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Juan Fernández will receive the Antic Car Award

The seventh edition of the Antic Car Award, instituted in 2008 by the Antic Car Club of Catalonia to a relevant personality in the world of motoring in any of its fields, has been awarded to Juan Fernández García, from Sabadell, extraordinary and prolific driver of cars of all kinds (and motorcycles in its early days), which for more than 40 years has stood out especially in mountain, rally and circuit events.

The Jury instituted by the ACCC considered that the election of Juan Fernández was justice for being an unparalleled sports figure, with a long and successful career in which there are 2 European titles, 17 Spanish, 19 Catalan and almost 300 victories in races of all kinds, all supported by an impeccable human category, which is why he is unanimously considered an example for new pilots and generations.

Juan Fernández is undoubtedly the most professional amateur driver who has given motorsport and the Spaniard with the most prolific and complete track record in history. He started racing on a motorcycle in the early 50s and switched to cars accompanying the former President of the RACC, Salvador Fábregas. In 1963 he made his debut as a pilot, developing an intense sporting career that would not stop until the 90's. Mountain, rallies, circuits, he won in all specialties, although his favorite terrain was mountain events.

Juan Fernández in 1966 (Formula archive)
Juan Fernández in 1966 (Formula archive)

A tall rider

Fernández has driven great cars, being his most remembered cars the different Porsche: 904, Carrera 6, 911 and 908, with one of which (908/3) finished 5th in the 24 hours of Le Mans. With a long history in mountain competitions with Lola and Osella trailers (and the unmistakable Danone colors), Fernández gave a great boost to a budding figure, Fermín Vélez, whom he supported with his own vehicles and sponsors until he reached the top .

Juan Fernandez: “I am as grateful as I am surprised at this distinction, I did not expect that after so many years my successes will continue to be remembered. I accept the award with honor, which I promise to keep with great affection. I invite all my many friends to come on the delivery day, it will be a great moment to remember the motorsport we came from. "

Pablo Gimeno, creator of the Antic Car Award: “One more year there has been no discussion, Juan Fernández deserves to be part of the list of winners, he should even have received the award before, but anyway now Juan is in a good personal and health moment and the occasion for us to pay him all the honors he deserves ”.

Juan Fernández in Auto Retro Barcelona 2013 (Irene López Sanz)
Juan Fernández in Auto Retro Barcelona 2013 (Irene López Sanz)

Juan Fernández, currently 83 years old, takes over from a prestigious list of winners: Juan Llorens (2008), Sebastià Salvadó (2009), Vicente Aguilera (2010), Jaime Alguersuari (2011), Antonio Zanini (2012) and Joan Villadelprat (2013).

The delivery of the VII Antic Car Award will take place at the Antic Car Club de Catalunya stand at the end of the inaugural Auto Retro Barcelona tour, Thursday, December 4.

E Retro Car Barcelona, International Motor Show, Motorcycle, Aviation, Classic Nautical and all its wide surroundings, will take place this year from December 4 to 8, starting a new decade of life with the anticipation of occupying the more than 30.000 m² available in palaces 2 and 3 (Plaza Universo) of the Fira de Barcelona Montjuïc venue.

* News prepared by press release
 

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Written by Johanna betermi

Johanna Betermi is a Dominican based in Madrid. He graduated in Social Communication from the Catholic University of Santo Domingo, later obtaining a state scholarship for academic excellence that allowed him to study the Master of Television Journalism ... Read more

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