Carlos Castillo (Historacing)
La Classics Concentration & Competition Alcañiz 2023, organized by the Real Automobile Club Circuito Guadalope, brought together more than 115 vehicles between classic and competition. Furthermore, the chosen place exudes nostalgia in itself: the area where the old pits were located. This setting, full of memories and iconic moments of motor sport, became the perfect backdrop for a day that paid tribute to the automotive tradition of the region, to those who one day made this small corner of Teruel the cradle of the Spanish motor racing and drivers who came from abroad, but who considered themselves locals.
The choice of this setting was no coincidence. By hosting the vehicle exhibition in the area of the old pits, the feeling of going back in time, of relive the emotions that once resonated in that same soil. Each vehicle, with its history and design, seemed to come to life in a space that had witnessed its glory days, since more than one raced through the city.
The roar of the engines, the shine of the sun reflecting on meticulously restored bodies and the admiration on the faces of the attendees, all framed by the mythical space of the pits, made the event transcend beyond a simple exhibition. Pierre Cassane's BMW 2002 Ti stood out among all the cars., which stood as the undisputed jewel of the day. Its presence evoked stories of past races, of moments in which this vehicle, along with many others, left its mark on Alcañiz.
WALKING THROUGH THE GUADALOPE CIRCUIT
A particularly emotional moment was the two laps that were completed along the old urban circuit layout. This activity, which had not been carried out since 2019, allowed attendees and the vehicles themselves to relive the essence of the races of yesteryear, on a track that has witnessed countless feats. In addition, this year marked 20 years of the celebration of last race in the urban area of Alcañiz.
This photographer and letterer had the opportunity to take the ride aboard a BMW 318is. Seeing the excitement of the Alcañizanos makes me reflect on the relevance of these events in the preservation of the history of motorsports. Alcañiz, with its rich tradition in this sport, has once again established itself as a bastion in the preservation of automotive memory. Each vehicle, each corner of the old pits, tells us about a time when passion and adrenaline were the true protagonists.
That is to say, this day in Alcañiz was not only an exhibition of classic vehicles, it was a living testimony of the region's rich automotive tradition. And, as long as events of this magnitude continue to be held, that tradition will live on, reminding us of the importance of looking back to appreciate where we came from and where we are going when it comes to the world of motorsport.
THE CLASSIC AWARDS & ALCAÑIZ COMPETITION 2023
The Alcañiz Classics Concentration & Competition ended with the traditional meal and the subsequent awards ceremony. In it, it was good enough to recognize Jose Maria Lopez Perez, the number 1 partner of the Guadalope Circuit, already Antonio A. Bielsa, editor as a child and curator later.
Among the participating vehicles, the star was, without a doubt, the BMW 2002ti by Juan Carlos Gracia Suso who took the best preserved car. The award for best classic car was won by Alpine A110 by Miguel Ángel Alquézar, while, in the competition section, the winner was the Opel Kadett DTM by Rubén Uceda, arrived from Getafe (Madrid). A car that had already been seen rolling the previous Saturday in the Jarama Open Doors.
In short, an event that grows year and year and that we hope will continue to do so in the future in an Alcañiz that also will recover in December AutoClassic in its traditional format. I don't want to close this chronicle without remembering what you can do club members for only 15 euros a year. With this you will be helping to preserve the wonderful legacy of Circuit of Guadalope.
Pictures of Carlos Castillo.
