javier romagosa
Last Sunday, after having carried out a marathon photoshoot the day before with the charming members of the CX Club, we went to the Jarama Vintage Festival.
The truth is that at first we were scared, since at the exit of the Burgos road that gives access to the Madrid route there was hardly any traffic. It was a false alarm, there were people in there, I would say that more than last year and enough to make it look like a festival "lived".
I like events of this type; Whether they take place in Barcelona, Valencia, Zaragoza or Madrid, I think they are novel initiatives that are worth supporting and that connect us with the rest of Europe. There are those who think that the ticket prices are high, but finally I have to say that I do not agree with them: in this case, 15 euros per person -as long as it was purchased in advance- with free admission for children under 14 years old is not I find it expensive.
Another thing is whether or not to charge those who contribute to the celebration with their classic vehicle: There I have mixed feelings, and I think it would be fair to at least make a small reduction. In any case, this is nowhere near what I would like to say about Jarama Vintage Festival.
JVF Works
In general, this festival works: the races, the setting of the paddock, the boxers, the actors, the people who come disguised, the music -sometimes- live ... It's fun, yes sir, worth checking out. In addition, for better and for worse, and if I am not mistaken, it is the only festival that takes place entirely on a historical circuit. The latter turbocharges the feeling of time travel.
However, this is not complete. It is very close, it is true, but there is something in the center of the paddock that does not quite convince me. It is the mini fair ... with few exhibitors and in my opinion not too much vintage. From here I would like to send a suggestion to the guys from ERMEvents, LastLap and the rest of the organizers: Have you thought about integrating any of the periodic vintage fairs that are held in the most important neighborhoods? in from Madrid?
I leave you the references of I love retro and the Motor Market, with the certainty that both collective fans of the past have a lot to offer each other. The inclusion of a more successful vintage market would undoubtedly be an incentive to attract those who still do not consider Jarama Vintage Festival as a priority attendance appointment.
Please don't let anyone take this opinion for what it is to us: I am referring to a very specific part of the paddock, the center behind the boxers; of course I saw, among others, the magnificent buses Classic Pegasus making their way, the bar on a London bus, or the miniature train -more than normal- that transported young and old, and I call that originality. I'm talking about bringing greater added value to the festival.
And on the track ...
But let's go back to the chronicle: The races and exhibitions were varied. To begin with, I will highlight the large number of competition motorcycles that gathered at the Jarama and did not hesitate to go out and give it their all in the ICGP and Leyenda GP500 categories.
[su_youtube_advanced https=»yes» url='https://youtube.com/watch?v=TlcT-OPBxdU' ]
1- GP500 motorcycle grave in the Farina curve
2- Video of the motorcycle section of the paddock
On the other hand, there were field bikes, mainly motocross and trial bikes, although their dirt circuit was a bit out of the way, at the entrance to the RACE. This should be given more visibility, but the truth is that I don't know how, perhaps with more posters.
Already in cars, the truth is that it was worth seeing the sleeves of National Formulas powered by Seat, such as the FIV or the F1430. There was a wide assortment of cars that I generally think hit the track, including our friend Jacinto in his splendid Selex ST-3. To be fair, I have to say that I only saw one of these sleeves on the side and that I couldn't see more than three of the racing cars.
But the highlight for those who like sports motorsport was the endurance race of passenger cars and Gt's of the 60s and 70s, with its Le Mans Type start. Porsche 356 and 911, Lotus Elan, BMW E9 and E30, Alfa-Romeo Giulia Coupé, Jaguar E or the Elva of the Repsol Team (why does it seem that they only take out the Ferrari 275 GTB in competitions abroad?) Delighted the spectators of the Le Mans and Farina corners with the thunderous sound of their mechanics, although, sadly, this year they abstained from giving the show. I'm talking specifically about the start of the race at 13:00 p.m.
1- Two generations of BMW fight fiercely towards the Pegaso ramp
2- Varied YouTube list: Formula Seat, atmosphere in the paddock and endurance race
CLOSE UP
Let's get out of the stands but without leaving the competition. The proximity with the motorcycles, cars and pilots is achieved, without a doubt. Almost as exciting as watching them race is watching how they prepare in their boxers, how they get behind the wheel and how they enter the track among groups of people, especially in the case of fans of two wheels. Last year it seemed to me that there was more atmosphere in this sense, of course I went on a Saturday and not a Sunday.
Finally, and a bit out of hand, we will talk about restoration. I think it is necessary to highlight that at Jarama Vintage Festival you could choose at least four or five food stalls, which was a relief in the middle of the morning and allowed you to avoid the long lines of other similar events due to the existence of fewer options . How about the prices? I really don't know, I just asked for a soda!
