🏁 Off the racing line – Curious and critical facts from the Feldberg race
Wrong direction –
Wrong-way drivers and moments of chaos
The Feldberg race was known for speed, courage, and precision. But when order was disrupted, things could get dangerous—or bizarre. Moments when drivers lost control or orientation:
Unintentional rolling back on the track after engine problems
Riders who picked up their machines upside down after crashes
Spectators on the track
Dangers from animals running onto the track
The challenge of communication before the radio age
Back then, motorsport wasn't just a race against time—but also against the unpredictable. Safety was relative, and any incident could turn into a tragedy.
Digital reconstruction
Silent Criticism – Protest and Rejection in the Post-War Period
While fans cheered and engines roared, there were also voices of protest – quiet but clear. Especially after the Second World War, the revival of the Feldberg race was met with incomprehension by parts of the population.
Contents:
Social tensions: luxury race in times of food stamps and housing shortages
Media reports about criticism of “senseless fuel consumption”
The tension between enthusiasm for technology and the consequences of war
No loud protests – but noticeable rejection in everyday life
The Feldberg race reflected not only technological developments but also social upheavals. Motorsport wasn't always welcome—and that's precisely why it's an important historical document today.
Tactics or madness? – The craziest racing strategies at Feldberg
Anyone who wanted to win at Feldberg needed not only speed, but also courage, cleverness, and sometimes a touch of madness. Some of the riders' tactics seem adventurous from today's perspective, but they were often decisive.
Extremely short gear ratios for better uphill acceleration – with disadvantages on the flat
Racing drivers who memorized sections of the track in advance
“Risk curves”: places where braking was deliberately omitted
Lightweight construction strategies: omitting parts for a few kilos less – often at the expense of safety
Tire milling and improvised traction aids
Every corner was a decision point – between calculation and instinct. The Feldberg race was a game of limits: of technique, tactics, and one's own fear.
Digital reconstruction
