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Circuit of Navarra, two weeks of racing and classics

Beyond the classic layouts, fortunately new circuits like the one in Navarra continue to open. Which began its journey in 2010 to enjoy excellent health this fall in terms of events

Photographs: Unai Ona

Fortunately, although we usually talk about classic layouts, some of which are in fact already extinct, such as lasarte, new circuits also continue to be inaugurated. In fact, in 2010 one of them premiered in Navarra. It is the one located in Los Arcos. Which happens to be one of the most modern tracks in Spain with its almost nine kilometers and fifteen curves. Besides, his mix of fast zones with others full of abrupt turns It is capable of testing the versatility and resistance of any car. Thus, the Navarra Circuit has managed to attract a large number of events where the classics also appear.

Proof of this is what happened last October. Hosting two events as remarkable as appetizing for two consecutive weekends. First one of the races of the Iberian Historic Endurance. And in second the Vintage Wheels Festival. Both endowed with an interesting variety of competition classics. But let's go in parts. So, this time we are going to start at the end, breaking down the most striking of Vintage Wheels, held on the 28th, 29th and 30th.

To begin with, single-seater enthusiasts were able to see a certain number of units related to the promotional cups sponsored by Renault. Yet another example of the effort made by this brand in the field of competition, having put its celebrated single-brand cups at the service of races as essential screening and learning platforms. However, perhaps what caught our attention the most was the presence of a Citroën MEP X27. The only single-seater officially manufactured by the French house. Of course, it was not conceived to be measured with models from other automobile houses.

The French models stood out at the Navarra Circuit, showing how well some of its massive brands have reconciled racing with mass production

Far from it, this design powered by the GS engine was presented in 1971 to be the protagonist of the Formula Bleue. A one-model trophy with which Citroën shook up the semi-professional categories in the same way that SEAT did in Spain with its Formula Nacional 1430. Unfortunately, the crisis suffered by the French brand in the mid-seventies ended this competition in 1975. However, before that, at least eighty chassis of the MEP X27 were built. Undoubtedly, a classic at the height of the barquette derived from the 2CV or mismaque squal. Of course, the latter were made independently.

The MEP X27 is the only car officially built by Citroën. All this with a very low weight and the engine of a GS

After this, in the display exhibited at the Vintage Wheels Festival, the Bugatti Type 35 stood out. A car that, not because it recurs in this type of event, ceases to be absolutely fascinating. After all, this 1924 model remains one of the most successful racing designs of all time. It's more, in the mid-XNUMXs they were winning almost fifteen races on average a week on the European calendar. What other model can say that? Not surprisingly, possibly no racing vehicle has become as dominant and popular in its respective time as this one was. Five times consecutive winner of the Targa-Florio. As well as leader in at least nineteen grand prix including those of France, Italy or Spain.

In addition, lovers of English motorsport could not go through Cooper-Bristol for something. Released in 1952, this was the first F2 of the revolutionary Cooper. Pioneer when it comes to placing the engine in a central position in F1 cars. Something that would happen a few years after the launch of this car. In fact, partly thanks to himself. And, thanks to this model powered by a six-cylinder Bristol, the team managed to score points for the first time in F1. By the way, an achievement for which BMW is tangentially responsible. Not surprisingly, the Bristol engine was an almost exact copy of the one mounted on the 328 winners of the Mille Miglia. Finally, questions related to the Second World War and the loot brought home by the British.

Because of how the 328 blueprints traveled from Germany to the UK, this Cooper-Bristol has something of a BMW to it

Anyway, following with British creations the appearance of a Lotus Eleven was something truly hypnotic. And is not for less. Since this Colin Chapman design presented in 1956 It has one of the most celebrated aerodynamic bodies of all those signed by Frank Costin. Both in visual matter and in the effectiveness itself on the track. What's more, a unit piloted by Stirling Moss achieved the world speed record in its class by exceeding 230 kilometers per hour.

Without a doubt, the Lotus Eleven is one of the best designs of the brand

All this with a 1,1-liter inline four-cylinder engine. Of course, responsible for promoting the only 450 kilos delivered on the scale. Without a doubt, a perfect synthesis of automotive design as understood by Lotus.

IBERIAN HISTORIC ENDURANCE, MORE RACES ON THE CIRCUIT OF NAVARRA

Going to the weekend of October 22 and 23, the Navarra Circuit hosted another of the Iberian Historic Endurance events. One of the most interesting classics events on the peninsular scene although, along with Estoril, Navarra, the Algarve or Barcelona are the appointments in Pau and Spa. Conceived as a way of bringing GTs and other competition classics to life on the circuit, a meeting was held here good selection of touring car championships from the XNUMXs and XNUMXs. To begin with, among the thirty-three registered, the appearance of a Lotus Cortina stood out.

A symbol for the British championship. Which won in 1964 thanks to the spectacular driving of Jim Clark. He was always ready to take off one of the wheels of the front axle from the ground while he took the curves. After this one, he highlighted the abundance of Porsche 911 models and even the registration of a lightweight 356 Speedster.

With a good selection of track-ready models, this event is part of a whole season dedicated to endurance.

A true myth, not only for sportsmanship understood as something where low weight must be essential, but also for the commercial expansion of the German brand in the United States. In short, one of the best ideas of the importer and inspiration of designs Max Hoffman.

Ford GT40, always spectacular

However, it was impossible to avoid the presence of a Ford GT40 as the main protagonist of the event. In fact, he was the winner of it with an advantage of almost five minutes over the second classified. A BMW 2800 CS. Evidently, competition classics that delighted all attendees. And it is that events like this are enjoyed both on and off the track. Something for which the Circuito de Navarra is perfectly prepared.

What do you think?

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Written by Miguel Sánchez

Through the news from La Escudería, we will travel the winding roads of Maranello listening to the roar of the Italian V12; We will travel Route66 in search of the power of the great American engines; we will get lost in the narrow English lanes tracking the elegance of their sports cars; We will speed up the braking in the curves of the Monte Carlo Rally and we will even get dusty in a garage while rescuing lost jewels.

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