Normandy Beach Race, Ouistreham, F

Very magnifique we say,

that our French friends organizing this event managed to convince Monsieur le Maire (the town mayor) to allow this race with classic and vintage vehicles on the beach. For this premiere they pulled out all the stops and produced a true spectacle. As the eligibility for vehicles was a manufacturing date up to 1947, and pilots and attending public were encouraged to wear period dress, the event had a thoroughly authentic feel. Marshals in vintage overalls and flag girls wearing period style nothings, together with the checkered pylons did the rest to convince the many, many spectators that they had turned back in time.

Le soleil shining brightly

on the beach, last informations were handed out to drivers and riders, there was a walkabout on the track and at 9.00 sharp the sand started to fly. Alternating in pairs between cars and bikes, the competitors were careering down the 1/8 mile in, fishtailing through the dry and bumpy sand. This track isn't as hard as, say, Daytona Beach or Rømø, and kept riders and drivers on their toes, but of course that was the fun of it. Once across the line, vehicles made their way back to the start right alongside the track, to rejoin the pre-start queue, to do it all over again, which was exactly what riders were doing.

What a day, what a race! In case you do it again, give us a call, we'll be there. À bientôt, les gars!