DTM’s return to Zolder next month (May 17-19) will offer fans the opportunity to re-live the earliest days of the high-powered touring car series, which celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
Back in 1984, the famous Belgian circuit hosted DTM’s first-ever race; this year, the race weekend will feature a round of the ever-popular Tourenwagen Classics (TWC) series.
In a neat bit of symmetry, Germany’s Harald Grohs – the winner of that first race back in ’84 – will also be on Zolder’s TWC grid.
Grohs, who crossed the line at Zolder on March 11 1984 driving his BMW 635 CSi, will contest every round of this year’s TWC series.
“I’m really delighted to have the opportunity to return to the scene of my first-ever DTM victory,” said the 75-year-old, who contests the TWC in one of BMW’s legendary M3 E30 cars – the machine he took to two victories in DTM’s 1987 season.
DTM’s expanded agreement with TWC means that the classic tin-top races will also feature on the support programme at Hockenheim between October 4-6. This is in addition to the three race weekend fixtures announced earlier this year (Norisring, July 5-7; Lausitzring, August 23-25; and Nürburgring, September 13-15).
More former DTM aces add colour to TWC grid
Grohs won’t be the only former DTM star on this year’s TWC grid: he will be joined at Zolder by Marc Hessel and Kris Nissen. Additionally, local hero Eric van de Poele, DTM champion in 1987, will make a guest appearance.
Zolder’s TWC field includes a mouth-watering selection of classic touring car machinery, including BMW’s 635 CSi and M3 as well as Ford’s iconic Sierra Cosworth RS500 and Mercedes’ muscular 190E 2.5-16.
“The addition of the Tourenwagen Classics series to our events has attracted a lot of attention from both fans and the media,” said Frederic Elsner, ITR’s Director Business Unit Event. “We’re really pleased that the TWC will be a key part of our comprehensive support programme at five race weekends.”
Advance ticket booking at DTM.com
Advance ticket booking for all 2019 DTM race meetings can be done quickly and easily via the official DTM website: www.DTM.com/tickets.
2019 DTM calendar (and support programmes)
3-5 May: Hockenheimring (GER)
Support series: W Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup
Show act (Saturday): DJ Antoine
17-19 May: Circuit Zolder (BEL)
Support series: W Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, Belcar Endurance Championship, Tourenwagen Classics
Show act (Saturday): Bob Sinclar
7-9 June: Misano World Circuit (ITA)
Support series: W Series, Porsche Carrera Cup France, Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup, TCR DSG Endurance Cup (Night races)
5-7 July: Norisring (GER)
Support series: W Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Deutschland, Tourenwagen Classics, BMW M1 Procar (High-speed demo laps)
19-21 July: TT Circuit Assen (NED)
Support series: W Series, Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, Lotus Cup Europe, BOSS GP
Show act (Saturday): Fedde Le Grand
10-11 August: Brands Hatch (GBR)
Support series: W Series, Lotus Cup Europe
23-25 August: Lausitzring (GER)
Support series: Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup, Tourenwagen Classics, HAIGO ADAC Historic Cup
Show act (Saturday): Mike Candys
13-15 September: Nürburgring (GER)
Support series: Porsche Carrera Cup Benelux, Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup, Tourenwagen Classics, Lotus Cup Europe
Show act (Saturday): Moguai
4-6 October: Hockenheimring (GER)
Support series: Audi Sport Seyffarth R8 LMS Cup, Formula Renault Eurocup, Tourenwagen Classics
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Hankook tires, FIA Formula 3 European Championship, round 5, race 2, Red Bull Ring Spielberg (A) - 31. May - 2. June 2012 *** Local Caption *** +++ www.hoch-zwei.net +++ copyright: HOCH ZWEI / Thomas Suer +++
