

In 2025, the experience promises to be more complete than ever. For the first time, Le Mans Classic spans the full arc of endurance racing history — from the inaugural race in 1923 all the way to 2010. With nine grids in total – six traditional and three special – the event captures the essence of Le Mans like never before. And at the heart of it all: Porsche, the most successful brand at the 24 Hours, returns with its own exclusive one-make race – the Porsche Classic Race Le Mans.

Porsche Classic Race Le Mans

From Idea to Icon – Zuffenhausen’s GT Legends on the Grand Stage

For the fourth time, Porsche France and Peter Auto are joining forces to bring an exceptional grid of historic Porsche GT cars to the very circuit where the brand built its legacy. Spanning production years from 1965 to 1981, the lineup ranges from the first racing-prepared 911s – still closely related to their road-going counterparts – to the mighty 935s of the Group 5 era, some of which pushed beyond 800 horsepower.

This race is more than a nostalgic exhibition. It is a vivid declaration of Porsche’s racing DNA, performed on the tarmac where the brand has written more history than anywhere else. With 19 overall victories, Porsche not only holds the all-time record at Le Mans but has become inseparable from the story of this race.

Group C & Endurance Legends – The Legacy Lives On

Another highlight returns: Group C Racing, the spectacular era from 1982 to 1993 that many regard as the golden age of endurance. These aerodynamic marvels – like the Porsche 956 and 962 – once reached speeds of over 400 km/h on the legendary Mulsanne Straight, a feat made impossible after the introduction of chicanes in 1990. Porsche dominated early on, despite strong opposition from Lancia, followed by fierce competition from Jaguar, Mercedes, Nissan, Toyota, and Mazda. Privateer teams like Rondeau, Dome, Cougar, and Spice also made their mark in this thrilling period.

Adding further depth to the historical timeline are the Endurance Racing Legends, featuring GTs and prototypes from 1990 to 2010 – a tribute to the evolution of endurance racing into the modern era.

A Weekend for All Senses

Le Mans Classic 2025 is more than just a race. It’s a full-body experience. It’s the creak of vintage racing seats, the scent of brake dust in the air, the cheer of the crowd under the Dunlop Bridge, the unmistakable downshift bark before Tertre Rouge. People don’t just come here to watch – they come to feel. To hear. To remember.

And for Porsche fans around the world, one thing remains certain:
Le Mans was never Le Mans without Porsche – and Porsche was never Porsche without Le Mans.

Peter Auto GRAND PRIX DE L’AGE D’OR 2024
This is our first trip to the GRAND PRIX DE L’AGE D’OR, the small but beautiful race track near Dijon. Over a small country road, where you would hardly think that a large race transporter could drive, directly to the Circuit Dijon. Once there, you get the feeling that time has stood still. There are no large advertising towers at the start and finish and the number of pits is much smaller. However, the circuit with its short and long bends as well as its inclines offers an interesting change for the racing drivers and the few photographers who traveled to the GRAND PRIX DE L’AGE D’OR 2024. The participants were divided into 7 racing classes. From the legendary 2.0 Cup to the Heritage Turing Cup, everything that belongs to historic racing was represented. Thrilling battles for positions were on offer. The track caused one or two racing cars to drift wildly. Performance counts on the inclines and the necessary feeling at the turn-in point to the next bend can also give the small racing car an advantage. Of course, the weather plays an important role here. On Friday it was dry, then heavy rain on Saturday and of course sunshine again on Sunday. It was a great event for us and we certainly weren’t at the GRAND PRIX DE L’AGE D’OR for the last time. You can see a few impressions of the GRAND PRIX DE L’AGE D’OR with a focus on Porsche here.

Season start @ Peter Auto Mugello Classic 2024. Weather fine, Cars perfect, people awsome! Back on the Track Fine Porsches.

Tausende von Pferde-(stärken).

Was für eine mega Porsche-Party am 1.Mai 2024 veranstaltet von den Porschefreunden Dinslaken. Vom Porsche Traktor bis hin zum Kremer K4, vom frühen 356er bis hin zum aktuellen GT3, vom 924er bis zum 928er, vom Fahranfänger auf Porsche 944 über waschechte Rennfahrer wie Willi Kauhsen bis hin zum Le Mans Gewinner Jürgen Barth, war alles auf dem Trabrennbahn in Dinslaken vertreten. Ein Fest für Porsche-Fahrer, Clubs, Fans der Marke und für den ein oder anderen Hund. Selten findet man so viele unterschiedliche Fans der Marke Porsche auf einem Feld wieder. Danke für viele tolle Gespräche rund um das Thema Porsche. Und im Staub der Rennstrecke für Pferdestärken glänzte der ein oder andere Lack umso schöner.

Thousands of hp.

What a mega Porsche party on 1 May 2024 organised by Porschefreunde Dinslaken. From Porsche tractors to Kremer K4s, from early 356s to the latest GT3s, from 924s to 928s, from novice drivers in Porsche 944s to genuine racing drivers like Willi Kauhsen and Le Mans winner Jürgen Barth, everything was represented at the trotting track in Dinslaken. A festival for Porsche drivers, clubs, fans of the brand and the odd dog or two. It is rare to find so many different fans of the Porsche brand in one place. Thank you for many great conversations about Porsche. And in the dust of the racetrack for horsepower, the one or other paintwork shone all the more beautifully.

Translated with www.DeepL.com/Translator (free version)

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