Prelude to the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix 2023
It was only last year that I learned about the Copenhagen Historic Grand Prix (CHGP). I would most likely still be unaware of its existence if not for my friend Adam, a Copenhagen resident. I think the event is not getting the international recognition it deserves, but after my first visit, I knew that I'd be back.
The event is all about racing. A dedicated temporary racetrack is being built each year on the streets around the Bellahøj Park. The action starts on Friday evening with trainings. Saturday morning is filled with qualifying runs, after which the serious racing begins. But before the first car drives onto the track, some participants take their machines to Copenhagen’s City Hall, where some official meetings take place behind closed doors.
There is, however, something interesting for the spectators. This is a great opportunity to get a first glance at the cars taking part in the event. Representatives of most of the classes are present.
The most popular group of classic racers was represented by one Lotus Cortina. Probably the rest of them would have a problem driving through the city traffic. Three competitors from the Tourenwagen Legenden group managed to make it to the Rådhuspladsen: BMW E30 in beautiful Tic-Tac livery, an Audi 80, and a surprising addition to the very German class: the Nissan Skyline.
A very important part of the CHGP is the Race for Riget. During this charity event, it’s possible to experience the track by buying a ride in the passenger seat of an interesting car driven by a professional driver. All the funds raised are donated to those in need. The variety of cars to choose from is vast. From new stock cars like the new BMW M2, through street-legal racers like the KTM X-BOW GT2 to uncompromised racing cars. Understandably, the real racers wouldn’t be able to make it through the city, so the BMWs, Porsches and KTM had the responsibility to represent the group.
The rest of the machines gathered in front of the Rådhus represented different types of classics. No one could walk past the silver Auto Union driven by a charismatic 88-year-old driver. Pre-war Bugattis had unique charm thanks to their beautiful patina. It was also impossible not to note the lively group from the Haaning Collection, a new automotive museum in Copenhagen. A place I hope to have the opportunity to visit soon. It looks very interesting.
For two hours, anyone walking through the popular Rådhuspladsen could enjoy the view of all those machines. When the time came, drivers jumped behind the wheels and fired up the machinery to head back to the Bellahøj Park. I’ve decided to follow them the next day. The story from the main event will be described in a separate article.
