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Crossing the finish line with record numbers: the 22nd Arosa ClassicCar is a huge success
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76 bends, around 180 historic cars and an entire valley gripped by motorsport fever: from 3 to 6 September, the Arosa ClassicCar once again transformed the Schanfigg into a unique racing venue. When the last car crossed the finish line on Sunday afternoon, one thing was certain: this 22nd edition will be remembered.
Over the four days of the event, an estimated 25,000 visitors followed the action in Arosa, at the start in Langwies and along the 7.3-kilometre race track. Thomas Amweg secured the ‘Arosa Grand Prix’ in the Amweg F2 AW76 with a fastest time of 4:10.46. At the same time, a new record was set for ticket sales. The event took place without any major incidents.
Together with HIF Global and Porsche Switzerland, Arosa ClassicCar also turned its attention to the future of historic motorsport and the use of synthetic eFuels.
An overview of the racing results
The final racing results were decided on Sunday. The winners of the various categories were then honoured at the awards ceremony.
- Arosa Grand Prix and fastest lap time: Thomas Amweg, Amweg F2 AW76, 4:10.46
- Arosa Classic Trophy: Rolf Senti, Fiat Abarth Rally
- Arosa Sport Trophy: Heinz Vogt, Sylva Fisher Fury
- Competition Formula: Thomas Amweg, Amweg F2 AW76
- Competition: Markus Jörg, Lotus 23B
- Fastest female driver: Bea Gabathuler, Mini Cooper S 1275
The full results are available at LINK.
Kick-off in the heart of Arosa
As early as Thursday evening, the special atmosphere of the Arosa ClassicCar event could be felt throughout the village. During the traditional village parade, the drivers showcased their cars in the centre of Arosa, much to the delight of locals and visitors alike.
Ten young boys and girls from Arosa made a special appearance. They joined the parade on their own mopeds and were given a fitting welcome along the route. This successful start already demonstrated what sets the Arosa ClassicCar apart: historic motorsport culture, genuine passion and a family-friendly atmosphere.
Motorsport history within reach
The starting grid offered an impressive journey through almost a century of motorsport history. Among the standout cars were the Sauber C3, Dario Pergolini’s Lancia Stratos and Walter Lais’s Ferrari 512 M.
A particular eye-catcher was Ruedi Schawalder’s La France Type 12. Built in 1917, it was the oldest car at this year’s Arosa ClassicCar and provided a striking contrast to the racing cars of later generations. This year, the pre-war vehicles were also given their own section within the third starting grid, giving them a particularly prominent showcase.
The world premiere of the Porsche GT3 Bergsport, with Jörg Bergmeister at the wheel, attracted further attention. The 15 historic motorbikes also thrilled the audience with their unmistakable sound.
The popular Porsche race taxi rides were completely sold out. A waiting list is already in place for the next event.
Tradition meets the future: eFuels in racing
Alongside automotive history, the future of historic motorsport was also given a prominent platform. In collaboration with HIF Global and Porsche Switzerland, the approximately 180 drivers were offered the chance to refuel their racing cars with synthetic eFuels free of charge. A mobile eFuel refuelling station in the paddock made it possible to refuel the cars directly at the event.
eFuels are produced from hydrogen and captured CO₂ using renewable energy. As they can be used in existing internal combustion engines without any technical modifications, they offer an exciting prospect, particularly for historic vehicles.
The Arosa ClassicCar thus deliberately bridged the gap between automotive history and new technologies. The aim is not to consign historic vehicles to museums, but to highlight ways in which this automotive cultural heritage can remain on the road, audible and tangible for future generations.
New race organisation team makes a successful debut
In the run-up to the event, the new race organisation team reviewed and optimised numerous procedures. Particular focus was placed on the sequence of the race fields, the reopening of the route to general traffic, and numerous smaller and medium-sized behind-the-scenes processes.
The adjustments proved effective: all planned route reopenings took place right on schedule, and in some cases even earlier than planned. The race organisers therefore consider the event a great success.
“Our primary objective was to ensure safe and reliable race operations. The fact that we were able to open all sections of the track right on time, and in some cases even earlier, shows just how well the new procedures worked. The teamwork of all those involved – and in particular the approximately 140 marshals along the track – was crucial.”
Martin Brudermann and Thomas Kohler, ACS Race Directors
The entire event took place without any major incidents. The odd minor fender-bender is all part and parcel of historic motorsport. A motorcycle that briefly came to a standstill due to an empty fuel tank provided a light-hearted footnote. As we all know, that can happen even to the best of us.
A motorsport festival for the whole of Schanfigg
The high number of visitors was evident all along the route. From Langwies, through the various spectator areas, right to the finish line in Arosa, countless motorsport fans watched the historic cars up close.
“The Arosa ClassicCar is far more than just a race. It’s where history, innovation and great passion come together. The fact that up to 25,000 visitors attended demonstrates the enormous appeal of this event for Arosa and the whole of Schanfigg. My heartfelt thanks go to everyone who made this weekend possible.”
Roland Schuler, Director of Tourism, Arosa
Information directly from the race organisers
For the first time, the Arosa ClassicCar event had its own WhatsApp channel. Just under 2,000 subscribers received up-to-date, first-hand information from the race organisers via this channel, including updates on route openings and programme changes, as well as exclusive photos and videos produced and shared by the marketing team directly from the event.
“At an event like this, communication has to be just as fast and reliable as the action on the track. With the new WhatsApp channel, we were able to combine up-to-date information directly from the race organisers with emotion, background stories and genuine behind-the-scenes insights. The fact that nearly 2,000 people followed us right from the premiere and that we also set a new record for ticket sales shows just how much enthusiasm there is for the Arosa ClassicCar.”
Marc Gooch, Head of Marketing and Communications, Arosa Tourism
The awards ceremony marked the end of a race weekend full of speed, passion and great excitement. The Arosa ClassicCar Association would like to thank all the drivers, marshals, volunteers, partner organisations, emergency services and visitors who contributed to the success of the 22nd edition.
