The Switzerland Traveler

Those of you that know me will not be surprised just how soon I managed to mention motor racing in a blog about Switzerland, even though it has been banned here since 1955.

Last held in 1971, this retrospective celebrates the ten years when the hillclimb counted towards the European mountain Championship. It started in 1953, so you can expect to see exotic historics from the 50s, 60s and 70s taking part.

Classic Ferrari, Maserati and Mercedes sports cars will be there, alongside single seater racing cars which will undoubtedly set the faster times. It could probably be quite noisy, so maybe ear protection for youngsters would be advisable; although to be honest I’ve never bothered. Hmmm, maybe that explains a lot!

Jim Clark, Lotus 38, 1965

The Swiss call it a race, but as the cars compete against the clock rather than each other that’s not strictly true – at least in my opinion, but as skiing races work like that too, I guess the organisers have a point.

The action takes place in the south-west of Switzerland on 15/16th September. Crowds of 40,000 are expected so it’s worth getting there early, and don’t forget to take a camera!

Photo credits: www.ollon-villars.com

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