DTM history is well alive and it keeps on living! For 2022, the DTM organisation ITR is expanding its Classic branch with two separate new race series for legendary touring cars and GT sports cars from 1972 until 2007. In the ‘DTM Classic Cup’, fascinating cars from the historic DTM years 1984 until 1996 and from the new era from 2000 until 2007 will be on the grid while in the ‘DTM Classic DRM Cup’, cars of the DTM’s predecessor series Deutsche Rennsport-Meisterschaft (DRM) from 1972 until 1981 are eligible. DTM Classic is one of five pillars of the DTM platform next to DTM as the top event, the junior race series DTM Trophy as well as DTM Esports and the future-oriented DTM Electric.
“For us, the DTM’s DNA is playing a major role,” DTM boss Gerhard Berger says. “Be it the Deutsche Rennsport-Meisterschaft as the predecessor, the early days with the production car championship or the ‘proper’ DTM until into the 2000s: apart from Formula 1, hardly any other race series has such a history to boast. This pillar of the DTM is extremely popular among the fans and is also very important to me personally.”
Be it brawny Porsche 911s or Group 5 Capris from the 1970s, classic M3s, 190s and Sierras from the 80s or infernally high-revving Alfa Romeos, Mercedes and Opels from the 1990s and the noughties: race cars that have written history are presenting themselves on the main DTM stage. The DTM Classic Cup will be present at four events, the DTM Classic DRM Cup will feature at three events. The historic race cars will be on track for a 30-minute practice session on Friday as well as a 20-minute qualifying and a 25-minute race both on Saturday and on Sunday. Moreover, fans can obviously admire the treasures from racing history and their drivers in the paddock. All the qualifying sessions and races can also be watched on the DTM Grid video stream (grid.dtm.com), live and on demand.
‘Strietzel’ Stuck: impressed by the fans and plans DTM Classic participations for 2022
“DTM Classic perfectly fits into the comprehensive programme of a DTM weekend. The excitement among the fans for these wonderful race cars and also for the renowned professionals from days gone by is really impressive. I experienced it myself at Norisring, that was simply great. Therefore, it is certain for me that I want to be participating in the DTM Classic races in 2022 as often as possible. I am already looking forward to it,” says Hans-Joachim Stuck, a frontrunner both in DRM and DTM, having won the title in the latter series in 1990.
“We are very happy that we are able to announce our classic concept this early already. That ensures planning stability. As a result, we hope to be able to use the full potential of drivers and cars. We are seeing over and over again how positively the fans at the track react to the former professionals and the cars and we are looking forward to a similar feedback in the new season,” says Frederic Elsner, director event & operations, ITR GmbH. Peter Oberndorfer, the DTM Classic series’ manager, adds: “With the DTM Classic Cup, we are covering the wide range from DPM to the modern DTM while with the DRM Cup, we are creating a new stage for the fascinating race cars of the 1970s. As a result, DTM Classic will be providing even more high-quality historic racing than before for fans and competitors alike.”
Calendar: DTM Classic Cup
20-22 May 2022 – DEKRA Lausitzring Turn 1 (GER)
1-3 July 2022 – Norisring (GER)
9-11 September 2022 – Spa-Francorchamps (BEL)
7-9 October 2022 – Hockenheimring (GER)
Calendar: DTM Classic DRM Cup
17-19 June 2022 – Imola (ITA)
26-28 August 2022 – Nürburgring (GER)
23-25 September 2022 – Red Bull Ring (AUT)
Class overview: DTM Classic Cup
Class 1: Class 1 1993 until 1997 and 2000 until 2007
Class 2: Group H and turbo cars without restrictor 1987 until 1992
Class 3: DTM and Group A 1987 until 1988
Class 4: DTM and Group A 1989 until 1992
Class 5: DPM 1984 until 1986
European and World Championship cars from corresponding years are also admitted.
Class overview: DTM Classic DRM Cup
Division 1: over 2,0l until 1976
Division 1: over 2,0l from 1977
Division 2: up to 2,0l until 1976
Division 2: up to 2,0l from 1977
For further information and entry details: dtm.com/en/dtm-classic
