Carlos Castillo (Historacing)
El urban circuit of Guadalope, known as Circuito de Alcañiz, witnessed the resurgence of motor sport during the second half of the XNUMXth century. All thanks to the vision and passion of Doctor Repollés. The town in Teruel enjoyed a track that was known as the Spanish Monaco and became one of the fans' favourites. Unfortunately, the layout has long been out of use. Now thanks to Guadalope Experience, we can enjoy this incredible simulator Alcañiz Circuit. A whole trip back in time.
And why was the circuit stopped being used? Mainly because it was so fast. Organize races in a route in which 80% of the lap is full, it's complicated. Any mistake is expensive, literally. The bill for a track outing is multiplied on an urban track. The solution was the construction of Motorland, although in the collective imagination the Circuit of Guadalope -official name- will always have a special place.
As with the Grand Prix of Monaco, the race in Alcañiz was always one of the high points of any national championship. Whether it was the Spanish Touring Car Championship -CET-, the different promotional cups or any other event, victory in Alcañiz always had a special meaning.
THE GESTATION OF GUADALOPE EXPERIENCE
Behind the idea of this Alcañiz Circuit simulator is Jorge Sanchez Royo, who wanted to know first-hand what it feels like to run through the streets of his town. He decided to embark on this adventure after verifying that there was simulators of national layouts such as Jarama or Calafat, but not from Guadalope.
The first thing he did was contact a specialized French company to digitize the circuit. The curve of the funnel, the ascent to the cork... all the iconic places were recreated so that the experience was as real as possible. Initially, the intention was for the simulator to be for personal use, but the price skyrocketed. So, Jorge thought of making it accessible to the public to cover the expenses. By the way, any fan could enjoy it.
In addition, not only has the circuit been recreated, but many of the cars that made history over there. We talk about models like the Lola's tray Juan Fernandez, Pep Bassas' BMW, the Ford Sierra Cosworth, Alfa Romeo 155, the AX of the Cup, the Superfive... Only then could the experience be complete.
THE ALCAÑIZ CIRCUIT SIMULATOR
Just imagine driving any of these cars through Alcañiz. You put on the virtual reality glasses, you fit into the bucket and you get behind the wheel. Suddenly, you appear on Avenida de Aragón, with its billboards included. Your pulse races almost immediately, like you were going to take part in a race of the time really. Deep down, it's a bit like that. The experience is truly immersive, even pilots like Luis Villamil, who raced at the Guadalope Circuit in his time, so they testify.
In total, three are available cockpit with which to simultaneously enjoy the circuit. First you make a time attack with a car, all with the same wheels, wear, etc. The nine best times go to the final and from there A, B and C finals are made. The winner of each of them goes on to compete in the grand final.
Without a doubt, this simulator is a different way of honoring the history of our common hobby. Especially in a town like Alcañiz, which lives the engine in such a unique way. We can't think of a better way to use new technologies. So now you know, if you go to the Teruel town, don't forget to visit Guadalope Experience, in the Torrevelilla street number 8. But be careful, it's addictive.
Photographs Jorge Sánchez Royo/Guadalope Experience
