Have you got your ticket for the Red Bull Ring Classics? If not, why not? A weekend showcasing the heroes of your time awaits, to the tuneful accompaniment of the powerful engine sounds of historic cars, some of which will be battling it out for position on the Red Bull Ring, others will be exhibiting the flair of iconic motorsport eras during demo runs. Among the latter group will be the BMW 3.0 CSL. The 52-year-old “Batmobile” boasts a three-litre, straight-six engine that delivers a deafening roar, but the BMW 3.0 CSL is actually rather environmentally friendly and runs on a mix of Super ECO petrol and e-fuel. “This reduces CO2 emissions by 90%,” explains Prince Leopold of Bavaria.
The sole representative of the upper echelons of German car racing has always been a fan of a revving engine. For example, he was in the BMW M1 on the start line of Le Mans in 1981. His team principal at the time? None other than Dr Helmut Marko. The Red Bull motorsport consultant remembers it well: “BMW came up with the glorious idea of putting Prince Leopold of Bavaria, Peter Oberndorfer and Christian Danner in an M1. This trio was definitely in a class of its own. We still managed at least eight hours of racing.” The Wirtshaus car with the starting number 71, which was sponsored by pub landlords from Munich at the time, had to retire because of a crankshaft damper failure.
“At the time, we didn’t know how high the engine could rev. The mechanics weren’t allowed to help with the repairs, but they were able to just give Obi [Peter Oberndorfer] instructions through the fence. He spent an hour fixing the engine in his white overall,” explains Prince Leopold of Bavaria. The repairs were successful. Oberndorfer drove the BMW M1 back to the pit, where Christian Danner was waiting to switch drivers. “He got in, drove off and as he drove over the crest of the hill, we heard an explosion,” says Prince Leopold.
The familiar face of German motor racing is excited to attend the Red Bull Ring Classics. He is looking forward in particular to chatting with fans from back in the day, but also with the younger generation. “There is also great enthusiasm for these cars among young people,” explains Prince Leopold. With your event ticket, you’ll have access to the pit lane walk and the paddock, and will be able to talk shop with Prince Leopold about the mechanics of the BMW 3.0 CSL. Secure your ticket now for a journey back in time to experience the horse power of yesteryear.
